Join this site to get perks:
Master Revit’s Change Type tool in Duct & Pipe design—how it streamlines shape swaps, leverages geometry rules, and adapts to different system types.
🧠 What You’ll Learn:
✅ 1. Setup & Demo Environment
How to create a clear workspace: place duct elements (elbows, tees, crosses) across several system types like rectangular, round, and oval.
Recognize how each shape and system is represented (e.g., rectangular mitered elbows, round short-radius elbows).
⚙️ 2. Accessing Change Type
Use Tab-hover & click selection to target parts or full runs.
Quickly launch the tool via contextual ribbon—no need to hunt through menus.
📏 3. Element Type Selection
Learn the available types per shape:
Rectangular elbows (mitered, radius, with tap)
Round elbows (standard, short-radius, with tap)
Oval elbows and specialized fittings
Understand how Revit groups these under “Change Type.”
📐 4. Conversion Mechanics
Rectangle → Round: diameter = width
Round → Rectangular: square formed, diameter sets both width & depth
Convert to Oval, Mitered Elbow, or Back to the shape of choice
All recalculations happen instantly, preserving design coherence
🔄 5. Partial & Multi‑System Selections
Apply changes to full runs or individual sections by tab-selecting parts
Works across systems: pick mixed ducts and pipes, and Revit will prompt which system to adjust
Handy for working with chilled water pipes or HVAC duct bundles
⚠️ 6. Common Pitfalls & Tips
Trying to change within the exact same family but different type may still prompt a system override
Pay attention to dimension conversions—knowing width ↔ diameter relationships avoids unexpected sizing
Revit sometimes defaults to square “fallback” when switching from round to rectangular
🔧 Extended Tech Tips:
Map the Change Type command to a keyboard shortcut for lightning-fast access
With partial selections, test the tool on elbows/fittings first for fine control
Use consistent naming conventions in your families—e.g., “Rect Elbow – Mitered” vs “Round Elbow – SR (Tap)”—to streamline choices
🧩 Bottom Line:
This tool eliminates repetitive redraws. Whether switching duct shapes mid-run or updating chilled water pipe systems, Change Type adapts elements intelligently. It’s a major productivity boost for any MEP workflow—cleaner, faster, smarter modeling.
Source