How to Explode 3D in Revit?

Understanding the Explode Functionality in Revit

What Does It Mean to Explode in Revit?

Exploding in Revit refers to breaking down imported or grouped components into their individual elements. This process is beneficial when you want to modify specific parts of a model that has been imported from another software or when handling grouped elements, particularly for detailed customization.

Steps to Explode a 3D View in Revit

1. Open Your 3D View: Begin by navigating to the 3D view you wish to explode.
2. Select the 3D Model: Click on the elements within the 3D view; ensure the model or element you want to explode is highlighted.
3. Access the Explode Functionality: In the top toolbar, find and click on “Modify” and locate the “Explode” option under the “Import” menu.
4. Choose Your Explode Type: You will typically see options for “Partial Explode” or “Full Explode.” Decide based on your needs:
   • Partial Explode: This will only affect selected parts of the model.
   • Full Explode: This method breaks everything down into individual components.

Exploding Imported Models in Revit

1. Select the Imported Model: Click on the imported DWG or 3D solid model you wish to explode to highlight it.
2. Navigate to the Modify Tab: Head over to the “Modify” tab, specifically the “Imports” section.
3. Choose the Explode Option: From there, select either “Partial Explode” or “Full Explode”.
   Upon executing this command, your 3D solids will be converted into free-form elements, allowing for further editing as needed.

Creating Exploded Views in Revit

1. Initiate the Exploded View Command: Access the exploded view feature by clicking on “Exploded View” from the main toolbar.
2. Select Components for Movement: Choose one or more elements in your model that should be included in the first step of your explosion.
3. Manipulate the Components: Use the translation or rotation handles to reposition the selected elements apart from each other.
4. Adjust Explode Settings: Explore and modify any specific explode settings available which may affect how the components are separated.
5. Finalize the View: Click on “Done” to save your exploded configuration.

Exploding Components in Revit

1. Selecting a Wall Component: To explode a wall, right-click on the stacked wall you wish to control independently.
2. Break Up the Stacked Wall: Select “Break Up” from the contextual menu that appears. This action will separate the individual subwalls, allowing them to be manipulated as standalone entities without a reassembly feature for restacking.

FAQs

1. Can all models be exploded in Revit?
   Not all models can be exploded. Only imported DWG files and certain grouped elements can be affected by the explode command.

2. Is it possible to revert an explosion in Revit?
   Once a model or component has been exploded, it cannot be restored to its original grouped form. It’s advisable to save a backup version of your project before performing an explosion.

3. Does exploding an object affect the original geometry?
   Exploding changes the original geometry by breaking it down into editable components. It will lose its original grouped or imported status, thus allowing each part to be modified individually.