Creating Window Library with all combinations

[starfish815]

I want to build a complete window library with all the combinations possible (horizontal & vertical lites) so I can just open the file and pick which one looks the best.

There are basically unlimited combinations but I was thinking of going up to 5. There are 4 categories. See screenshot.

Is there a way revit can schedule this out with all the different combinations? Maybe even possibly create all the combinations using Dynamo?

Any help would be appreciated. I will share my huge arranged and sorted high quality library with anyone on here if needed.

[ToanDN]

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/revit/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2014/ENU/Revit/f...

[barthbradley]

Looks like it is already done. That's what the Type Catalog is for.  Did you download it?  

...drill down into this link to learn more:

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/revit/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2019/ENU/Revit-M...

Manufacturer's Type Catalog in attached ZIP file.  

[starfish815]

Thanks guys. So I'll have to change the parameters from Instance to Type.

I didn't know you could do that.

[barthbradley]

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@starfish815 wrote:

Thanks guys. So I'll have to change the parameters from Instance to Type.

I didn't know you could do that.

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Huh? What are you trying to achieve? All the Revit content from that Manufacturer comes with Type Catalogs.  What more do you need?    

[starfish815]

I want to make a 3D library of different window patterns. See screenshot below of the elevation I've started. 

Those are all one window with different instance parameter inputs.

I'm just trying to figure out a faster way to show them instead of creating them all manually.

[barthbradley]

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@starfish815 wrote:

Those are all one window with different instance parameter inputs.

I'm just trying to figure out a faster way to show them instead of creating them all manually.

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What's the point of modeling infinite Instance Parameter possibilities of a Window Type?      

[barthbradley]

Export Family Types | Revit 2020 | Autodesk Knowledge Network

[starfish815]

Not infinite. Up to 5 I only have a few more left to do.

[barthbradley]

So basically. you are changing the Muntin Instance Parameters to Type Parameters; right? And, you now want to create a new Type Catalog of Types that include the different Muntin configurations; right?  If so, Export the Family Types to a txt file as described in the above Link.   

....I think the biggest issue is going to be how to name the Types so that the end-user can easily identify what  Muntin configuration the Type has.   I think you'll need mighty long names. 😉  

[starfish815]

Yeah exactly.

I don't really care about the names, that's why I'm making 3D master project files full of families I need, that I've used in various other projects. Just copy paste and modify.

I'm a visual guy. I like to have everything visible at once. 

I have a super computer so it can handle the file sizes.

[RPTHOMAS108]

That's 5^4 = 625

I've got my telescope out like that guy from rear window but I only count 55.

You could perhaps group the combinations using lookup table. Then that would allow you to manage the combinations in the table and only have to change one parameter.

	Px##NUMBER##GENERAL	P1##NUMBER##GENERAL	P2##NUMBER##GENERAL	P3##NUMBER##GENERAL	P4##NUMBER##GENERAL
A	1	5	1	1	1
B	2	4	2	2	2
C	3	3	3	3	3
D	4	2	4	4	4

[starfish815]

Haha yeah that's the problem. I didn't calculate and just started making new ones. Bored on a Saturday morning basically. I wanted a way to create them faster and then delete the ones that don't make sense.

I'm probably just getting carried away. Don't worry I'm not getting paid for this. I just think it would be cool to have a fast way to make all the options so you can quickly choose.

Just a design thought, but it would be cool to generate those patterns for quick curtain wall panels.

[RPTHOMAS108]

Would suit Dynamo definitely.

There was a pile numbering graph recently submitted to either here or structure forum (can't recall). So you could place your windows, implement the lookup table and adapt the Dynamo graph to update the single parameter based on X,Y location on wall. Would need to implement a coordinate transform to convert to the coordinate space of your elevation however. 

[ToanDN · Accepted solution]

Why can't you keep them as instance parameters and let users input value for configurations they need?

[starfish815]

Because I'm the user and want to see it fast visually.

[RPTHOMAS108 · Accepted solution]

Attached is the family with lookup table, there are actually 1296 combinations if you include all the zeros.

Now you just need to place 1296 windows on a wall and number them with Dynamo.

Also indicates how you can handle the naming situation if you used types instead i.e. in the end it is just the addition of a four digit number onto the type name. Would not suggest you create this many types perhaps just the ones that don't end up looking like prison windows.

Also should be noted that if you did use types you could arrange the windows instead onto a legend view. Then use create similar between views to place on wall in project.

Note that I made the 'Combination' a type parameter by accident but you can change that (or keep it the same depending on what way you go).

This family is also pretty slow to regenerate. Would perhaps create detail items families in order to do this visual analysis task. You could then select the ones you want and apply the same Commination parameter value to the actual window family (to generate those selected types).

[starfish815]

I like this solution!

[barthbradley]

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@starfish815 wrote:

I like this solution!

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I agree. It’s a great solution – if you want to lock down the Instance Parameters and go with 1296 numerically-named grid pattern “types” instead.   Out of curiosity, will the end-user be required to know every grid pattern by its number? 

[starfish815]

No I wouldn't expect that from anyone haha.

I just want a fast way to show multiple configurations fast so I can just copy and paste the ones I want to keep. Put the good ones in a master window project file for easy access.

I think I'll build a skyscraper facade and put all my windows and doors on it for easy viewing and quick access.

Or other families. Just use your imagination