If you’re an architect, engineer, or designer using Revit, you’ve probably heard about Revit City. It’s one of the most popular online platforms for downloading and sharing Revit families, helping professionals save time and enhance their BIM projects. But how exactly do you find and download free Revit families from Revit City? In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know!
What is Revit City?
Revit City is an online community-driven platform that offers a vast collection of Revit families—pre-built 3D models, components, and elements that can be used in Autodesk Revit. These families include objects like furniture, doors, windows, lighting fixtures, and even structural elements. The best part? Many of them are free to download!
Why Use Revit City?
Free Revit Families – Thousands of user-contributed files are available at no cost.
Time-Saving – Instead of modeling everything from scratch, you can download ready-to-use components.
Community Support – Engage with other Revit users, ask questions, and share your work.
Diverse Collection – Find families for architecture, MEP, structure, and interior design.
How to Find Free Revit Families on Revit City
1. Sign Up for a Free Account
Before you can access downloads, you’ll need to create an account. Here’s how:
- Visit RevitCity.com.
- Click “Register” at the top right.
- Fill in your details and confirm your email.
- Log in to start exploring!
2. Use the Search Function
Finding specific Revit families is easy:
- Use the search bar at the top and type keywords like “kitchen sink” or “office chair”.
- Apply filters to narrow down results.
- Browse through categories like furniture, plumbing, MEP, and more.
3. Explore the Downloads Section
Click on the “Downloads” tab to browse the latest uploaded families. This section often includes:
- Recently added models
- Most downloaded files
- Popular categories
4. Check the File Details
Before downloading, make sure to:
- Read the description to ensure compatibility with your Revit version.
- Check user reviews and ratings to see if the file is high quality.
- Look at preview images to confirm it meets your project needs.
5. Download the File
- Click the “Download” button.
- The file will be in .rfa (Revit Family) format.
- Save it to a designated folder for easy access.
How to Import a Revit Family into Your Project
Once you’ve downloaded a family, follow these steps:
- Open Revit and your project file.
- Go to Insert → Load Family.
- Select the downloaded .rfa file.
- Place the object in your model.
Best Practices for Using Revit City
Verify File Quality – Not all uploads are perfect. Always check before using in client projects.
Give Back to the Community – If you create custom families, consider uploading them.
Stay Updated – Visit the site regularly to find new and useful Revit families.
Check License Terms – Some files may have restrictions on commercial use.
Revit City Alternatives
While Revit City is a great resource, you may also want to explore:
- BIMobject – High-quality manufacturer-specific models.
- Revit Components – Another free library for Revit families.
- NBS National BIM Library – Trusted source for UK-based Revit components.
Conclusion
Revit City is an invaluable resource for professionals looking to enhance their projects with free Revit families. By following this guide, you can easily find, download, and integrate high-quality components into your BIM models. Happy designing!