Being able to open door objects in 3d views in Autodesk Revit 2018

By Dennis Collin

Creating a Revit door family which you can open in 3D!

Open or shut that door in 3d!

 This is a frequent question in Revit Architecture Family Creation Courses. To a new user this can be a frustratingly difficult task to achieve.

Although some cheat workarounds are easily possible with some visibility parameters, it is quite a straightforward task once you have the idea of nested families and using the right family type. The correct process involves using a nested family door panel using the Generic Model Face Based Template. 

Firstly, create a simple panel with Width, Height, Thickness and Material type parameters and save the family as ‘Door Panel’.

Then start a new door family using the appropriate template and create a reference line at the hinge position and set an opening angle parameter.

Load in the door panel family (placing it on the reference line) locking it to the end of the line and map the nested panel family parameters to the door width, height and material parameters in the parent family.

Set the visibility properties of the door panel to only show in 3D and use symbolic lines to ensure the standard open display configuration for plans. This will ensure the door will look correct in plan but will grant the user a 3D override opening parameter for visualisation purposes.

Use a similar technique for door handles, door closer, kicker plates and other features (use Generic Model Faced Based Families) and host them onto the door panel. Flex families thoroughly to ensure elements do not detach or give ‘Constraints aren’t satisfied’ error messages.

Once loaded into a project and tested, a successful family should behave as illustrated below: -

In plan the doors will still appear as per the accepted floorplan convention, but in 3D views doors can be adjusted with the instance opening parameter as appropriate.

Example shows a door fully closed, fully open and ajar