Can you create your own custom Revit wall type?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

Yes, you can create your own custom revit wall type by duplicating an existing wall and editing it in the Type Properties dialog, which is the fastest and most common professional method. You can then change structure, materials, thickness, and function to match project standards. One limitation is that system wall behavior still follows Revit’s built-in wall category rules.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: If you edit an existing wall type instead of duplicating it first, every wall using that type in the project will update immediately. A common failure is changing compound structure layers and accidentally breaking wall joins, dimensions, or material schedules across multiple views.

How to Create Your Own Custom Revit Wall Type

  • Command: Wall

  • Shortcut: WA

  • Quick Steps:

    1. On the Architecture Ribbon, in the Build panel, start Wall, then select a wall in the drawing area or choose an existing wall type from the Type Selector.
    2. In the Properties palette, click Edit Type, then click Duplicate to create a new wall type with a unique name.
    3. In Type Properties, click Edit next to Structure, then adjust layer Thickness, Material, and Function settings, and confirm with OK.

Variables & Settings

  • Key Setting: Structure > Edit Assembly

  • Expert Setting: This is the critical wall definition area where you control compound layers, core boundaries, wrapping, and material assignment. Pay close attention to the Function value for each layer, because it affects joins, cleanups, and how the wall displays in sections and details.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): Wall layers are built incorrectly, such as placing finish layers inside the core or using inconsistent thicknesses, which can create bad joins and inaccurate section graphics.

  • Cause 2 (Layers/Locks): The wall may be constrained to levels, attached to roofs/floors, or locked by group/design option conditions, preventing expected edits or causing unexpected updates.

  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): Users often modify an existing type instead of duplicating it, which changes all instances of that wall type throughout the project and disrupts established standards.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Select a similar wall, use Edit Type > Duplicate, then update Structure and assign the correct materials before placing it in production views.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Create custom Revit wall types only from approved office standard templates. Avoid making ad hoc wall types in live projects unless they are named clearly and checked for join behavior, schedules, and view consistency.

FAQ

Can I change the thickness of a custom Revit wall type?
Yes, edit the wall type’s Structure and change the layer thickness values.

Can I create a wall type with multiple materials?
Yes, compound wall types can include multiple layers with different materials and functions.

Will changing a wall type affect existing walls?
Yes, all walls using that type will update unless you duplicated the type first.

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