BIM Software Tip: Parameterized Application of Revit Wall Openings
When working on project files, the common method to add an opening to a wall is to navigate through the ribbon: “Commonly Used” → “Entrance” → “Wall”. Then, you click on the wall and draw the opening. However, the “Entrance” command only allows you to create rectangular openings. If you want openings in other shapes, you need to use the ribbon options: “Modify | Wall” → “Mode” → “Edit Outline”.
Unfortunately, neither of these methods supports parameter adjustments for the openings after they are created, and modifying them can be tedious. Here is a simple solution:
Use the “Metric window.rft” template to create an opening family, then load it into your project as a component family. For rectangular openings, just change the family category from “Window” to “Generic Model”. This allows you to load and use it within your project.
If you need openings of different styles, open the template and select “Entrance”. Then, click on the ribbon: “Modify Opening | Cut” → “Entrance” → “Edit Sketch”. You can draw a new outline for the opening and link it to relevant parameters, as illustrated below. Once editing is complete, click the “Mode” button on the panel to exit edit mode and remove any unnecessary parameters before loading it into your project.
The image below demonstrates the effect of adding both rectangular and circular opening families to a project.
To adjust the size of an opening family, simply select the opening, then click “Properties” → “Edit Type”. In the dialog box that appears, modify the relevant parameters as shown in the figure.
The key advantage of this approach is that the opening families become fully parameterized, allowing you to define the opening style as needed. This method is much more convenient and flexible compared to editing walls directly within the project.
Note: To prevent the opening family from being categorized under “Window Details” in the family editor, make sure to change the family category to “Generic Model”.
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