trying to access family types within nested window family

[ray]

I am creating a vertically nested family from manufacturer provided windows.  So far its working good enough, albeit a little "hacky".

The issue I'm having is that I'd like the top window to be able access all the nested families sizes and names.  For example the top window has a variety of heights built-in.  I'd like to access those and save them as sub-types within the project.

The information seems to be there but not editable.  This is my first attempt at a nested family, just out of necessity. 

Here is the family with two nested windows, and all the size types I'd like to use:

Here it is loaded into a project

[barthbradley]

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@ray wrote:

The issue I'm having is that I'd like the top window to be able access all the nested families sizes and names.  For example the top window has a variety of heights built-in.  I'd like to access those and save them as sub-types within the project.

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If that's what you are trying to do, then this is the approach you should use:  

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/revit/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2018/ENU/Revit-C...

Add choices to your Revit families with Family Type Parameters (linkedin.com)

[ToanDN]

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/add-choices-your-revit-families-family-type-parameters-paul-aubin

[ray]

Thanks @ToanDN and @barthbradley  for these links.  After trying a few times, I'm still unable to get the window sizes to change within the shared family.  I've attached the nested family and .txt file for reference.

The Window Type Parameter is changing, but it doesn't actually change the window size:

Setting up the Window Type Parameter worked as instructed.  The LinkedIn site helped quite a bit:

Before nesting, the window family has different sizes and options for each window type:

After nesting, all the window types become the same size and options:

[barthbradley · Accepted solution]

Change the Parameters in the Nested Window Family to TYPE Parameters.  

As as alternative to using a Family Types Parameter in the Parent Family, you could leave the Nested Family's Parameters as they are (as INSTANCE Parameters) and associate the Nested Family's  Instance Parameters to Parent Parameters. The Parent Parameters will then drive the Nested Family's Parameters.  

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/revit/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/Revit-C...

[barthbradley]

Wait a minute. I see you posted a Type Catalog.  Did you load the all the Types?  The Family Type Parameter doesn't do that.  It chooses a Family Type that is loaded.  

[ray]

No I didn't load the type catalog, just exported one case it helps figure this out 🙂

[barthbradley]

BTW: That Type Catalog (txt) doesn't go with that Window Family (rfa).  

Type Catalogs are named exactly the same as the Family.  So, in this case,  Reynaers_SL-38_Window_Inward-Opening_Single-Vent.txt  is for a Reynaers_SL-38_Window_Inward-Opening_Single-Vent.rfa

If you renamed it, then change it back.  

[ray]

OK, I'll try those next.  Manufacturer families always seem to bite us.  Thanks for bearing with me, I'll see how those work and get back to you.

In the meantime, can you please help me understand why this happens (image below)?  If i adjust the type from the 'properties' palette, nothing changes.  However, if I drag different types from the project browser they come in at the correct size.  I thought this was the same data.

[barthbradley]

I addressed that above. Instance vs Type Parameters.  

https://www.cadlinecommunity.co.uk/hc/en-us/articles/201872231-Difference-between-Instance-and-Type-....

https://fmsystems.com/blog/revit-tips-part-3-the-difference-between-revit-type-and-instance-paramete...

https://revitstructureblog.wordpress.com/2019/05/02/revit-tutorial-type-vs-instance-parameters/

[ToanDN]

I would use a family type parameter to pick among different styles of nested families, and associate instance dimension parameters in the nested family with type parameters in the parent family. That way you don't need a ton of types in nested families to choose from.

[barthbradley]

Dang!  Practically every Parameter in this Family in an Instance!  Frankly, I wouldn't use this family the way you want to use it.  I would load it directly into the Project via its Type Catalog. 

FWIW: You will be MUCH happier with your BIM Model if you do your combinations directly in the Project.  Promise.  

[ray]

You ain't kidding!  To get our window schedules to work I have to combine them into nested families (just this one deadline).

Thanks very much for the help on using type parameters as "drivers" for the nested family.  It's working again.  Much appreciated.

Question: is there an "all in one" window family that you would recommend?  It's time for an overhaul at this little operation.

[barthbradley]

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@ray wrote:

Question: is there an "all in one" window family that you would recommend?  It's time for an overhaul at this little operation.

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The OOTB Generic Windows are fine - especially in early development. KISS is my mantra.