What is Revit's definition of an Instance?

[Dave F.]

Hi

In the attached image I drew two concrete rectangular beams, (shown here in section). The one in the middle & right. I then copied the the middle on & placed it on the left. I then edited the middle one's beam material from the properties dialog. Why does it change the copied one as well? This isn't the way it's meant to happen is it? Or am I missing something?
Any ideas for a solution?

Thanks
Dave F.

[twiceroadsfool]

How did you Edit the beams material?

From Properties, did you hit Edit/New to get to the Structure, and edit the material from there?

Or is there a Material Instance Parameter right in the first Properties window?

If its an OOTB family, i think you used the first method. If you did, realize that the moment you hit the EDIT/NEW button, you are in the TYPE properties, and not the INSTANCE properties... So changing the material will change it for that TYPE of beam. To change just that one, you will need to make a new type, or reconfigure the family so that it is an instance parameter...

[Dave F.]

Hi

Attachments this time.
I'm using RS4. is it different in RB?
It's a self created type of an OOTB family, & it's an instance parameter. It only amends copied entities. If i draw two beams of the thae same type/family they don't effect each other.

[twiceroadsfool]

Ahh, my apologies. I thought you were in Revit Arch or Revot Bldg. I wasnt aware it was differeint in Revit Struct... Interesting...

[Dave F.]

Ahh, my apologies. I thought you were in Revit Arch or Revot Bldg. I wasnt aware it was differeint in Revit Struct... Interesting...

No. My apologies. I should have said, seeing I am in the RA/RB forum.
It's just that usually the differences aren't relevant & there's a lot more people in this forum so usually get a quicker response. Sorry.

However I've just had it tried out in RB9.1 & the properties dialog is the same. But the error doesn't occur?!

I shall repost on the structural forum. Thanks for your help.

[greg.mcdowell]

It sounds like the behavior I expect and see in Max... where an Instance of an object reflects all changes with other like Instances... a copy breaks this link... but I've not heard or seen this in Revit. Interesting...

[aaronrumple]

It sounds like the behavior I expect and see in Max... where an Instance of an object reflects all changes with other like Instances... a copy breaks this link... but I've not heard or seen this in Revit. Interesting...In comparing Viz terminology to Revit terminology:

A Viz copy is a Revit Instance.
A Viz instance is a Revit type.

The difference in terminology is that all Revit object have both type and instance characteristics. Where in Viz an object is either a copy or an instance - but can't be half of one and half of another. The Revit model is more powerful.