Fully Adjustable Studio Light Family

[Anonymous]

Hi Folks,

I'm trying to figure out how to make a "Studio Light".  The family would be able to provide light based on an .ies file and could be rotated in any direction within the main project model (similar to how a photographer can freely move his portable lighting around).  I'm finding rotation and height placement of .ies light source files is just not cooperative.  Maybe I'm starting off with the wrong family types?  Has anyone done this before?

[barthbradley]

Not sure I'm totally following you. What you are describing is a Parametric Family. That's what Revit does.  

...if you were to Google "Studio Light Revit Family", you'd likely get a dozen hits for Families that you download right to your computer.  

[RobDraw · Accepted solution]

Agreed. Downloading a family would be the first thing I would try. If you have a specific manufacturer in mind, you might get lucky with them or a similar one. Even if you can't find exactly what you want, you can see how others are approaching the creation of theirs and get ideas on how to refine yours.

[s.borello]

I would download something to start off with as @RobDraw  and @barthbradley  have suggested.  It will give you a starting point at least.  I'm attaching a family I downloaded about a week ago for you to check out.  I ended up creating my own version of a studio light but it sometimes is nice to see how others build their families. 

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Thanks S. Borello,

It's not that I don't know how to create or download a light or a light fixture family.  It has more to do with parametric rotation of .ies files.  Basically, I'm trying to create a photography studio, with "softbox" lights, spotlighting, etc.  in order to test the behavior of the materials I'm creating.    I can't seem to get the .ies file to "attach" within my family so that I can rotate quickly in any direction.  

I was curious as how someone would "go about it".  Start with a Generic Model Family? Nest a Light fixture into it?  Easy enough to rotate 360 degrees in plan, rotating up and down is difficult.   I will post back here if I find something.

[barthbradley · Accepted solution]

The best way to learn would be to download and reverse-engineer Revit Families from Lighting Manufacturers?  Many provide Revit content -- free to download directly from their Websites.  

...here; I just downloaded this for you. From Philips. 

...and here's some reading material for you. It'll be useful in reverse-engineering.    

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

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Figured it out, genius:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Em6n3J2L1UA