Is Same between .OfClass(typeof(FamilySymbol)) and .WhereElementIsElementType() ?

[XARMA]

I think 

.OfClass(typeof(FamilySymbol))

return familyType and

.WhereElementIsElementType()

return familyType also. but then Why are they exist both?

[Mohamed_Arshad · Accepted solution]

Hi @XARMA 

You have a slight misunderstanding on this. As you mentioned, FamilySymbol returns a FamilyType. However, in Revit, some elements don't have a definite type and instead fall under the general Element category. For example, a 3DSectionBox has no specific type—it is classified under Element. These kinds of elements are filtered using the WhereElementIsElementType() method.

Hope this will Helps 🙂

[TripleM-Dev.net]

@Mohamed_Arshad, are you sure.

I never assumed that, always assumed it returns all elements derived from ElementType (like documentation states: https://revapidocs.com/2020.htm?id=77793daa-5a26-b4d6-9019-4d998a55099e.htm )

@XARMA 

.OfClass(typeof(FamilySymbol)) returns FamilySymbol elements, which is derived from ElementType

.WhereElementIsElementType() will return ElementType's, some may be FamilySymbol but doesn't have to be.

For instance take a Door familytype and a Wall type.

.OfClass(typeof(FamilySymbol)) will only return the Door familytype as it's derived from FamilySymbol and WallType isn't

.WhereElementIsElementType() will return both door and wall type because both are derived from ElementType

So depending what's you need UserFamily Type or all types will determine which to use.

- Michel

Ps Use RevitLookup addin to inspect how different elements are build.

[Mohamed_Arshad]

Hi @TripleM-Dev.net 

Thank you for your clarification :). I miss understood the concept of WhereElementIsElementType(), It is returning the base class (Type).