July 13, 2021

Revit 2022 – Custom Materials – Create Custom Material

Paul Storm | Application Engineer

How do we create our own custom materials and store them in our own custom material library and custom asset library?” In the next three blogs, I will show how to do this. Here are the links to the other blogs in this series:

https://www.mgfx.co.za/?p=45827&preview=true

https://www.mgfx.co.za/?p=45834&preview=true

Note, we have already covered the material transform in the following blog:

https://www.mgfx.co.za/blog/engineering-manufacturing-design/sharing-custom-revit-materials/

We have also covered how to share custom material images:

https://www.mgfx.co.za/blog/engineering-manufacturing-design/sharing-custom-revit-materials/

The custom materials do not always work properly when used between different Autodesk software or on the Autodesk Construction Cloud.

Download the image that you would like to use. I use Sketchup Texture Club:

https://www.sketchuptextureclub.com/

This is the look that the user would like to have for their material when they render.

Next, take existing material and duplicate it. If necessary, swap out the appearance asset with an asset that has the required properties.

It might take some time to find the most appropriate appearance asset, but it is well worth your time to get familiar with them. Note, there are not only appearance assets but also physical assets for thermal and strength properties to be applied to the material definition.

Transform the image as required. Count the number of items and set the appropriate size.

Set up the correct graphics appearance pattern for the material (use a model pattern so the appearance pattern can be aligned and rotated by aligning the graphics pattern).

Make sure the appearance asset and graphics assets are aligned.

We cover how to create unique model patterns here, as well as some of the pitfalls to watch out for:

https://www.mgfx.co.za/blog/building-architectural-design/custom-revit-model-brick-pattern/

https://www.mgfx.co.za/blog/building-architectural-design/revit-to-autocad-hatch-pattern-pitfall/

If you need help adopting Revit or BIM (Building Information Modelling) in your practice, please contact Micrographics so we may be of assistance.

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About the Author

Paul Storm | Application Engineer

Paul is a key player in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Autodesk spectrum, specialising in BIM ISO 19650 and the Autodesk Construction Cloud. He guides Architecture and MEP firms during their transition from CAD to BIM, ensuring smooth setup, efficient file management, and successful software adoption. Paul has been instrumental in managing projects worth several billion rands across the Southern African region, showcasing his dedication and expertise in advancing the industry.