Revit Family Library Organization

[davidtetro]

I have sifted through several posts regarding this topic. I am a Sole-Proprietor using Revit and AutoCAD Architecture. I have been running my own firm for close to 20 years. in this time, i have created and compiled many blocks, templates, product data, etc.

I am old school and keep my product data and blocks in Division Folders (i.e. Division 3 - Concrete, Division 4- Masonry, Division 5 - Metals, etc.). Within each folder, I have a Product Data folder (for product .pdf's, cut sheets, etc. which I update as often as possible with new information) and a CAD folder (for my CAD blocks and CAD details, notes, etc relevant to that division) in each of the Division folders.

I am currently keeping the Revit Families in their own OOTB directories. Any model-based families that I have created are in a Family directory separate from my Division directories and folders.

Now, here is where it gets hairy. I have 2D families (such as detail components) within my Division folders. Kinda backwards to keep the 2D families and the 3D families within different directories. So. what I am aiming for is to combine everything into a common set of folders so that I am not traveling to one end of the yard for one set of families (2D content) and the other end of the yard for others (such as 3D content).

My thinking is that families should be treated as blocks. They are relevant content to a particular construction division and should be together. All of the OOTB box items will remain where Autodesk puts them. I am merely organizing my blocks, families, etc. into my Division folders.

thoughts...suggestions...criticism...ideas...3...2..1...GO!

[BDMackey]

Since you are a sole proprietor you have the option to only have you understand what is needed so you have quite the possibilities.  Keep in mind one thing, that folder organization on your computer is one thing but you will still have to find these elements while in Revit as well.  Once inside Revit they will go under their standard family categories in the Project Browser, for most things this is ok and CSI division is somewhat redundant.  Detail items all go under the same category so yes having the CSI (or some part of it) is nice way to organize.  Personally for me I only use CSI for detail items, with the first 3 characters, as this then help in organization.  However when going to to place a component like an elevator door, yes it is a door (division 08) but I don't create mine as door families so they don't schedule, yet most users would go to the door command since it has 08 in front of it.  Personally for 3D elementes I like the Revit category as a prefix for the naming GM (Generic Model), SE (Specialty Equipment).  Some of my clients like the theory but have it as a suffix.

[davidtetro]

BDMackey - yeah - there are a bunch of ways of doing it. In Revit, I have a folder shortcut that gets me to where I need to go, just need to figure out how to go about it. I have so many old details and blocks that are going to the great CAD heavens soon as they are outdated, old layering and pen weights, etc. So, part of my vacation is purging, cleaning and restructuring my libraries before I fire up my new computer.

I do appreciate the input. It is definitely something to consider.

[s.borello]

Do what will be best for your work flow, I organize my families how they would appear in the Revit family tree... I have an Annotation folder with only annotative families, lighting fixtures, lighting devices... etc.  Model families separated by category as well.   

[BDMackey]

I am not a big fan of CSI for 3D content also because some content can span multiple CSI divisions.  For instance I can create a round baluster who's material is a parameter.  Does that mean we save one as division 03 another as division 06 yet another as 05?  Since alot of CSI grouping is alot based upon materials or as cross discipline it runs the gammet of crossover.  I also never name materials in revit based upon CSI as the name is what displays in parameters which is what I schedule.

[davidtetro]

BDM - yes, I agree. But, most of the families (such as lighting, electrical, doors, etc.) do fall within the CSI realm. There are always anomalies. This is exactly why I am throwing this topic out there. All good suggestions so far...

[BDMackey]

@davidtetro I agree.  Most users who often start creating content in Revit, myself included, start off by thinking about folder structure and naming for storage.  Yes in Revit now there is search in the Project Browser but way back in the day before it was easy to find things in Revit naming was more critical for day to day operations.  I know my naming convention has changed 4 times over the years, mostly for ease of use in the model and for filtering in views and schedules.

[barthbradley]

Are we talking about “a place for everything and everything in its place”? My wife has been preaching this mantra for over 25 years. I put everything in the “junk” drawer because I can never figure out what drawer to use. Am I holding a Soup Spoon, Dinner Spoon, Dessert Spoon, Serving Spoon, Salad Spoon, Tea Spoon, Coffee Spoon or Sugar Spoon??? Arrgh!

…it’s a metaphor gentleman.

… K.I.S.S. @davidtetro