topic Re: How can i create the families with free form element? in Revit Architecture Forum

How can i create the families with free form element?

Anonymous — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 09:38:46 GMT

Hi everyone, i'm a new member of this form!
Recently, I downloaded some funiture families and I see some family was create by free form element.
Can you show me how can creat the families like that?
Thank!

Re: How can i create the families with free form element?

L.Maas — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 10:10:27 GMT

They are created in different software (e.g. Autocad) and then imported (and exploded) in Revit.

You can not do much with these elements within Revit.

This is especially done with the more organic shaped elements which Revit has no (real) tools for.

Re: How can i create the families with free form element?

Anonymous — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 10:27:50 GMT

thank you!
I usually import 3ds models into revit but they are too bad.
With these families, I see them to be good and the materials are very clear.
I know revit cann't creat these families like that, What i want to know is what software can creat them and how to import in revit like that?

Re: How can i create the families with free form element?

barthbradley — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 15:04:00 GMT

Download and examine some of Herman-Miller Revit Content Collection -- a prepare to have your mind blown. 😉

https://www.hermanmiller.com/resources/3d-models-and-planning-tools/product-models/system/herman-miller-collection/

Re: How can i create the families with free form element?

syman2000 — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 15:40:35 GMT

AutoCAD is probably the easiest tool to get you simple organic shape. Here I just draw bunch of Polyline and then use PEDIT to spline the polyline into organic profile. Next I use the LOFT command and select all three lines.

Insert the CAD and do full explode.

Result is you will get 3d object made and it will convert to Revit object.

Re: How can i create the families with free form element?

barthbradley — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 15:53:40 GMT

Actually, that was a bad example I posted before. Ignore that Link and go to this Link (BimObject) instead, and download Herman-Miller families -- and then reverse -engineer them to see how they are constructed in Revit using strictly Revit tools.

https://www.bimobject.com/en-us/hermanmiller/product/aeron-work-chair-side-chair-and-work-stool

One family attached for your perusal...

Re: How can i create the families with free form element?

barthbradley — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 15:57:26 GMT

Re: How can i create the families with free form element?

Anonymous — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 20:26:43 GMT

Thank you! Your youtube channel is very helpful!
And if you can create a video to show how to create and import a family like that to Revit is so great.

Re: How can i create the families with free form element?

Anonymous — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 20:46:45 GMT

Thank you! I usually create Revit families to use.
And when there has a difficult model to create, I also look for the 3ds model, import it into Revit and find how to create it by Revit.
But something can't create by Revit. (like the model in 2nd pic)

Re: How can i create the families with free form element?

barthbradley — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 21:00:51 GMT

Revit can create every single one of those elements pictured. You'll eventually learn how. Just takes sticktoitiveness .

...I'm talking vanilla Revit. No Add-ins or other software needed -- not even AutoCAD. Everything pictured here can be done in Revit. Promise.

Re: How can i create the families with free form element?

syman2000 — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 21:22:09 GMT

It is achievable. All you need is use multiple points and create surface from from the spline thru points. Here is my quick free form.

Re: How can i create the families with free form element?

Anonymous — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 21:26:11 GMT

oh! thank you, I forgot to use Massing Revit to do this, it's a good solution.

Re: How can i create the families with free form element?

Anonymous — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 21:31:05 GMT

Could you give me your contact information (if you use Whatsapp that's fine)

Re: How can i create the families with free form element?

ToanDN — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 02:08:03 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:

oh! thank you, I forgot to use Massing Revit to do this, it's a good solution.

Not Massing but Adaptive Generic Model, then change to furniture category. However, unless you are a furniture designer creating custom furniture, which I believe you are not judging by the example content you have shown, there are plenty of good BIM content on the internet that you can grab and go.

Do a search on BIMObject and some popular furniture companies. One of my favorite is:

https://www.knoll.com/design-plan/resources/knoll-revit/#/byProductLine

Re: How can i create the families with free form element?

Anonymous — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 03:00:08 GMT

actually I'm working on a furniture project that includes sofas and chairs, I really need a professional like all you to collaborate

Re: How can i create the families with free form element?

frederickYYEAF — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 04:48:09 GMT

How do i start with Free form elements? I am trying to develop the Cleva Pod families. the previous guys deleloped the xpod type and they were able to make it work. I already had the CAD file of the ClevaPod and import it to revit. but not sure how to convert the cad to Free form. also the xpod made in structural foundation family. anyone can help?

Re: How can i create the families with free form element?

edilsontavares_r5 — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 15:36:38 GMT

Amazing job!

Please, can you show how you did this form? Or do you have a video on YouTube showing the process?

Thanks

Re: How can i create the families with free form element?

cochoaWUWNA — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 16:27:03 GMT

Hii! can you show how you did this form? Or do you have a video on YouTube showing the process?

I'm trying to make some forms but i dont know where to start.

Thankss!