Revit Tip: Cut Geometry Best Practices for Openings and Model Coordination

Today’s tip focuses on using Cut Geometry to resolve clashes cleanly and keep models predictable.

When to use Cut Geometry:

• Embed fixtures into hosts (e.g., sinks into countertops, recessed lights into ceilings, grilles into walls).
• Create precise penetrations in walls, floors, roofs, and ceilings for MEP systems.
• Carve reveals, pockets, and notches without over-editing host profiles.
• Replace “masking” workarounds with true solids/voids that export correctly.

How to apply it (project environment):

• Select Modify > Geometry > Cut, pick the host first (e.g., Wall), then the cutter (e.g., Generic Model void family).
• Use Modify > Geometry > Uncut to revert a mistaken or outdated cut.
• Remember: Cut precedence is directional—host is the first pick, cutter is the second.

Family-driven voids (most reliable):

• In the Family Editor, create a Void form that intersects the intended host.
• Check “Cut with Voids When Loaded” in Family Category and Parameters.
• Face-based or workplane-based families tend to place and cut more predictably.
• For nested voids: set the nested family to Shared, perform the cut inside the host family, and ensure “Cut with Voids When Loaded” is enabled.
• Parameterize void size/offsets (e.g., +10 mm clearance) to manage tolerances globally.

Join vs Cut vs Profile tools:

• Join Geometry: merges faces and cleans edges; it does not remove material.
• Cut Geometry: subtracts one element’s volume from another; updates across views and exports.
• Cut Profile: view-only graphic tweak; does not change 3D geometry or exports—use sparingly for documentation.

Troubleshooting quick checks:

• Category compatibility: not all categories can cut all hosts. Generic Models with voids typically cut walls/floors/roofs/ceilings well.
• Intersections: ensure the void actually intersects the host’s solid volume at the correct phase and design option.
• Joins first: if a Join prevents cutting, Unjoin, perform the cut, then re-Join if needed.
• Linked files: Cut Geometry does not operate across links. Create the opening in the linked model, or replace links with native elements for that operation.
• Layer priorities: wall layer Functions and priorities can affect cuts at boundaries—target the correct layer in compound structures.

Performance and model health:

• Prefer family-based void cutters over numerous in-place voids—faster and more maintainable.
• Group or standardize recurring openings (e.g., typical duct penetrations) via typed families and schedules.
• Audit, Purge Unused, and compact regularly, especially after large rounds of cuts and in-place edits.

Documentation and QA:

• Tag openings and penetrations using shared parameters for size, system, and fire rating.
• Build QC schedules to list all cutting families and their host categories for review.
• Flag temporary or construction-phase cuts with a Yes/No parameter to filter them from issue sets.

Tip in practice: standardize a small library of parametric “Opening” families (round, rectangular, sleeve, firestopping) with preset tolerances. You’ll accelerate coordination, reduce clashes, and export cleaner models.

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