Cut Geometry

With the Cut Geometry tool, you can pick and choose which geometry gets cut and which does not, regardless of when you created the geometry.

Video: Work with Voids

When you create a void, it affects only existing geometry. In this case, you can use the Cut Geometry tool to cause the void to cut solids that are created after the void.

You typically cut geometry with voids. However, you can cut certain models with solids. These models include conceptual masses and model family instances. See Cut Geometry with a Solid Form.

Note: When you use the Cut Geometry command, the material of the second picked object is applied to both objects.

You cannot cut system families, detail families, and profile families with solids.

Note: While this tool and the UnCut Geometry tool are primarily for families, you can use them to embed curtain walls and cut project geometry.
Note: In the Family Editor, the parameter Cuts Geometry controls if the void will cut intersecting geometry in the family. The Cuts Geometry parameter of the void can be associated to a yes/no family parameter to control cutting behavior parametrically for family instances and types.

To cut geometry with voids

  1. In the Family Editor, create solid geometry; it can be a single primitive or some joined primitives.
  2. Create a void through the solid geometry.
  3. Create another solid geometry shape and join it to the existing geometry.
  4. Click Modify tabGeometry panelCut drop-down (Cut Geometry) and select the void you created.

    Notice the cursor changes shape.

  5. Select the geometry you created in Step 3.
    Note: Select Multiple Cut on the options bar to select more than one element to be cut by the void.

    Revit cuts the selected geometry.

Cutting with voids in families when loaded

You can cut objects in a project when a family with unattached voids is loaded.

Objects that can be cut include: Walls, Floors, Roofs, Ceilings, and Structural Framing, Structural Columns, Structural Foundations, Casework, Furniture, Specialty Equipment, and Generic Models.

For example, when placing a sink in a project, the void defined as part of the sink family can cut a countertop. When placing a recessed light fixture in a project, the void defined as part of the light fixture family can cut the mounting surface.

To cut objects in a project using voids in the family

  1. Open the Revit family with unattached voids and click Create tab Properties panel Family Category and Parameters.
  2. In the Family Category and Parameters dialog, select Cut With Voids when Loaded and click OK.
  3. Load the family into the project and place it.
  4. Click Modify tabGeometry panelCut drop-down (Cut Geometry).
  5. Select the object to be cut.
  6. Select the instance with which to cut.
    7. Note: If the instance has several unattached voids, all of them will participate in cutting.
Parent topic: About Creating Solid and Void Geometry