# Workflow - Step by Step

<figure><img src="/files/lWhSA0H7FukN7aSzLLFR" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

We want to make it as simple as possible for you to try out our SIP Panels solution on your own. In this article, I’ll go through the basic steps to follow so that your use of the software is as hassle-free as possible.

{% hint style="info" %}
*Since these instructions are meant to simplify **testing** of SIP Panels, I have used our sample configurations and families throughout.*

*Just keep in mind that **all these sample rules can be modified to your own needs and standards.** That goes for all - Framing, Insulation & Paneling, Numbering, Shop Drawing configurations, etc*
{% endhint %}

I’ll be referring to functions from these ribbons throughout this article:

<figure><img src="/files/eXt7hM9LxoDUMGS6A5yJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="130"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><mark style="color:purple;"><strong>Wall+ SIP</strong></mark></td><td>Functionality needed for modeling &#x26; documenting SIP walls</td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:purple;"><strong>Floor+ SIP</strong></mark></td><td>Functionality needed for modeling &#x26; documenting SIP floors</td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:purple;"><strong>Roof+ SIP</strong></mark></td><td>Functionality needed for modeling &#x26; documenting SIP roofs</td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:purple;"><strong>Smart Views SIP</strong></mark></td><td>Functionality needed for creating Revit views for SIP walls, floors and roofs with automated dimensions and tags </td></tr></tbody></table>

&#x20;So, let's find out how to start creating SIP Panel structures in Revit from scratch.

## <mark style="color:purple;">SETUP</mark>

After starting a new Revit project, make sure you save it.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/FXvcuDfpH3pJvbDHaGbH" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

{% hint style="info" %}
Most examples will be demonstrated using **Wall+ SIP**, but the logic is the same for **Floor+ SIP** and **Roof+ SIP** tools.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

### <mark style="color:purple;">STEP 1: Load Families</mark>

Choose the sample families to be loaded into the current project. SIP Panels software provides sample **Metric** and **Imperial** families for creating frames with SIP Panels, tag families, and sample schedules.

{% hint style="info" %}
*Have in mind, that all these sample families can be modified to each user's needs and standards.*
{% endhint %}

We recommend loading at least these Catalogs for Walls:\
**Main Families**\
**Optional-Gravity Center**\
**Sample Schedules**\
**Sample Tags**\
**Split & Invisible Families**

<figure><img src="/files/TV0QWjack4j8nFOxjysn" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

And these catalogs for Floors & Roofs:

<figure><img src="/files/CNLZVRY3rc0EmnNoOY91" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Other catalogs, like Siding, Flooring, Main I-Joist, Roofing etc. are optional and you can choose to load them based on your needs.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Do not use any other Structural Framing families!** You can use other families only in special cases. [**Contact us**](https://helpdesk.agacad.com/support/tickets/new)**.**
{% endhint %}

After loading, you can find the families by going to **Project Browser → Families** under **Structural Framing, Annotation Symbols**, and **Generic Models** categories.

### <mark style="color:purple;">STEP 2: Transfer Standards (optional)</mark>

**Template Project** is a Revit file with sample Wall, Floor and Roof types, standards, and annotations. Template Project feature allows users to transfer all needed information from Template Project, eliminating the need to create Wall/Floor/Roof types and other needed elements or standards in every new project from scratch.

<figure><img src="/files/jmOatNcdO0H19zg4NS1k" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

So, before working with the software, we recommend using at least "Transfer Standards" feature.

1. **Template Project Location** – the path to your template project. SIP Panels comes with a sample Template Project, which is mapped here automatically.

{% hint style="info" %}
*When starting out, we recommend using the sample template project that comes with the software and is automatically mapped already. Later on, of course, you can create and use your own.*\
\&#xNAN;***In this template project, we've prepared View Templates with Filters useful for working with SIP Panels. It does not include any Wall, Floor or Roof Types.***&#x20;
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/6ePCIwRaTQs4bWjXCh6P" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. **Transfer Standards** – Opens Revit's 'Transfer Project Standards' dialog window.\
   You then need to manually select various styles, types and settings which need to be transferred from the Template Project File so Current Project.

At least 6 options must be selected:\
\
**Text Types**\
**View Reference Types**\
**View Templates**\
**Viewport Types**\
**Dimension Styles**\
**Filters**

You can select more options if needed.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/0x3DuiHeVjrUMcODPRXS" alt="" width="385"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

You can also use your own project as template. It can include standard Wall, Floor, Roof Types and Annotations that can be transferred automatically to your current project:

**Transfer Wall Types** – transfer wall types from the projects which is defined in 'Template Project Location' to the current project.

**Transfer Floor Types** – transfer floor types from the projects which is defined in 'Template Project Location' to the current project.

**Transfer Roof Types** – transfer roof types from the projects which is defined in 'Template Project Location' to the current project.

**Transfer Annotations** – loads and overwrites Tags, Callout Heads, Section Heads, Section View Types, Title Blocks and copies Legend Views, Schedules from the projects that is defined in the 'Template Project Location' to the current project.

## <mark style="color:purple;">MODELING</mark>

Assuming you already have:

* Needed sample families loaded using 'Load Families' <mark style="color:purple;">(</mark>[<mark style="color:purple;">Step 1</mark>](#step-1-load-families)<mark style="color:purple;">)</mark>
* All types and standards transferred to new/current project <mark style="color:purple;">(</mark>[<mark style="color:purple;">Step 2 - optional</mark>](#step-2-transfer-standards-optional)<mark style="color:purple;">)</mark>

We can start by creating the architectural model that we'll later frame automatically.

### <mark style="color:purple;">STEP 3: CREATING BASIC REVIT WALLS, FLOORS AND ROOFS</mark>

In this example, I modeled a few walls, floors and a roof:<br>

<figure><img src="/files/EzRpZaNeBEuYJFrSqQqg" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### <mark style="color:purple;">**Modeling Recommendations**</mark> <a href="#id-1" id="id-1"></a>

1. The Wall/Floor/Roof structure should be layered the way the parts of the framing will be modeled, e.g.:

<figure><img src="/files/otwddjWmjzYFGY89a7lY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

We recommend having only one ‘**Structure \[1]**‘ layer inside the Core Boundaries for the Frame/Insulation layer. Layers for paneling (for example OSB), should be added outside the core boundary. You should also assign a Material to each layer and if it has a Density parameter value, the element’s mass will be calculated. The thickness of these layers should be correct as well, and there are no limits to how many layers you can have.\
We need three layers to create the SIP Panels, but you can add layers for additional layers as well, like nailers, sidings etc.

2\. Avoid abnormal wall forms. Sometimes these occur when a wall is attached to a roof:

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/lH5q6n29eQZgAM3loOVD" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

3\. Walls/Floors/Roofs should be modeled, as they should be paneled and prefabricated.

\
For example, if your wall SIP Panel should start from Level 1 and end on Level 2, you should model your walls respectively:\ <br>

<figure><img src="/files/sORtOmqgzwyb0DeN2SAd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Furthermore, you can split walls not only manually using Revit’s **Split Element** command, but also automatically using [Smart Walls](https://agacad.com/products/tools4revit/smart-walls/overview). Floors and Roofs can also be split automatically using [Floor Panel Layout](https://agacad.com/products/bim-solutions/floor-panel-layout/overview) and [Roof Panel Layout](https://agacad.com/products/bim-solutions/roof-panel-layout/overview).

4\. Pay attention to Wall Connections. These are the most common connections you'll need and I explain more about each of these 4 below.

<figure><img src="/files/4hjMqVLJV7gPmjzpAqM0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="177"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>L Connection</strong></td><td>For L Connections, it’s important which wall is longer and which is shorter. Make sure they connect like they should be framed/paneled. In the image above, you can see that the selected wall is longer in this example.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Free</strong> <strong>Start/End Connection</strong></td><td>Free Start/End Connections are not connected to other Walls.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>T Connection</strong></td><td><p>T Connections are created by intersecting walls. When creating SIP Panel structures, we recommend <strong>disconnecting</strong> the connected Wall (see image below) in order to get an appropriate connection for the panels.<br>After disconnecting, you should align the disconnected Walls' end where the future frame should end.<br></p><p><img src="/files/TECPSCWdmcfJ65ot0BQS" alt="" data-size="original"></p></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Multi-Wall Connection</strong></td><td>When multiple walls connect, we recommend <strong>disconnecting</strong> one of the walls (see image below) so that there would only be two walls connecting. In this example, I disconnected an interior wall, so two exterior walls will be framed as an L Connection.<br>After disconnecting, you should align the disconnected Walls' end where the future frame should end.<br><br><img src="/files/EAbkXWULKU8ZE7sSl0hn" alt="" data-size="original"></td></tr></tbody></table>

This is how the result will look like after we create the SIP Panels:<br>

<figure><img src="/files/32aV856Ar1KuIpVwLHIo" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

After the model is created, we can start using the sample configurations to create the Frames.

### <mark style="color:purple;">STEP 4: Link Wall/Floor/Roof</mark>

<figure><img src="/files/b8q6NTdjVWPM3KHHMzQL" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

We need three layers to create the SIP Panels:\
**Paneling** (OSB)\
**Frame** with Insulation\
**Paneling** (OSB)\
\
Optionally, you can add layers for additional layers as well, like nailers, sidings, etc. In this example, we will focus on the most important settings for the three SIP Panel layers.

{% hint style="info" %}
*This example is with the Wall, but the logic is very similar for Floors and Roofs.*

For more complex situations, we can also frame Paneling layers using invisible elements and split internal and external paneling layers by those elements, instead of the main Frames. Such an example can be found in the SIP sample project.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/acIJCbVuam5gF8VFrPWE" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

1. Selected wall/floor/roof type
2. <mark style="color:purple;">**Framing Layer**</mark> -  "**Frame"** should be selected for the Frame/Insulation layer, and "**Paneling**" should be selected for internal and external paneling layers.
3. <mark style="color:purple;">**Framing Configuration**</mark> – select a framing configuration with the definition of all framing parameters. A sample configuration, "**SIP Frame**," that comes with the SIP Panels software, was used here, but you can also create your own later on. \
   In this example, we'll split the internal and external panels by the main Frame, so "**None**" is chosen for internal and external paneling layers.
4. <mark style="color:purple;">**Frame**</mark> – choose whether layers should be framed during the framing process.\
   In this example, we'll Frame only the main Frame/Insulation layer.
5. <mark style="color:purple;">**Split Parts**</mark> - this option should be selected for all three SIP panel layers, as Insulation and Paneling are created as Parts category in Revit .
6. <mark style="color:purple;">**Split by**</mark> - this option should be selected for the main Frame layer, as we'll split the Insulation and Paneling layers by the Structural Framing elements that are defined in the "SIP Frame" sample framing configuration.
7. <mark style="color:purple;">**Paneling Configuration**</mark> – select a paneling configuration with the definition of how SIP panel layers  should be split. Sample configurations that come with the SIP Panels software was used here, but you can also create your own later on.&#x20;
8. <mark style="color:purple;">**Exclude Parts**</mark> –  select the parts that need to be excluded from the wall/floor/roof. SIP panels are created as parts, so this tick mark should be unticked for all three layers.

{% hint style="info" %}
I demonstrated the workflow from STEP 5, and more, during this webinar:
{% endhint %}

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/C-vxYz_XXCw?si=PvkQG2vSD54C4vqJ>" %}

### <mark style="color:purple;">STEP 5: CREATE FRAME & SPLIT PARTS</mark>

#### <mark style="color:purple;">Before you start</mark>

Sheathing or paneling is created using Revit **Parts**.

In order to see the sheathing or paneling, you have to select **Show Parts** or **Show Both** in **View Properties → Parts Visibility**.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/Mu74OmgvV2mi1mLp1ehh" alt="" width="288"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

And if you transferred "View Templates" and "Filters" from the sample Template Project in [Step 2](#step-2-transfer-standards-optional), you can use these **View Templates** with Part visibility turned on:<br>

<table><thead><tr><th width="180">View Template</th><th width="216">Description</th><th>Example</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Main Frame with Parts</strong></td><td>only the main frame and all part layers (internal &#x26; external paneling, insulation) will be visible</td><td><img src="/files/iM6LYAb36TtnNCAvWBCd" alt="" data-size="original"></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Frame with Insulation</strong></td><td>all framing layers and insulation will be visible (internal &#x26; external paneling is not visible)</td><td><img src="/files/NGF92lJMaGnWeZv3Nkow" alt="" data-size="original"></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Frame with Parts</strong> </td><td>all framing layers and all part layers (internal &#x26; external paneling, insulation) will be visible</td><td><img src="/files/mOFF44lVVe7KLe0t0uMU" alt="" data-size="original"></td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="info" %}
Of course, you can create your own View Templates with various filters.
{% endhint %}

Now, you can select all of the walls (floors and roofs as well) you wish to frame and use "Frame Wall". In this example, selected Wall, Floor, and Roof frames by chosen sample configurations were generated and Parts for Insulation and Paneling layers were split at the same time:

<figure><img src="/files/VgOWD7N7XGMPz2eAAcsy" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

In the image above, you can see the main Frame with Insulation.\
And here, you can see the internal and external Paneling layers as well:\ <br>

<figure><img src="/files/PPBVY703hYTdG8clk0ft" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
*Please note, that these sample configurations can be modified to each user's needs and standards. That goes for all - Framing, Connections, Numbering, Shop Drawing configurations, etc.*
{% endhint %}

*In this example, all Insulation and Paneling parts are split by the main Frame together with the Frame Wall/Frame Floor/Frame Roof commands, because the **Split Parts with "Frame Wall" Command** tick mark is turned on in the sample configurations:*<br>

<figure><img src="/files/7DvPjrnaaBTeQh3iKEuu" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/5IXSo9PhdELe0tVQLBZ9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If this tick mark would be unticked, you'd have to use "Frame Wall" command and then, use "Split Parts" command after that.

*Read more about:*\
[Wall Wood Framing](https://docs.agacad.com/3d-modeling-and-design/wood-framing/wall-wood-framing)\
[Floor Wood Framing](https://docs.agacad.com/3d-modeling-and-design/wood-framing/floor-wood-framing)\
[Roof Wood Framing](https://docs.agacad.com/3d-modeling-and-design/wood-framing/roof-wood-framing)<br>

#### <mark style="color:purple;">Split & Cut SIP Parts</mark>

Parts are split by those Structural framing elements, which have the "<mark style="color:purple;">**Split Parts**</mark>" parameter turned **ON** in their Type Properties:<br>

<figure><img src="/files/vsyIsa78WKM2uNIkZ069" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

However, certain elements should have this tick mark turned **OFF**. It all depends on your standards and situations. <br>

Additionally, for the Insulation layer, we also need to cut the Parts with the Structural Framing elements (Studs, Joists, Plates, etc.) so that they wouldn't intersect:

<figure><img src="/files/k6kcJIJIOR4qxekHoJa9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To get a better understanding of how it works, read more about:\
[Split & Cut SIP Parts](https://docs.agacad.com/3d-modeling-and-design/sip-panels/split-and-cut-sip-parts)

### <mark style="color:purple;">STEP 6: MODIFY/UPDATE (optional)</mark>

The software is very flexible when it comes to modifying the frames after they’ve been generated by the settings in your configurations. You can modify the frames using features from the “Add/Modify Elements”, "Edit Elements" window and using "Modify Frame" if you need to. There are many possible ways and workflows, so these are just a few examples.\
\
&#x20;In this example, vertical and horizontal additional elements were added automatically:

<figure><img src="/files/k3iGRee54QDNy0CQ1jSE" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

In this example, the frames with SIP panels were updated based on the changes made in the architectural model (the wall and floor became larger and opening was added):

<figure><img src="/files/EpimTJELdnTGQDgwT3zg" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

In this example, the instance of the Roof framing configuration was modified to have horizontal bridging elements with alternating offsets. Instead of distributing the posts from the start of the wall, we changed it to have the spacing in the middle of the wall:

<figure><img src="/files/uEVkC8r958x5LOci8j6Q" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### <mark style="color:purple;">STEP 8: INSERT CONNECTIONS (optional)</mark>

When we have all walls, floors and roofs framed and panelized, we can continue by creating connections. Using features from the “Smart Connections” window, you can insert hundreds of elements into your project with just a few clicks. Time-saving features ensure fast, accurate modeling of highly detailed projects. You can easily follow project changes & quickly modify & update fasteners and joints as needed.

{% hint style="info" %}
*Please note, that you can also use your own Structural Connection families and create configurations based on your needs and standards.*
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/g7CtGyXprfDzGhBsnIDl" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

*Read more about:* \
[*Smart Connections*](https://docs.agacad.com/3d-modeling-and-design/smart-connections)

### <mark style="color:purple;">STEP 9: FINISHING (optional)</mark>

You can frame additional layers like Secondary Frames, Nailers, Sidings, Roofing, etc.

For example, in this Wall Link, I created additional layers for Nailers, Siding, etc., as you can see here:

<figure><img src="/files/2EXku0gCk3AwgU3DmT7v" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

As a result, additional layers are created using „**Add Additional Layers**“ command:<br>

<br>

<figure><img src="/files/PfC21tLjlRXG6eLaLoOX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/16CLwofVoEAKMkzhOD6J" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## <mark style="color:purple;">DOCUMENTATION</mark>

### <mark style="color:purple;">STEP 10: NUMBER ELEMENTS</mark> <br>

<figure><img src="/files/QiuIuSkG40FI0OCDjnLF" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Before creating shop drawings and schedules, we need to make sure that all elements are numbered.\
First, we need to number the hosts, so we should use the "**Number Walls**" (Number Floors/Number Roofs) command and then the "**Number Parts"** and "**Number Elements"** commands. All elements will have all needed information not only about themselves (for example, FM Sort Mark) but also, about their hosts (Walls/Floors/Roofs).

<figure><img src="/files/XfWc1AAqJHEduM6asFF5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
*Please note, that sample configurations for numbering can be modified to each user's needs and standards.*&#x20;
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/RpyKVva6AKzTw4aoswPe" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

*Read more about:* [Numbering](https://docs.agacad.com/3d-modeling-and-design/wood-framing/wall-wood-framing/numbering)

### <mark style="color:purple;">STEP 11: Create Assembly Drawings & Schedules</mark>

<figure><img src="/files/e9rDSLAm5tdcJz0JKuzC" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Finally, when all elements in your project are numbered, we can create shop drawings and schedules automatically, as well as distribute them on sheets. Simply select single or multiple parts and use the “Create Part Assembly” feature, which is for creating assembly views and schedules for SIP Panels.&#x20;

Parts can be selected manually, or automatically. In this example, I selected all **Main Parts by Layer in Level** automatically and used "**Create Part Assembly**":

<figure><img src="/files/xTJbWWknUZQB67i125sY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

As a result, wall SIP Panel Assembly schedules and drawings with tags and dimensions were generated automatically:

<figure><img src="/files/AJtTGmqNYw4pfEZ4nRJC" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

This is an example of floor SIP Panel:

<figure><img src="/files/hzfVidO7B7Nae1OjFfrM" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

And a roof SIP Panel:<br>

<figure><img src="/files/VxcLwnLRN6lPqqsGACDy" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Read more about **automated dimensions***:* [Smart Dimensions](https://docs.agacad.com/common-for-several-products/smart-dimensions)\
Read more about **automated tags**: [Smart Tags](https://docs.agacad.com/common-for-several-products/smart-tags)

### <mark style="color:purple;">STEP 12: Create Revit Views</mark>

Creating assemblies is a useful feature. It lets you take advantage of the benefits that working with assemblies brings, such as separate drawings for assemblies and easier project documentation. But what happens when you need to detail individual elements that are already part of an assembly?&#x20;

That’s when features from **Smart Views** SIP ribbon will help.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/839CgmMM5KCigEzwnpFx" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

“**Create Views**” and “**Create Views for Multiple Elements**”  features are suited for Revit users who need to make drawings of sections and elevations of any building element, all the way from preliminary design stages through to a detailed design. It could be for a wood-framed wall or window, an elevation of selected walls/floors/roofs, or a section of a particular connection, etc.

It's especially useful for SIP Walls/Floors/Roofs, because in Revit, it's impossible to create an assembly of elements that are already assembled (like SIP Panels). So, we can create Assemblies for SIP Panels, and then, use "Smart Views SI&#x50;**"** to create automatically dimensioned and tagged views for elevations or walls/floors/roof containing all SIP Panels.<br>

In this example, we'll select all elements from the main Frame layer (Studs, Plates), Insulation as well as OSB parts. This can be done automatically using **Select Elements -> Select Elements by Filter** and choosing one of the sample selection configurations:<br>

<figure><img src="/files/kTIF4StJG3yeM7LnCUen" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When all needed elements are selected automatically, we can use the “**Create Views for Multiple Elements**” feature and select a sample configuration for creating views:

<figure><img src="/files/YBRSsjSpDkMHlgXFGrdV" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

As a result, Revit Detail Views with dimensions and tags were generated automatically, where we can see all SIP Panel assemblies in the whole wall:<br>

<figure><img src="/files/wDwx2RAh5BBiyxRJ4aMM" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

These views can be distributed automatically as well, using “**Distribute Views on Sheet**”:\
\&#xNAN;*Read more about:* [Distribute Views on Sheet](https://docs.agacad.com/common-for-several-products/smart-views/distribute-views-on-sheets)

That’s it!

All sample configurations used in this explanation can be found and modified under "**Configs**":

<figure><img src="/files/nLaGBOa5L8O3aRfKdz8w" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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