Revit Project File Size Smaller Than Exported Family Files

[BigPicture045]

I have a Project file that is only 35mb total, however, when the family files are exported, they total 101mb. How is this possible? What is Revit doing that is changing the file size?

Does not a 2mb family file increase the project file size by 2mb? Or is there shared components that enable the project file to use similar parts - thus decreasing the project file size versus all the exported family files?

For reference I am looking for ways to minimize revit/family size. 

Project File:

Family Folder:

[ToanDN · Accepted solution]

Perhaps due to overlapping data such as object styles, parameters, materials...

[TripleM-Dev.net · Accepted solution]

Hi @BigPicture045,

Mainly what @ToanDN mentions with overlapping objects.

Mainly default materials are exported in the Families, so the material exists 1x in project and 1x per saved family, for 50 families this material would now be saved 50x.

Also take into account possible shared families, the family itself is saved, but also in the families it's nested in, so resulting in double total filesize counting.

Also each saved family will have a minimal size no matter it's content because it's a seperate file, which doesn't increase a project size if family is loaded into a project, so a 2Mb family won't necessary increase the project file with 2Mb, depending how the family is built.

- Michel

[HVAC-Novice]

Lots of the things in all families are the same and the actual parameters (the actual name, and the values) are very small. think like a zip-file or a jpg compresses data. 

Same if you have tons of details (2D views), as long as you stick to the same detail items and line styles, they really barely increase file size. 

For family size as rule of thumb is to look them over if they are over 500 kB (simple families) or 2 MB (for more complex families). But don't eliminate items that are actual useful in a family. If a parameter makes your life easier and the plans clearer, it is worth the extra kB. Over-modeling or useless parameters (from manufacturers) are some of the items you can remove.