How to Change the Height of a Column in Revit?

Understanding Column Height Adjustments in Revit

Modifying the height of a column in Revit may seem complex at first, but it can be accomplished easily with the right steps. Below is a detailed guide to help you effectively change the height of both architectural and structural columns in your Revit project.

Changing the Height of an Architectural Column

1. Accessing Your Project: Start by opening your Revit project and navigating to a 3D, floor plan, or section view where your column is visible.

2. Selecting the Column: Click on the architectural column you wish to modify. This action will highlight the column and bring up the Properties palette.

3. Modifying the Height:

   • Locate the Properties palette. If it is not visible, activate it by going to the View tab and selecting the “User Interface” dropdown, then click on “Properties”.
   • In the Properties palette, find the Column Height parameter. This is usually listed under the Constraints section.
   • Input the desired height of your column in the provided field. You can either type in a new height value or choose from existing options.
4. Applying Changes: Once you have entered the new height, click the Apply button located at the bottom of the Properties palette to confirm the changes. You will notice the column adjust to your specified height immediately within the view.

Adjusting the Height of a Structural Column

1. Opening the Correct View: As with architectural columns, begin by opening the appropriate view (3D, section, or floor plan) where the structural column is present.

2. Selecting the Structural Column: Click on the structural column you wish to modify, which will bring up the Properties palette.

3. Height Adjustment Process:

   • In the Properties palette, look for the Height parameter under the Constraints group.
   • Specify the new height for the column. Like architectural columns, you can input a numerical value that corresponds to your design requirements.
4. Finalizing Adjustments: After entering the new height, click the Apply button to save the change. The structural column will automatically resize to reflect the new height.

Using the Family Editor for Advanced Modifications

If a column’s height needs to be adjusted frequently or requires specific parameters:

1. Editing the Column Family: Instead of altering the height in the project, load the relevant column family into the Family Editor.

   • Use the Insert tab and select Load from Library, then open the family you wish to edit.

2. Adjusting Family Parameters: Within the Family Editor, navigate to the Dimensions settings where you can set height constraints or adjustable parameters that will allow for changing the height dynamically.

3. Reloading the Family: Once you have made the necessary changes, save your work and then reload the updated family into your project. Your columns will reflect the newly defined height settings.

FAQ

What are the differences between architectural and structural columns in Revit?
Architectural columns are primarily used for visual purposes and aesthetics, often without structural load-bearing capabilities. In contrast, structural columns are designed to support loads, weights, and forces within a building structure.

Can I batch-adjust the height of multiple columns simultaneously?
Yes, you can select multiple columns in Revit and modify their properties all at once, provided they share the same type. Use the filter option to select identical categories and then change the height setting in the Properties palette.

What should I do if the height adjustment is not reflecting in my views?
Ensure that your views are set to display the updated section of the building model. If necessary, regenerate the views or refresh your project to see the changes. Also, check for any view-specific settings that may be hiding updated elements, such as visibility settings or view templates.