Understanding Voids in Revit
Creating voids in a floor within Revit can significantly enhance your architectural design by allowing for openings or recesses that are essential for various functional and aesthetic needs. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to successfully create a void in a floor using Revit.
Step 1: Open the Revit Family Editor
Start by launching Revit and opening the family editor. You will need to create or modify a family that will include the void. Ensure you have a family template that corresponds to the type of void you want to create.
Step 2: Set Family Category Options
With your family document open, navigate to the Create tab, and find the Properties panel. Click on "Family Category and Parameters." In the dialog box that appears, ensure you select the option "Cut With Voids When Loaded." This setting allows any voids you create in this family to cut through solid geometries when they are placed into a project.
Step 3: Draw the Void Geometry
To create a void, you need to define its geometry first. Click in the drawing area and draw a closed loop shape that intersects with the solid geometry of your floor. This closed shape is what will define the void. Ensure that the shape is properly closed; otherwise, the void will not form correctly.
Step 4: Convert the Closed Loop to a Void
After you have your closed loop, select it, and navigate to the Modify tab. Here, find the Form panel and click on the dropdown labeled "Create Form." Choose "Void Form" to transform your closed loop into a void form. This void can now cut through any solid geometry you’ve defined.
Step 5: Load the Family into Your Project
Once you have created the void form, load the family back into your project. Go to the File menu, select "Load into Project," and choose the relevant project where you want the void to be displayed.
Step 6: Place the Void Family
After loading the family, place it into your project by navigating to the appropriate view. Use the placement tools to position the void correctly where you want the cutout to appear in the floor. Click to confirm the placement.
Step 7: Cut the Geometry
With the void in place, you need to cut the geometry of the floor. Go to the Modify tab and find the Geometry panel. Select the Cut drop-down and choose "Cut Geometry." Click on the floor to select the geometry that you wish to cut and then click on the void that you placed earlier.
Managing Voids and Edit Options
Editing an Existing Void
To edit a void after it has been created:
- Locate the void in the Project Browser.
- Right-click on the void type and select “Select All Instances.”
- Choose “In Entire Project” to highlight all instances of that void.
- Click on “Edit In Place” from the Ribbon to make modifications as needed.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can voids be used with other families apart from floors?
Yes, void forms can cut through various elements including ceilings, roofs, walls, and structural components, depending on how they are configured in the family settings.
Q2: What happens if my closed loop is not properly closed?
If your closed loop is not properly closed, the void will not be created successfully. Ensure that all endpoints connect, forming a complete boundary.
Q3: Is there a way to preview the void before finalizing the cut?
Yes, you can use the section or elevation views to preview how the void will appear in relation to the surrounding elements before finalizing the cut. This is a good practice to ensure accuracy in placement.
