keep getting "identical instances" warnings

[David125]

I’m trying to copy a component from one level to the next. When I paste it using “Aligned to current view”

I copy it from one level using cntl+c, I then go to the next level and use “Aligned to current view”.

I get warning:

“There are identical instances in the same place. This will result in double counting in schedules.”

I know for a fact the component does not exist in the next level. What I discover is that Revit place the component on the level I got it from.

I doesn’t seem to matter whether I use aligned “to same place” “to selected levels” etc., I still get the same results. Any ideas? Anyone?

[SteveKStafford]

Are you doing this with columns? The copy paste process uses "depth" for the new columns. You need to select the level above the one you think you want.

[David125]

The items causing the warnings are (Revit OTB) families. Appliances, caswork. I didn't to it to columns. Walls, windows, doors copy just fine. Its the families. I did a layout on first level, copied walls, doors up 4 floors just fine. I tried to do the same with a kitchen layout and got the warning. Actually some families would copy fine up some levels some times and not others. I haven't been able to figure out the pattern. 

[SteveKStafford]

Ah, I've seen that with casework and furniture... I think it is that the families are being hosted by the floor, not the level as you might expect. Select one of the families and see if it shows you what workplane is associated with it. Turn off the category for floors and then place a couple fresh families and then copy/paste...betting that will work. If so you'll need to fix their workplane association.

Fwiw, I wrote this blog post about something similar sounding (in December 2013).

[rodrigo.bezerra]

Hi everyone

Can't you just paste "aligned to selected level"? This might correct the item's schedule level.

[David125]

This is starting to feel like its one for the X-Files. I called up the family in question ( a stove). In the properties dialog box, the box for WORK PLANE - BASED was unchecked. The only box checked was ALWAYS VERTICAL, I unchecked that, reloaded and placed it to no availe.

When I checked the family, that when placed caused the warning, even though it shows on the level of origin the properties dialog box shows that under CONSTRAINTS it is on the level I tried to place it on. Changing that level didn't do anything to the family.

By the way, I did try PASTE>ALIGNED TO SELECTED LEVELS with the same result. 😐

[David125]

Sorry, didn't mean to post twice.

[rodrigo.bezerra]

It's quite intriguing... But I'm not sure if I followed all your steps. Idiomatic, not Revit issues (LOL).

Gotta ask: why do you use "workplane based" unchecked?

[David125]

Re "why do you use "workplane based" unchecked?"...that was me shooting at my computer while wearing a blindfold.

[David125 · Accepted solution]

Steve, I checked out your blog and place my families after changing setting on floors. That seemed to do the trick. Thanks!

[rodrigo.bezerra]

LOL

I don't know, David, but seems to me that's the very problem... If the family isn't associate to a workplane (which you know includes levels), it wonders throughout the model...

Have you tried check the "workplane based" and reload the family?

[David125]

Rodrigo, thanks for response. "Workplane based" box was checked when I first opened it for editing. I unchecked it, to see if that was the problem. Steves solution seemed to do the trick, I changed floors by unchecking STRUCTURAL, placed families and was a ble to copy and place on other levels without issue.

[rodrigo.bezerra]

yeah I saw that! Great!

I'll take a look at Steve's blog later. It never occurred to me, but it's good to learn about these issues.

Thank you all for sharing!