To update a family that's already in Pirros — such as fixing geometry, adding types, or updating parameters — use the Edit Family workflow. This creates a new version under the same Pirros ID, preserving the family's history and preventing duplicates.
Do not drag-and-drop an updated RFA file onto the Families page. Drag-and-drop is for new families. If you drop an updated version of an existing family, Pirros creates a duplicate because the new file doesn't have the Pirros ID embedded.
Prerequisite: You need the Admin role with Manage Typical Families or Edit Families permissions.
How to Update a Family
Navigate to the Families page and find the family you want to update
Click into the family's full page
Click Edit Family
Drag and drop the updated .rfa file into the upload area
Pirros matches the upload to the existing family record using the Pirros ID
The family's version history is updated with the new upload
Updating Families from a Revit Model
If your families live inside a Revit model rather than as standalone RFA files:
Open the Revit model in Revit with the Pirros plugin
Make your edits to the family within the model
Use Upload → Sync in the Pirros plugin
Pirros detects the changed families and updates them in the library
Updating a Family's Thumbnail
To replace the default thumbnail with a custom image:
Open the family's full page in Pirros
Click the thumbnail area
Upload a new image (JPEG or PNG)
Custom thumbnails are preserved across future updates — Pirros won't overwrite them when the family file is updated.
What Happens Next
After updating, the new version is immediately available to all users. The previous version is preserved in the family's version history. Members who previously downloaded this family do not automatically receive the update — they will see the updated version the next time they search for or download it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I accidentally created a duplicate. How do I fix it?
A: Delete the duplicate from the Families page (Admin permission required). Then use the Edit Family workflow on the original to upload the corrected file.
Q: Can I update multiple families at once?
A: If your families are in a Revit model, syncing the model updates all changed families in one operation. For standalone RFA files, each family must be updated individually through the Edit Family workflow.
Q: Why does my system family (wall, floor) show a bad thumbnail?
A: System families often generate poor default 3D thumbnails due to Revit limitations. Upload a custom thumbnail image to replace it — this won't affect the family file itself.