Model-in-Place component convert to Family component

[Anonymous]

Is it possible to convert a Model-in-Place component to a regular Family component?

Example: I created a model-in-place of a retail fixture but would like it to be a standard component that I can load into other projects.

[pieter7]

Just wanted to share there's a Revit idea about making this process a bit easier: vote if you'd like to see it happen: 

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/revit-ideas/convert-in-place-families/idi-p/6754586

[Anonymous]

Yes, the sequence was off, you have to be editing the in place model when creating the group and doing the save as.

[bill_gilliss]

When I try your method in version 2019.1, I get an error message that says

"The group cannot be saved at this time because one of its instances is being edited. [Close.]"

This happens even if the only instance is the one selected by "Edit Group" per your instructions.

[Sahay_R]

@bill_gilliss Can you share the family?

[bill_gilliss]

I have attached the project, a canoe hull created with multiple blends,
each a separate model-in-place object. Grouping them, editing the group,
and then using "Save as" simply never gave me the option of saving as an
RFA. Apparently I would need to remake this as a single model-in-place
object to be able to group it and save it out to disk as a family, so it
seems easier to re-make it as a family to start with.

[Sahay_R]

@bill_gilliss - I don't see any attached files....

[bill_gilliss]

Sorry. here it is.

[barthbradley]

I think the current carried it away. No canoe.  

...However, I did find a large section of a portable toilet.  I'm thinking it would make a good sail. 

[Sahay_R]

I don't see it either

Without that canoe I don't know how to swim......

[Anonymous]

I was getting the same error message. I figured out that once in edit in-place I had not selected my model before creating a group. Once I selected the entire thing I had no problems saving as .rfa.

---

@bill_gilliss wrote:

When I try your method in version 2019.1, I get an error message that says

"The group cannot be saved at this time because one of its instances is being edited. [Close.]"

This happens even if the only instance is the one selected by "Edit Group" per your instructions.

---

[Anonymous]

Nope, all wrong. You don't need to be in the model group edit mode. Once grouped, select the group (do not edit), and File>Save As>Library>Group.

That will give you the .RFA file.

[pieter7]

In case anyone is still having problems with this:

- Edit the in-place family

- Select all the geometry

- Group it

- Select the group (do not open the group)

- Save as > Library > Group

[ipselute]

Why can't Autodesk simply add a "Save as family (rfa)" option in the right-click menu ?

This Model In-Place Component thing is pure insanity to me !!

This should be called: Model In-Place Family. And should save as a family by default in the same folder as project folder. And should have some design options embedded by default in it (like visibility options, array options  = number of objects, etc).

P.S. I've seen many people creating almost entire projects using such In-Place Components. I can find no sanity in hogging up a project with hundreds of unique components ! Revit will act very slow on such big files. Families should be used for convenience and speed. Even if every family would have just one instance in the project.

People should not be lazy (by using in-place components). They should learn Revit the proper way.

[barthbradley]

There will always be a need for Model In-Place Components in the Project and it is perfectly acceptable to use them.  It is not "lazy" to do so either.  Sometimes, Model In-Place Component are the only means to an end.  But yes, you should use them wisely and sparingly in the Project.   

[Mohitkmr]

Hello @Radish_G,

I am facing the same problem, Can you help me.

[ipselute]

@Mohitkmr: I don't know how to save it directly as family .rfa file. First you have to export the in-place component as .ifc file, then create a brand new family file and import the .ifc file into that new family file. I know it's stupid but there is no better solution from Autodesk yet.

P.S. The same absurdity goes for freezing views (converting model view to drafting view). If you want fo freeze a view you have to export it to Autocad file, then import that dwg file back into your Revit file.

I just wish Revit should have a functionality like "Create Block from existing entities" from Autocad.

[bill_gilliss]

Here's a much easier way:

1. In the model, select the model-in-place component and click "Edit In-Place." In the editor, select the component and Copy to Clipboard, using either the Ribbon or Ctrl-C.
2. Open a new family of the appropriate family and Paste from Clipboard, using either the Ribbon or Ctrl-V.

That's it.

[ipselute]

@bill_gilliss: You are so right. Why didn't i see it before?

[bill_gilliss]

This method doesn't appear in any official Autodesk documentation, as
far as I know. For me, it was the result of "there MUST be a way" and
some experimenting.

[anthony.scarfoneQD9R4]

Have you had issues where working in multi story buildings, if you convert the modeled in place component, then create a family from it, it inserts at the same level of height from the host. 

Example, i created the initial extrusion on the 10th floor, now that its a family, it inserts 10 floors above the host floor, as if its referencing the initial host as a base point?