To upload all families from a Revit model at once, upload the .rvt file through the Families page. Pirros automatically extracts every family inside the model and adds them to your library.
Prerequisite: Admin role required.
This video walks through configuring thumbnail and upload settings, uploading an RVT model, and assigning extracted families to a project or your typical library.
Step 1: Configure Thumbnail Preview Settings
Before uploading, set your thumbnail preferences so extracted families display correctly. These settings are shared with RFA uploads.
Open Settings (dropdown arrow → gear icon).
Go to Uploads → Thumbnail Previews.
Configure Visual Style, Detail Level, 3D View / Angle, and Custom Appearance by Category as needed. See "Uploading RFA Files to the Families Module" for detailed descriptions of each option.
Important: Thumbnail settings only apply to families uploaded after the change.
Step 2: Configure Upload Settings (Category Filters)
For RVT uploads, you must also configure which family categories Pirros should extract from the model.
In Settings → Uploads, select Content.
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The Settings page with Uploads → Content selected in the left sidebar.
Scroll to the Families Uploads section.
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The Families Uploads section showing toggles for Loadable and System Families.
By default, both Loadable and System Families are enabled. Toggle these off if you don't want those family types extracted.
Click the dropdown next to Revit Family Categories to select which categories to extract (e.g., Doors, Casework, Plumbing Fixtures).
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The Revit Family Categories dropdown showing checkboxes for each category. Only checked categories are extracted during upload.
Tip: Most firms start with all relevant categories enabled, then refine over time. You probably don't want every category — exclude categories your firm doesn't use (e.g., a structural firm may skip Plumbing Fixtures).
Step 3: Upload the RVT Model
Navigate to the Families page and click + New Family.
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The Families page with the + New Family button.
Drag and drop the RVT model into the drop zone, or connect via Autodesk (ACC) from the left panel.
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The upload screen showing the drag-and-drop zone and the Autodesk ACC connection option.
The model appears on the right side of the upload screen.
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The upload screen showing the RVT model listed on the right panel, ready for assignment.
Step 4: Assign and Upload
Click the checkmark to select all, then click Assign Project.
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The upload screen with select-all checked and Assign Project button visible.
Choose Typical or a specific project, then click Save.
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The assignment dialog with the destination dropdown and Save button.
Click Upload.
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The Upload button at the bottom of the screen.
Processing time depends on the model size and number of families. Once complete, all extracted families appear in the Families module with thumbnails based on your configured settings.
FAQ
Q: How many families can a single RVT model contain?
A: There's no set limit. Large models with hundreds of families are common. Processing time increases with model complexity.
Q: Will uploading the same model twice create duplicates?
A: If the families have the same names, Pirros may create duplicates. Check your library before re-uploading, or use the model as an update to existing families.
Q: What's the difference between Loadable and System Families?
A: Loadable families are standalone .rfa files (doors, furniture, fixtures). System families are built into Revit (walls, floors, ceilings) and can't exist as separate files. Most firms only need loadable families in Pirros.
Q: Can I upload from ACC directly?
A: Yes. On the upload screen, use the Autodesk option in the left panel to connect to your ACC account and select models.