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🔎 Delete Families by File Size

Delete Families by File Size provides an ordered list of all loadable families by file size and enables selective deletion to significantly reduce project file size and clean heavy families from Revit models.
Version 1.4 | Cleaners

Overview​

Heavy families can dramatically increase Revit project file sizes and impact performance, but identifying and managing these families manually is time-consuming. This tool generates an ordered list of all loadable families sorted by file size, enabling targeted deletion of the largest families to achieve substantial file size reductions and cleaner project files.

Key Features​

Usage includes:

  • Size-Ordered Family List: Displays all loadable families ordered from largest to smallest file size.
  • Selective Family Deletion: Choose specific families to delete based on size and usage analysis.
  • Unused Family Detection: Automatically identify families not used in the model for safe deletion.
  • Bulk Selection Options: Check all, none, or only unused families for efficient processing.

Requirements​

Before using Delete Families by File Size, ensure your environment meets the following prerequisites:

 Autodesk Revit: From version 2020 to newest.
 NonicaTab: NonicaTab Pro.

Video​

Usage​

Understanding Family Deletion Impact​

  1. File Size Impact:
    • Heavy families significantly increase project file size
    • Large families affect model performance and sharing times
    • Strategic family deletion can reduce file size by 30-50%
    • Example: 56MB project reduced to 37MB after deleting three heaviest families
  2. Deletion Scope (This Tool):
    • Removes families from project entirely
    • Deletes all associated types within families
    • Removes all instances of family elements from model
    • Permanent deletion requiring careful consideration

Basic Family Analysis and Deletion​

  1. Preparation: CRITICAL - Save your project before running the tool due to its destructive nature.
  2. Navigate to NonicaTab Pro → Delete Families by File Size.
  3. Analysis: Tool creates ordered list of all loadable families by file size (may take long depending on project complexity).

Family Selection and Management​

  1. Review Ordered List:
    • Largest First: Families ordered from heaviest to lightest file size
    • Size Information: Individual family file sizes displayed for informed decisions
    • Strategic Targeting: Focus on largest families for maximum file size impact
  2. Selection Options:
    • Individual Selection: Click specific families for targeted deletion
    • Check All: Select all families (use with extreme caution)
    • Check All Non-Used: Automatically select only families not used in model (safest option)
  3. Usage Analysis: Verify family usage before deletion to avoid removing needed elements.

Deletion Process and Impact​

  1. Pre-Deletion Verification:
    • Review selected families for necessity in project
    • Consider impact of deleting family instances from model
  2. Execute Deletion: Click Delete Checked to remove selected families and all associated content.
  3. Complete Removal: Process deletes:
    • Family Files: Removes families from project entirely
    • Associated Types: Deletes all types within selected families
    • Model Instances: Removes all placed instances from model (e.g., deleting tree family removes all trees)

Advanced Optimization Strategies​

  1. Progressive Deletion Approach:
    • Begin with unused families (safest deletion)
    • Target largest families for maximum impact
    • Consider family replacement before deletion
  2. Usage Impact Assessment:
    • Evaluate whether large families can be replaced with lighter alternatives
    • Consider creating simplified versions of heavy families
    • Balance model detail requirements with file size constraints

FAQ​

The tool performs complete removal: it deletes the family file, all associated types, and every instance of that family placed in the model. For example, deleting a tree family removes all trees from your project.

This tool permanently deletes families and their instances from your model. Saving beforehand ensures you have a backup to restore if you accidentally delete needed families or if the process encounters issues.

This option automatically selects only families that are loaded in the project but have no instances placed in the model. These families are safe to delete since removing them won't affect any model content.

The tool must analyze every loadable family in your project to determine file sizes and usage. Complex projects with many families can take several minutes to process, but this provides comprehensive data for informed deletion decisions.

Once families are deleted and the project is saved, they cannot be easily recovered. You would need to reload the families from your family library or restore from a backup. Always save before using this tool.