What It Does
Create Adaptive Components generates Revit adaptive component instances from Rhino points or curves. You can map different layers to different adaptive families, with each layer using either Points mode (group points by family's required count) or Curves mode (divide curves into placement points).
Everything happens through a dedicated dashboard where you select your file, map layers to families, configure modes, and run the import with real-time estimation of how many components will be created.
When to Use This
Use Create Adaptive Components when:
- Placing adaptive families along Rhino curves (curtain panels, structural elements)
- Creating instances from Rhino point patterns
- Mapping different layer geometry to different adaptive families
- Building parametric placement patterns in family documents
For static solid geometry, use Import Solids (RFA) instead.
How to Use
Step 1: Open a Family Document
- Open a family document (Conceptual Mass or Generic Model Adaptive template)
- Load your adaptive families into the document first
Step 2: Open the Dashboard
- Click Create Adaptive Components in the Rhino to Revit Family panel
- The dashboard opens showing available adaptive families
Step 3: Select Your File
- Click Browse to select your .3dm file
- Button turns green when file is selected
Step 4: Map Layers to Families
For each layer, configure:
Family: Select which adaptive family to use for that layer
Mode: Choose how geometry converts to instances
| Mode | Input | Output | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points | Point objects | Groups points by family's required count | Point patterns |
| Curves | Curve objects | Divides curves into placement points | Linear elements |
Auto-sync: When you select a family in Curves mode, the divide count automatically matches the family's required points.
Step 5: Review Estimation
The dashboard shows real-time estimates of how many component instances will be created based on your geometry and selected families.
Check for remainder warnings if points don't divide evenly.
Step 6: Run Import
- Click Start Import
- Watch progress as instances are created per layer
- Review the completion summary
Understanding Adaptive Components
Required Points: Adaptive families need a specific number of placement points (typically 2-4). A 4-point panel needs 4 points per instance.
Points Mode: Sequential points are grouped. If you have 12 points and a 4-point family, you get 3 instances.
Curves Mode: Each curve is divided into the family's required points. A 4-point family creates 4 division points per curve.
What You Get
In your family document:
- Adaptive component instances at specified locations
- Per-layer family assignments preserved
- Geometry ready for parametric behavior
Supported Geometry
Points Mode:
- Point objects
- Point clouds
Curves Mode:
- Lines, arcs, circles
- Polylines, splines
- Any curve geometry
Troubleshooting
Dashboard doesn't open
Try these steps:
- Ensure you're in a family document, not a project
- Click the button again
- Restart Revit if the issue persists
No adaptive families appear
Possible causes:
- No adaptive families loaded in current document
- Families exist but aren't adaptive type
Solution: Load adaptive families before running the command.
Fewer instances than expected
Check these:
- In Points mode, leftover points (remainder) are skipped
- Verify point count divides evenly by family's required points
- Check the estimation display for warnings
Instances created but not visible
What to check:
- Zoom extents to find geometry
- Check view visibility settings
- Verify coordinate positions in Rhino file
Tips
- Load families first: Have your adaptive families loaded before running the command
- Check point counts: In Points mode, ensure your point count is divisible by the family's required points
- Use layer organization: Organize different geometry types on separate Rhino layers for easier mapping
- Test with simple geometry: Start with a small point set or few curves to verify behavior