How to Create a Profile in Revit?

To create a profile in Revit, you essentially define a 2D shape that can be used for various purposes, like creating moldings, railings, or sweeps. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Start a New Family: Click the File tab, then select New and choose Family. This opens the "New Family - Select Template File" dialog.

2. Choose a Profile Template: In the template selection dialog, find and select a profile template. Common profile templates include:

   • Profile.rft: A general-purpose profile.
   • Profile-Rail.rft: Specifically for railing profiles.
   • Profile-Reveal.rft: Designed for wall reveal profiles.
   • Profile-Mullion.rft: For curtain wall mullion profiles.

   Click Open to start the new family using the selected template. The chosen template will impact how the profile can be used later.

3. Sketch Reference Planes (Optional but Recommended): Reference planes are vital for controlling and constraining the shape of your profile. Use them to define the intended insertion point or to ensure specific dimensions are maintained. Click the Create tab and select Reference Plane from the Datum panel. Sketch the reference planes where you want them.

4. Draw the Profile: This is the core of profile creation.

   • Click the Create tab and, in the Detail panel, select Line.
   • Using the drawing tools, sketch the 2D shape that defines your profile. Ensure the lines form a closed loop (no gaps). Pay attention to where the profile will be placed relative to its insertion point (often where the reference planes intersect).

5. Constrain the Profile (Important): Use dimensions and constraints to lock the profile's geometry to the reference planes (or other geometry within the family). This ensures that the profile behaves predictably when loaded into a project and its parameters are adjusted.

   • Use the Align tool to align lines to reference planes.
   • Use Dimensions to control specific lengths and distances.
   • Use Lock icons to lock dimensions and alignments, creating constraints.

6. Add Parameters (Optional): If you want to make the profile size adjustable within your project, create parameters for key dimensions.

   • Select a dimension.
   • In the Options Bar, click Label and create a new parameter.
   • Define the parameter's name, discipline, type, and group.

7. Test the Profile: Flex the parameters (if any) to ensure the profile behaves as expected.

8. Save the Profile: Click the File tab, then Save As and choose Family. Give the profile a descriptive name and save it in a relevant location.

9. Load into Project: Open the Revit project where you want to use the profile. In the profile family editor, click Load into Project on the Create tab.

Example:

Let's say you want to create a simple rectangular molding profile.

1. Start a new family using the Profile.rft template.
2. Sketch two horizontal and two vertical reference planes that intersect at the origin (0,0).
3. Draw four lines connecting the intersections of these reference planes to form a rectangle.
4. Dimension the width and height of the rectangle.
5. Create parameters for the width and height dimensions, naming them "MoldingWidth" and "MoldingHeight."
6. Save the profile as "RectangularMolding."
7. Load the profile into your project. You can then use this profile when creating sweeps or railings.

By following these steps, you can effectively create custom profiles in Revit to enhance your designs.