How to Downgrade a Family in Revit?

Understanding Family Downgrading in Revit

Downgrading a family in Revit can be quite challenging due to the software’s lack of backward compatibility. When working with families created in newer versions of Revit, the need to revert to an older version may arise, often due to project requirements or collaboration with teams using outdated software. Here is a structured approach to achieve this downgrade effectively.

Steps to Downgrade a Family in Revit

Step 1: Export the Family to DWG

1. Open the Revit family file you wish to downgrade.
2. Navigate to the "File" tab and select the "Export" option.
3. Choose “CAD Formats” and then select “DWG.”
4. Follow the prompts to configure the export settings, ensuring that all relevant elements are included.
5. Complete the export process, saving the DWG file to a designated location on your device.

Step 2: Create a New Family in the Desired Version

1. Launch the earlier version of Revit you wish to downgrade to.
2. Start a new family project by going to the "File" tab and selecting "New" followed by "Family."
3. Choose the appropriate family template that matches the type you are recreating.

Step 3: Import the DWG File

1. In the new family file, go to the "Insert" tab and select the "Import CAD" option.
2. Find and select the DWG file you previously exported.
3. Configure the import settings as needed, ensuring that the drawing aligns correctly in the workspace.

Step 4: Rebuild the Parametric Properties

1. After importing the DWG, you will need to redefine all parametric attributes manually.
2. Use the "Reference Planes" and "Dimensions" tools to recreate the necessary constraints and dimensions as required.
3. To add parameters, access the "Family Types" dialogue and input the values needed for the family type you are recreating.

Step 5: Save the Downgraded Family

1. Once you have reconstructed the family with all necessary parameters and constraints, save the file.
2. Use the "Save As" function to store the family in a location where it can be easily accessed for future use.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I directly convert a family file to an older version?
No, direct conversion of family files to an older version is not supported in Revit. The method described above using DWG export is one of the few alternatives.

2. Will I lose any previous settings during the downgrade process?
Yes, when exporting to DWG and then importing back into an older version, you will lose all parametric information and constraints. You’ll need to recreate these settings manually.

3. Is there any workaround to maintain parametric information when downgrading?
Currently, there is no reliable method to preserve parametric information when downgrading families. The best practice is to manually replicate essential features after importing the DWG.