Understanding the Concept of Hosts in Revit Families
A hosted family in Revit is an object that relies on a host element to be placed appropriately within a model. Common examples of hosts include structural elements like walls, roofs, and ceilings. These host elements serve as the physical bases upon which these families are anchored, and they dictate how and where the family can be placed in the 3D environment.
The Step-by-Step Process to Change the Host of a Family
Changing the host of a family in Revit involves a series of straightforward steps, ensuring that the family maintains its geometry and constraints accurately. Follow these detailed instructions:
Step 1: Open the Appropriate View
Begin by opening a section or elevation view within your Revit project. This view is crucial as it allows for a clearer perspective when selecting and modifying hosts.
Step 2: Select the Family Instance
Identify the family instance that you need to change the host for. Click on it to highlight and select the object.
Step 3: Access the Host Modification Option
Once the family instance is selected, navigate to the Modify tab located in the ribbon at the top of the window. Find the “Host” panel, and click on the “Pick New Host” option. This action tells Revit that you want to modify the hosting relationship.
Step 4: Choose the New Host
In the drawing area, hover over the potential new hosts—this can be a wall, floor, or another suitable element. Revit will highlight these options to indicate that they can serve as new hosts. Click on the desirable new host to complete the selection.
Step 5: Confirm the Change
After selecting the new host, Revit will automatically adjust the position of the family instance based on the new host’s geometry and properties. Ensure that the family aligns correctly with the new element before finalizing any other adjustments.
Step 6: Fine-Tune Positioning and Constraints
After changing the host, check the alignment and constraints set on the family instance. Make necessary adjustments to ensure it fits well within the overall model. You may need to unlock or adjust existing constraints if they interfere with the new positioning.
Dealing with Constraints After Changing Hosts
When changing a host, it’s common for constraints to shift as the relationship between the family and the new host alters. If required, you can manage constraints by accessing the constraints options within the Modify tab. Review and adjust them to suit the new hosting arrangement, ensuring that the family behaves as intended within the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to the constraints after changing a host?
When changing the host, some constraints may no longer be applicable or might misalign. It’s recommended to review and adjust these constraints manually to ensure that the family instance behaves correctly in its new position.
Can I change the host back to the original element?
Yes, you can repeat the process to change the host back to the original or any other host as desired. Simply select the family instance and follow the same steps to pick a new host.
Is it possible to change a host for multiple instances at once?
While Revit generally allows for batch modifications to some extent, changing the host for multiple instances at once can be tricky. It is advisable to select individual instances when changing hosts to maintain accuracy and ensure that the positioning is corrected for each element as needed.
