What is a Revit ʼSystem Familyʼ (Walls

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

A Revit system family for walls is a built-in project family used to create architectural or structural wall elements directly inside the model using the Wall command. It is managed by Type Properties rather than external family files. Limitation: you cannot save a wall System Family out as a separate RFA file.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: System Families in Revit, including walls, are project-based and not loaded from the family editor like component families. A common failure is trying to edit wall geometry as if it were a loadable family, when the real control is through wall type structure, instance properties, and hosted constraints.

How to Identify and Use a Wall System Family

  • Command: Wall

  • Shortcut: WA

  • Quick Steps:

    1. On the Ribbon > Architecture tab > Build panel, click Wall.
    2. In the Properties palette, choose an existing wall type or click Edit Type to duplicate and modify it.
    3. In Type Properties, use Structure [Edit] to define layers, materials, and core boundaries, then place the wall in plan or 3D view.

Variables & Settings

  • Key Setting: Structure [Edit] in Wall Type Properties

  • Expert Setting: This controls the wall assembly layers, thicknesses, materials, and core definition. The Location Line setting also strongly affects placement behavior, especially for finish face, core face, or wall centerline alignment.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): The wall type’s layer build-up or constraints may conflict with joins, attached roofs/floors, or edited profiles, causing unexpected geometry.
  • Cause 2 (Layers/Locks): Walls can be constrained to levels, offsets, or nearby elements, so locked dimensions or attached elements may prevent expected edits.
  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): A wall is a System Family, so it cannot be opened in the Family Editor or managed like a loadable door, furniture, or generic model family.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Select the wall, open Edit Type, then Duplicate the type before changing Structure [Edit], Function, or thickness.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Use wall System Families for all standard building wall assemblies because they schedule, join, tag, and document correctly. Avoid workarounds with in-place families unless the geometry is truly non-standard.

FAQ

Can a wall System Family be loaded from an external RFA file?
No, wall System Families are created and managed inside the project or template.

Can I create different wall types from one System Family?
Yes, you can duplicate wall types and change their structure, materials, and thickness.

Are walls in Revit considered component families?
No, walls are System Families, not loadable component families.

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