Copying Family Types Between Projects; Strong And Weak References - Autodesk 24000-000000-9860 - Revit Architecture - PC User Manual

Copying Family Types Between Projects

Revit Architecture lets you copy family types from one project into another. If the family does not already
exist in the target project, Revit Architecture loads it when you paste the type. See
For example, you want to copy a French door from one project into another. The French door type belongs
to the Custom Door family. In the target project, the Custom Doors family is not loaded. Revit Architecture
will load the family along with the specific French door.
The copied family type must have a unique name. If the family type already exists in the target project,
rename the type and then copy and paste it. See
You can copy family types from the Project Browser or from the drawing area. Copying family types from
the drawing area is available in most views, such as floor plan, ceiling plan, and 3D View.
To copy a family type from the Project Browser:
1 Select the family type to be copied.
2 Click Edit menu
3 Open the target project.
4 Click Edit menu
To copy family types from the drawing area:
1 In the drawing area, select the family type to be copied. To select multiple family types, such
2 Click Edit menu
3 Open the target project.
4 Click in the drawing area.
5 Click Edit menu
6 In the drawing area, drag the object to the necessary location.
7 On the Options Bar, click Finish Paste.
The family type appears in the Project Browser under its designated family.

Strong and Weak References

To dimension families placed in a project, you need to define family geometry references in the Family
Editor. You set geometry references as either strong references or weak references.
A strong reference has the highest priority for dimensioning and snapping. For example, you create a window
family and place it into a project. As you are placing the family, temporary dimensions snap to any strong
references in the family. When you select the family in the project, temporary dimensions appear at the
strong references. If you place a permanent dimension, the strong references in the window geometry
highlight first. A strong reference takes precedence over a wall reference point, such as its centerline.
A weak reference has the lowest priority for dimensioning. When you place the family into the project and
dimension to it, you may need to press TAB to select a weak reference, as any strong references highlight
first.
NOTE You may also be able to zoom in on the model to highlight weak references, as elements in the model
appear farther apart as you zoom in.
Copy to Clipboard, or press CTRL-C.
Paste from Clipboard, or press CTRL-V.
as a specific wall, window and door, press CTRL and select each type.
Copy to Clipboard, or press CTRL-C.
Paste from Clipboard, or press CTRL-V.
Pasting Elements on page 321.
Copying Family Types Between Projects | 355
Family Types on page 366.