Revit Families Explained: Types, Uses, and Where to Download Them
What Are Revit Families in BIM?
If you’re working in Autodesk Revit or exploring Building Information Modeling (BIM), you’ve probably heard the term Revit families. But what exactly are they? Revit families are intelligent 3D components used to build digital models of real-world architectural elements. These can be anything from furniture, doors, and windows, to mechanical systems like HVAC units and plumbing fixtures. They aren’t just visual placeholders they carry parametric data (like size, material, and functionality) that helps create accurate, data-rich building models
Understanding Autodesk Revit: Why It Matters
Before diving deeper, let’s quickly review what Revit is.
Autodesk Revit is a leading BIM software used by architects, engineers, and construction professionals. It allows you to design, plan, and simulate every part of a building in 3D — including construction materials, energy performance, and building systems. Unlike traditional 2D drafting, Revit connects design with real-world data, enabling smarter, faster, and more accurate project delivery.
Types of Revit Families and Their Use Cases
There are three main types of Revit families, each designed for a different purpose.
Choosing the right type ensures a smoother workflow and better model performance.
1.System Families in Revit
These are built into the software and include core structural elements like:
• Walls
• Floors
• Roofs
• Stairs
You can’t create or delete system families outside of Revit—they’re part of the project template and have predefined behaviors. Check more Information
2. Loadable Families (Component Families)
These are custom elements created outside of the project and imported when needed. Examples include:
• Furniture
• Light fixtures
• Appliances
• Doors and windows
They’re flexible, easy to edit, and ideal for reusable design elements.
3. In-Place Families
Used for unique or one-off items designed specifically for a project. These are created directly inside your model and aren’t meant to be reused across other projects.
Benefits of Using Revit Families in Your Projects
Revit families bring several advantages to your BIM workflow:
- Time-saving: Reuse components across multiple projects
- Customizable: Adjust dimensions, materials, and parameters as needed
- Accurate: Model physical and functional behavior of real-world objects
- Collaborative: Keep your entire team working from the same smart content
How to Use Revit Families – Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how to start using Revit families in your projects, whether you’re creating your own or downloading pre-made ones.
- Step 1: Choose or Create a Revit Family
Open your Revit project and go to the top menu. Click:
Insert → Load Family
This lets you import external .rfa files into your model. - Step 2: Load the Family into Revit
Use your file explorer to locate the downloaded family on your computer. Select it and click
Open to bring it into your project. - Step 3: Place the Family in Your Model
Once loaded, pick the family type and click inside your floor plan or 3D view to place it. - Step 4: Edit Family Parameters
Click the placed object and go to the Properties Panel. Here, you can change size, color,
material, and other settings to fit your project needs.
Where to Download Revit Families Safely (Free and Paid Options)
Searching for Revit families online? Be careful — not all sources are safe or reliable.
⚠️ Common Issues with Random Downloads:
1. Poorly made models that slow down your project
2. Files not created in Revit, leading to errors
3. Malware or unsafe links
✅ Trusted Sources to Download Revit Families:
1. Blocks – Offers free, native Revit families designed specifically for BIM workflows
2. Autodesk Seek: (now discontinued, but often referenced)
3. BIMobject :Large library of manufacturer-based content
4. RevitCity : Community-driven but varies in quality
If you’re looking for more Revit families, Furniture, Specialty Equipment, and Revit Profiles
Best Revit Family Plugin: Use Blocks for Instant Access
Tired of wasting time searching online? The Blocks Plugin for Revit offers a faster, safer way to access BIM content.
Why Use the Blocks Plugin?
- 6,000+ high-quality Revit families ready to use
- Search and insert directly from within Revit
- Weekly content updates
- Organized by category: furniture, decor, MEP, etc.
- 100% Revit-native and lightweight for better performanceWith just a few clicks, you can browse, preview, and place components into your project — no
external downloads needed.
Conclusion: Boost Your BIM Projects with Smart Revit Families
To wrap up, Revit families are the foundation of every smart BIM project. Whether you’re modeling a home, an office, or a commercial space, using the right families ensures your work is:
✅ Faster
✅ More accurate
✅ Easier to manage
Instead of wasting time searching the web, use trusted tools like the Blocks Plugin to streamline
your workflow and keep your content high-quality.
FAQs About Revit Families
Q: What file format do Revit families use?
A: .rfa (Revit Family File)
Q: Are Revit families editable?
A: Yes! You can change dimensions, materials, visibility, and more through parameters.
Q: Can I use Revit families in multiple projects?
A: Absolutely. Loadable families are designed for reuse.
Q: What’s the best plugin to get families directly in Revit?
A: The Blocks Plugin offers seamless access to a huge library without leaving the Revit
interface.