Is it possible to replace a RFA preview image with a custom image?

[dantartaglia8696]

Hi,

We have the need to set RFA preview images so that they contain a marker signifying the family is approved (see the attached image). It's fairly easy to extract the image from an RFA, is it possible to replace the preview image using a Bitmap or other method?

Thanks,

Dan

[aignatovich]

There is no good way to achieve this. But you can do something like this:

1) create plan view in family

2) crop view and move crop region away to hide all elements

3) generate and place an image on this plan view

4) set this view as default. Unfortunately, there is no appropriate method in API or UI, but there is a way how to achieve this: https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/revit-architecture-forum/default-view-for-family-when-opened/td-p/235... I didn't try to do this programmatically, but I think it should work. The problem will arise when user edit this family in family editor in some way

[jeremytammik]

Dear Dan,

Thank you for your query, and many thanks to Alexander for his valuable input.

Another approach that has nothing whatsoever to do with Revit and its API would be to try using the Windows structured storage and the Windows IExtractImage interface, cf. the discussion on RVT and RFA Thumbnail Images by The Building Coder :

• http://thebuildingcoder.typepad.com/blog/2009/06/rvt-and-rfa-thumbnail-image.html
• https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb761848%28VS.85%29.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396

The same caveats that Alexander already mentioned apply here as well, of course.

I hope this helps.

Best regards,

Jeremy

[dantartaglia8696]

Thanks aignatovich, I thought about that solution, doesn't really work for this issue.

[dantartaglia8696]

Hi Jeremy, thanks for your answer, I've investigated this already and will again. I have my doubts it will work though.