Revit

How to Add a Profile in Revit?

Understanding Profiles in Revit

Profiles are essential components in Revit for creating detailed designs of building elements. A profile represents a 2D shape that can be applied to various 3D geometries in your project. Knowing how to effectively add and manage profiles can enhance the quality and complexity of your designs.

Step 1: Creating a New Profile Family

  1. Open a New Family: Launch Revit and go to the ‘New’ menu. Select ‘Family’ and choose the ‘Profile’ template, which is specifically designed for creating profiles.

  2. Sketch the Profile: Utilize the line drawing tool to sketch your desired profile shape. Use dimensions to ensure precision and reference planes for alignment and managing the geometry.

  3. Finalize the Profile: Once your profile sketch looks correct, save the family file by navigating to the ‘File’ menu and selecting ‘Save As’. The saved profile will be available for use within your project.

Step 2: Loading the Profile into a Project

  1. Access the Insert Tab: Once your profile family is created, go to the ‘Insert’ tab in the top menu of Revit.

  2. Load the Family: Click on ‘Load from Library’, then choose ‘Load Family’. This will open a dialog where you can browse to find the profile family you just saved.

  3. Select Your Family: Locate your profile in the dialog, double-click on it or highlight it and click ‘Open’. The profile will now be available in your project.

Step 3: Applying the Profile to Geometry

  1. Select the Geometry: Click on the solid geometry (such as walls, floors, or ceilings) where you want to apply the profile.

  2. Edit Profile: Navigate to the modification tools and select ‘Edit Profile’. This allows you to modify the existing shape of your geometry.

  3. Choose the Profile: Use the Properties palette to select the profile you just loaded. Once selected, click on ‘Finish Edit Mode’ to apply the changes.

Step 4: Modifying Existing Profiles

  1. Editing the Profile: If you need to make changes to your profile after it’s been loaded, select the geometry that has the profile applied, go to the ‘Modify’ tab, and choose ‘Edit Profile’.

  2. Make Adjustments: Use drawing and modification tools to adjust the profile as needed. Ensure you are satisfied with changes before proceeding.

  3. Completing Edits: Confirm your edits by clicking ‘Finish Edit Mode’. This will apply your adjustments to the selected geometry.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of elements can use profiles in Revit?
Profiles can be applied to a wide variety of building elements, including walls, ceilings, floors, and any custom forms that can accept a profile.

2. How can I access previously saved profiles?
Saved profile families can be accessed through the ‘Insert’ tab under the ‘Load Family’ option. You can browse through categories or directly locate the saved file.

3. What should I do if my profile does not appear in the project browser?
If the profile does not show up, ensure that it was loaded properly and belongs to the correct family category associated with the geometry you are trying to modify. Re-load the family if necessary.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.