Arrays - How to lock spacing? (family attached)

Arrays - How to lock spacing? (family attached)

user201_centralbim
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Message 1 of 8

Arrays - How to lock spacing? (family attached)

user201_centralbim
Participant
Participant

Hello. I want to increase the length of the family and change the number of red marks accordingly by preserving the spacing between them. However, the family is locking the number of red marks instead and increasing the spacing between them when the length is increased. What am I missing? Family is in revit 2023.

 

1.PNG2.PNG3.PNG

 

Family needs to look like this.

 

4.PNG

 

 

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Accepted solutions (2)
1,467 Views
7 Replies
Replies (7)
Message 2 of 8

jay_colc
Mentor
Mentor
Accepted solution

You need to add a Label/Parameter to the Array Line in the Options Bar that is driven by the Length and a Spacing Parameter

 

You could set it to something like;

 

Formula examples:

  • Optimal Spacing = a default "Length" value for the office standard
  • Array Count = (Length/Optimal Spacing) + 1

jay_colcombe_0-1695722823195.png

 

Here is a great site i used a while back but have saved in my Favorites

Revit Beginners: Family Array Basics & Tips

Jay Colcombe

Autodesk Certified Instructor
Revit Architecture & Structure Certified Professional
AutoCAD Certified Professional
B.Sc. Hons Civil & Structural Engineering

If you find my post interesting, feel free to give a Kudo.
If it solves your problem, please click Accept to enhance the Forum.
Message 3 of 8

Alfredo_Medina
Mentor
Mentor

Hello, you need to re-organize this. For example, like this:

 

1) Instead of making the array of a group, use a nested family. Copy to the group to the clipboard, and paste it into a generic model face-based, new family, ungroup it, and place it in a way that relates to a vertical reference plane, like this:

 

 

 

2023-09-26_6-06-01.png

 

2) Then load the new family into the first family and place it on the strip, anywhere. 

3) Create a reference plane some distance to the right of the first vertical reference plane, and create a parameter for Offset. Do the same at the end of the strip, like this:

 

2023-09-26_6-09-58.png

 

4) Align and lock the nested arrow to the first offset on the left.

5) In the Family Types window, create new parameters, like this:

2023-09-26_6-12-38.png

 

6) Select the first arrow, and do Array > Rectangular > Number: 2  > select "Last" from the options bar. Click on the first Offset reference plane, then click on the last Offset reference plane. That will create an array of 2. Now align and lock the last arrow to the Offset reference plane on the right. Now select the array, the line with the number 2, and go to the drop down for parameters and select "# of items. 

 

Now the array is controlled. If you change the Length parameter, the arrows will repeat properly. If necessary, you can change the Offset parameter and/or the Spacing parameter.

 

2023-09-26_6-02-53.png


Alfredo Medina _________________________________________________________________ ______
Licensed Architect (Florida) | Freelance Instructor | Profile on Linkedin
Message 4 of 8

user201_centralbim
Participant
Participant

Thanks for replying, I really appreciate it.

Can you share the family file? It would be easier to understand the process. 

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Message 5 of 8

user201_centralbim
Participant
Participant
Thank you for the link.
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Message 6 of 8

Alfredo_Medina
Mentor
Mentor

Sorry, I usually don't save the files that I use for the forums. Please follow instructions above to do it yourself, and you will learn more than if I give you a file.


Alfredo Medina _________________________________________________________________ ______
Licensed Architect (Florida) | Freelance Instructor | Profile on Linkedin
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Message 7 of 8

user201_centralbim
Participant
Participant
Accepted solution

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5MyzijIuco&t=488s

 

I solved the issue by following this step-by-step video. The process was much easier to understand.

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Message 8 of 8

ToanDN
Consultant
Consultant

You can use a railing for it. Works for straight lines or curves.

 

ToanDN_0-1695744844113.png

 

 

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