Common Issues with Managing Revit Content – and the Best Solutions
Issue #1: The Family Farm File
Many manufacturers believe they have mastered Revit content management, but this is often not the case. Most provide what they claim are “Family” files but actually deliver old-school Revit project files for every product as part of a Revit Farm. This delivery method is cumbersome – if a manufacturer offers many products, the file size balloons, making it time-consuming to find the specific product needed.
Even worse, locating desired families often becomes a game of “hide and seek” on every project, unless you include your favorites’ in your template – which is not ideal, as it bloats your template, which should remain clean for each project.
There are additional problems with this approach:
- The farm is supplied in a specific version of Revit.
- If the file is a newer version than the user’s Revit, it will not open, as Revit is not backwards compatible.
- If the file is older than the user’s Revit, it must be upgraded and saved elsewhere, or this tedious process will repeat every time.
- Without the correct taxonomy, no one in the office can reliably retrieve the correct version.
Hack #1: QARC BIM Locker
Open the manufacturer’s farm and, using the free QARC BIM Locker, save any individual products using QARC’s established taxonomy. This places files in a logical location, allowing you to drag and drop them into the correct version of Revit anytime in the future. The plug-in is version-aware, so you never need to wait for files to upgrade. If you customize a file, you can save it into the established structure or your own custom folder. New families are easily saved to BIM Locker.
There are three levels of BIM Locker product:
- Free access to hosted manufacturers
- BIM Locker personal subscription
- BIM Locker Enterprise, where the BIM Manager controls access
Issue #2: The Textures File
Many Revit files, including those from manufacturers, either do not include texture files or provide scant instructions on installation. Even if instructions are included, it is risky to rely on staff to modify the root directory of a computer.
Hack #2: Use QARC Plug-in Manufacturers
When using QARC manufacturer products, the plug-in delivers the correct version and automatically maps materials. With over 12,000 QARC generic items and growing, users can access:
- Families as individual objects or assembled groups
- System Families with parametrics (not limited to curtain walls)
The system features a cloud-based logical content browser, with preview and instant drag-and-drop into projects. Materials are automatically mapped to the root directory, ensuring they display perfectly in black and white, consistent colours, realistic renderings, and textures.
Issue #3: Curtain Walls Instead of System Families
Many manufacturers deliver Revit files as Curtain Walls instead of System Families. Curtain Walls are problematic as they make it difficult to incorporate windows or doors and do not extrude to surfaces. This slows down the modelling process, costing designers time and businesses money.
Hack #3: Use QARC System Families
QARC is the only plug-in that delivers System Families and Curtain Walls through a Revit Plug-In. Open the manufacturer’s family and, using the free QARC BIM Locker, save individual products in the logical place, ready for drag and drop into the correct version of Revit at any time.
Issue #4: File Management Systems
Many current file management systems are merely enhanced versions of Explorer, with the appearance of greater capability. Most require considerable setup to be useful, which is time-consuming. Whenever Windows or Autodesk updates, all files must be updated to the latest version folder, or users will have to wait for files to update each time. Material assignments must often be mapped manually each time as well.
Hack #4: Use QARC System Plug-in Inside Revit
The QARC System offers a cloud-based logical content browser with preview and instant drag-and-drop directly into the current project. Content is delivered in the correct version of Revit. Users can access:
- Families as individual objects or assembled groups
- System Families with parametrics, not just curtain walls
- New families easily saved to BIM Locker
Hack #5: A Complete 3D Solution
One of the problems with current BIM applications is that no one shares good content, as everyone is seen as a competitor. What’s really needed is a way to access over 20 years of expertise for a fraction of the usual investment in time and money.
An ideal complete system would:
- Provide access to manufacturer content without repeated logins
- Allow product preview
- Enable direct drag-and-drop into the model
- Include a plug-in app for Revit
- Contain an Australian content library
- Be constantly growing
- Be tried and tested for several years
- Offer optional upgrades to better templates and families
- Allow instant rendering
Alternatively, find someone who will help you transition and “Master Revit Faster”.
Hack #6: Other Videos and White Papers by QARC Systems
- 6 Tips for getting started with Transitioning to Revit
- 6 Hacks to leverage 3D BIM to Make More Money Doing Less Work
- How To Master Revit Faster
- How To Future Proof your Architectural Practice and create a business that staff will want to buy in to
- How To get a job in Architecture even if you have no experience
- 7 Myths About The Transition From 2D CAD to 3D BIM
- The Dirty Truth About Manufacturer Supplied Revit Families
Who Are QARC Systems?
We are architects of systems for designers and architects. QARC is the catalyst enabling Architects and Designers to “Master Revit Faster”. QARC Systems provide a framework for offices to easily convert from 2D CAD line drawing principles to 3D BIM modelling.
QARC sits at the intersection of the Venn diagram uniting all aspects of BIM—a complete Design Practice AI toolkit for faster, higher-standard 3D documentation in less time than traditional 2D CAD.
Our 3 pillars are:
- ARChetype TEMPLATE
- Drag+Drop APP
- Content BIMLocker
