How to Change the Material of a Family in Revit?

Understanding Material Parameters in Revit Families

Changing the material of a family in Revit involves working with parameters that dictate the appearance and physical properties of materials assigned to various elements. The process can vary based on whether you are dealing with type or instance parameters. Here’s a comprehensive guide to modifying materials effectively.

Step 1: Access the Family Editor

1. Begin by locating the Revit family you wish to modify within your project.
2. Right-click on the family in the Project Browser and select “Edit” to open it in the Family Editor environment.

Step 2: Identify Material Parameters

Depending on whether the material is defined as a type parameter (common to all instances of this family) or an instance parameter (specific to one instance), follow these sub-steps:

For Type Parameters:

• Navigate to the Type Properties by clicking on Edit Type from the Properties panel.
• In the Type Properties dialog, look for the section titled Materials and Finishes. Here you will find a list of material parameters associated with the family type.

For Instance Parameters:

• If you wish to modify a specific instance of the family, select the element in the drawing area.
• Click on Edit Type to open the Type Properties.

Step 3: Modifying Material Values

Once you have accessed the correct properties:

1. Find the material you want to change in the Value column of the parameter list.
2. Click on the field and a dropdown will appear that allows you to select from existing materials or create a new one.

Step 4: Creating a New Material (if necessary)

If you choose to create a new material:

1. In the dialog box that appears, click on the Material Browser.
2. Select Create New and configure the material properties such as appearance, thermal, and physical characteristics according to your design needs.
3. After defining the new material, click Apply to save your changes, and then OK to exit the dialog.

Step 5: Rendering Material Appearance

After updating the materials, ensure that they display correctly in your views:

1. Go to the Graphics Tab in the Material Editor to adjust how the material will appear in different views.
2. Adjust shading settings to ensure the material looks as intended in both shaded views and rendered images.

Step 6: Saving Changes

Finalizing your changes is crucial:

1. Click on the Finish button in the Family Editor to save your modifications.
2. Reload the family into the project by selecting Load into Project, ensuring you replace the existing version if prompted.

FAQs

How can I check if a material parameter is type or instance-based?
Look in the Type Properties dialog after selecting the family. If the material parameter is editable for a group of elements, it’s a type parameter; if it’s fixed to a single element, it’s an instance parameter.

Can I apply a custom material to a specific instance of a family?
Yes, you can modify instance parameters to change the material of a single instance without affecting others of the same family type.

What steps should I take if my changes do not appear in the project?
Ensure that you have properly loaded the modified family back into the project. You may also need to check view settings to ensure the material visibility is turned on for the appropriate categories.