How do I create a new baluster type in Revit?

To configure a new baluster arrangement or integrate a new baluster family into your railings in Revit, you'll modify the Baluster Placement settings within the railing's Type Properties. This process allows you to define the baluster pattern, spacing, and connection points for your railing system, using baluster families that are already loaded into your project.

Understanding Baluster Configuration in Revit

When we talk about "creating a new baluster type" in Revit, it generally refers to one of two things:

Creating a new baluster family (.rfa file): This involves modeling the baluster geometry in a separate family editor, defining its parameters, and saving it as a reusable component. This process is outside the scope of configuring a railing type itself.
Defining a new baluster arrangement or pattern within a railing type: This means specifying which existing baluster families are used, their spacing, offsets, and how they connect to the railing's top and base rails. This guide focuses on this aspect.

By customizing the baluster placement, you gain precise control over the visual design and structural behavior of your railings.

Key Concepts in Baluster Placement

Main Pattern Balusters: These are the primary balusters that repeat along the railing's length.
Post Balusters: These are specific balusters placed at the start, corners, and end of railing segments.
Base & Top: Define the attachment points for the baluster (e.g., to the host floor, a specific rail, or the top rail).
Offsets: Vertical and horizontal adjustments from the attachment points or railing path.
Layout: The method used to distribute balusters (e.g., fixed distance, fixed number).

Step-by-Step Guide to Configuring Baluster Placement

Follow these steps to customize the baluster arrangement for your railing type in Revit:

1. Accessing Railing Type Properties

First, you need to open the properties of the railing you wish to modify:

In a plan view, select the railing you want to modify.
On the Properties palette, locate the "Type Selector" dropdown and click Edit Type. This will open the "Type Properties" dialog box for the selected railing type.

2. Modifying Baluster Placement Rules

Within the "Type Properties" dialog, you'll find the settings for baluster arrangement:

In the "Type Properties" dialog, locate the Baluster Placement parameter under the "Construction" section.
Click the Edit button next to "Baluster Placement." This opens the "Edit Baluster Placement" dialog, which is your central hub for defining baluster patterns.

3. Defining the Main Baluster Pattern

This section allows you to set up the repeating baluster pattern along the railing.

For Main Pattern (Baluster Pattern section):

Baluster Family: From the dropdown list, select the desired baluster family that you want to use for the main pattern. Ensure the baluster family is already loaded into your project.
Base: Choose the element to which the bottom of the baluster will connect. Options typically include "Railing Base (Host)," "Host," or specific rails within your railing system.
Top: Select the element to which the top of the baluster will connect. Options include "Railing Top (Top Rail)," "Top Rail," or other specific rails.
Base Offset: Enter a value to vertically offset the baluster's base from its chosen connection point.
Top Offset: Enter a value to vertically offset the baluster's top from its chosen connection point.
Layout: This determines how the balusters are distributed:
- Fixed Distance: Balusters are placed at a set interval.
- Fixed Number: A specific number of balusters are evenly distributed.
- Spread Pattern to Fit: The pattern spreads to fill the segment, adjusting distances slightly.
- Pattern to Fit: Repeats the pattern as many times as possible within the segment.
Distance/Number: Depending on your chosen layout, enter the specific distance or number of balusters.
Justify: Controls the alignment of the baluster pattern within a segment (e.g., Beginning, Center, End, Spread).
Offset: Enter a value to horizontally offset the baluster from the railing path.
Spread Pattern to Fit (checkbox): When checked, Revit attempts to distribute the balusters evenly across the length of the railing segment.

4. Configuring Post Balusters

The "Posts" section allows you to define unique balusters for specific locations along the railing:

For Posts (Start, Corner, End):

You can set distinct baluster families and offsets for the Start Post, Corner Post, and End Post of each railing segment. The options for Baluster Family, Base, Top, Base Offset, and Top Offset are similar to those for the Main Pattern. This is useful for creating aesthetically pleasing transitions and reinforcements.

5. Applying Changes

Once you've configured all your baluster settings, click OK in the "Edit Baluster Placement" dialog.
Then, click OK in the "Type Properties" dialog to apply your new baluster arrangement to the railing type.

Practical Tips for Custom Baluster Arrangements

Load Baluster Families First: Before you can select a baluster family in the "Edit Baluster Placement" dialog, it must be loaded into your Revit project. If you've created a custom .rfa baluster or downloaded one, ensure it's loaded via the "Insert" tab > "Load Family." Learn more about loading families in Revit's official documentation: Revit Families Overview.
Experiment with Layout and Justify: These settings have a significant impact on the visual distribution of balusters. Test different combinations to achieve your desired look.
Check in 3D Views: Always review your changes in a 3D view to accurately visualize the baluster placement and ensure there are no unexpected overlaps or gaps.
Duplicate and Rename: When creating a new baluster arrangement, it's best practice to duplicate an existing railing type and rename it. This preserves the original type and allows for easy iteration. For example, rename "Railing Type - 1" to "Railing Type - Custom Balusters."
Baluster Families vs. Panels: For more complex infill designs, consider using railing panels instead of individual baluster families. Panels can host intricate patterns or glass elements.

Common Baluster Placement Parameters

Here's a quick reference table for the most frequently used parameters:

Parameter	Description
Baluster Family	The specific Revit family (.rfa) file used for the baluster.
Base	Defines the bottom connection point for the baluster (e.g., Railing Base, Host, or a specific rail).
Top	Defines the top connection point for the baluster (e.g., Railing Top, Top Rail, or another specific rail).
Base Offset	A vertical distance added to or subtracted from the baluster's base connection point.
Top Offset	A vertical distance added to or subtracted from the baluster's top connection point.
Layout	Controls the distribution method of balusters along the railing (e.g., Fixed Distance, Fixed Number).
Distance/Number	The numeric value corresponding to the chosen Layout method (e.g., 4" for Fixed Distance).
Justify	Specifies the alignment of the baluster pattern within a segment (e.g., Beginning, Center, End).
Offset	A horizontal distance from the railing path.