Mastering Door and Window Customization in Revit

Are you knee-deep in a Revit project, surrounded by walls and beams, and suddenly realizing that the door sizes in your design don't quite fit? Don’t worry; we’ve all been there! But here’s the thing: creating new door and window sizes in Revit isn’t just a nice-to-have skill—it’s essential for an efficient workflow, and it’s way easier than it sounds.

So, let’s break it down! When you need an additional door or window size, the golden rule is to select the required element and duplicate it in the type properties. Why is that? Well, by duplicating, you preserve the original parameters of the door or window. It’s like cloning your best friend—you get all their great qualities without changing a thing about them!

Now, why not just edit the dimensions of the existing sizes, you might ask? While that seems straightforward, making changes directly can inadvertently alter your original elements. Picture this: you carefully crafted a custom door design perfect for your project, but—oops—you accidentally resized it while trying to create a new variant. Talk about a design disaster!

Loading different families that contain multiple sizes may sound appealing, but let’s consider the extra research and effort involved in finding appropriate families. It’s a bit like going grocery shopping when all you wanted was a quick snack. Sometimes, you just need to grab that granola bar (or in this case, duplicate the existing door) instead of scouring the entire store for something that may or may not exist.

Moreover, redefining sizes in the project settings menu tends to pertain more to general parametric settings rather than specific element creation. So, while it’s a great tool for overarching settings, it’s not the best option for customizing individual door and window sizes.

When you duplicate a type, you can not only specify new dimensions but also modify materials and other properties specific to your new door or window size. This can create a neat and organized workflow that saves you time and headaches down the line. Plus, having consistent customization practices can contribute to a more cohesive design!

As you embark on this journey of design exploration, remember that mastering these nuances in Revit isn’t just about technical prowess; it’s about enhancing your creativity and ability to bring your vision to life. Whether you're a seasoned architect, a budding designer, or even a student aiming for Revit certification, understanding these details sets you apart.

In summary, the next time you’re faced with the need to create additional door or window sizes in Revit, simply select your desired element and duplicate it in the type properties. It’s your way of ensuring that each element meets your project’s unique requirements while maintaining the integrity of your original designs. Easy peasy, right? Now go on, wow your clients and colleagues with your newfound skills!