Transparency on windows and edit family

[Anonymous]

Hello,

I just started working with revit and there are a few things that im struggling with. When i select only the window and then go to edit family, the wall also shows up. Isnt it supposed to be just the window showing? I also can´t seem to set the window to be transparent neither in 3d or in the sections. I already tried edit family, filter, select opening cut and tick the box section. But it still didn´t work. I would appreciate if someone could be of help. Thank you in advance!

[hmunsell · Accepted solution]

a window is a Wall Based family, so in the family there is a wall represented. it does not place with the family. for the glass you may need to edit the material the glass element is using and adjust the transparency.

[RDAOU · Accepted solution]

@Anonymous 

The Wall:

If the wall bothers you in the family editor, Type VV or from the menu bar go to visibility graphics and uncheck wall. However, it is useful to have it visible when you are constraining the family to its host. Once done with the family, flexed and you are happy with it, you can switch the wall off again 

The Glass In 3D views and Elevations

if it is not transparent, then it could be an issue with the material. 

1. Either assign a material with transparency as mentioned above
2. OR if the default <by Category> material is used; go to Manage>>Object Styles>> scroll to down to Windows category and change the transparency for the material assigned to subcategory Glass
   • The same applies to Glass in Doors 

The Glass Inplan views and sections (When the Glass is Cut)

The vast majority of OOTB families use 2D elements and filled regions for Glass representation (and 3D geometries are set as invisible)...ie: it is not a material issue...

in such cases, and if you prefer to see the 3D elements with material and transparency, edit the family and delete the 2D graphics and make the 3D geometry visible in all views

[ToanDN · Accepted solution]

1. To make the window glass transparent in a 3D view, the Opening Cut in the family must have the Transparent in 3D box checked; and the glass material must be transparent

2. To make the window glass transparent in a section/elevation view, the Opening Cut in the family must have the Transparent in Elevation box checked and the glass pane must under Glass subcategory in the family, then go the elevation/section view in project > VG > Expand Windows category > untick Glass subcategory

3. Another alternative to 2 is using a 3d view and orient it to the elevation view, then you can keep the glass on and see through it

[Anonymous]

Hello,

Thank you all for replying. I tried to that but still no matter how many times i change the transparency or put the material to glass it still shows the window opaque.

[hmunsell]

can you post the file?

[Anonymous]

I don´t see an option do dowload the file in here.

[hmunsell]

when you do a reply, scroll down and there should be an Attachment option with a paperclip. pick the paperclip....

[Anonymous]

Thank you,

It´s a file that i created to improve my skills because i just got started, so i believe there is many more stuff that i need to change but in this case i want to know why the windows look like this.

[hmunsell]

First thing i noticed is it looks like you have 2 walls and sets of windows on top of each other. 

Next.....

• select a window
• Right Click
• Override by Category
• set the transparency to 1

its not enough to effect your linework (Frame, sill etc..), but it will "trigger" the glass to be transparent. not sure why it is doing this, but this is a workaround for now.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for the help,

The thing is even if i start a file from scratch whenver i put a window in a wall, the section always shows the windows opaque even after i change the material and transparency and select the box in the elevations.

[hmunsell]

i tried this on a couple existing files i have and have the same results. we normal are not concerned with the transparencies in elevations or sections at my office. it seems to be an issue with elevations/sections. maybe someone from Autodesk can expand on this :-)?  

[Anonymous]

I´ll still ask around and see if i can figure it out. Thank you again for your help.

[martijn_pater]

You could untick glass subcategory for windows entirely.

[ToanDN]

You marked solutions but still asking for answers?  Just follow exactly what said in those solutions and you will get it.  For example, the solutions said "turn off Glass subcategory" on elevation/section view.  Do it.

[martijn_pater]

@ToanDN Didn't see you mentioned that already, sorry.

[ToanDN]

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@martijn_pater wrote:

@ToanDN Didn't see you mentioned that already, sorry.

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No need to be sorry.  Points often need to be repeated to get through.

[Anonymous]

I already managed to do it.

Thanks anyways.