Material association settings for nested families in Revit!
When creating a family in Revit, we often use nested families — meaning we load Family 1 into Family 2. But how do we link the parameters of Family 1 with those of Family 2? Let’s use a bolt family as an example.
First, create a new screw family (Family 1). Build the screw model and define its parameters.
Next, create another nut family (Family 2). Similarly, build the nut model and set its parameters.
Then, load the screw family (Family 1) into the nut family (Family 2) and adjust its position. Now, you have a complete bolt assembly, and everything looks perfect. However, when you click on Family Types, you might wonder: Why aren’t the screw family’s parameters included in the family type parameters? This happens because they still need to be linked.
The key lies in this setting! To link and display parameters from the screw family (Family 1) within the nut family (Family 2), you need to associate the family parameters.
Start by selecting the loaded screw, then in the left Properties panel, click Edit Type.
In the Type Parameters dialog, locate the screw family parameters and add them one by one. For example, find the Screw material parameter and click the small box next to it.
This opens the Related Family Parameters dialog. Click the New icon at the bottom left, and in the pop-up Parameter Properties window, enter a name (which can be the same or different from the original), then click OK.
You have now created a new family parameter that belongs to the nut family (Family 2). Select this parameter and click OK to link the screw family’s material parameter with the nut family’s parameter.
Using the same method, link the remaining parameters such as Screw diameter and Screw length to the nut family’s parameters. The linked parameters will appear grayed out, with two additional bars displayed in the small box next to them.
At this point, if you open the Family Types dialog again, you will see that all the newly created and linked screw parameters are included. You can now adjust these family parameters directly within the project, either through the nut family (Family 2) or the project environment.
Related Skills
How to Quickly and Effectively Perform Nested Family Scheduling in Revit
Adding Materials to Revit’s Built-in Families
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