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💥 Explode 3D View

Explode 3D View performs automated level-based 3D view explosion with parametric distance control and iterative adjustment capabilities, addressing the painful manual process of creating exploded views through set assignments and section box manipulation in Revit.
Version 1.2 | Specials

Overview​

While creating exploded 3D views in Revit is typically a painful process requiring manual set assignments or complex 3D view section box creation and manipulation, this tool addresses those limitations by providing automated level-based view explosion with parametric distance control. This enables rapid creation of exploded 3D views using building levels as separation logic with adjustable spacing, selective level control, and iterative refinement, significantly reducing the time spent on manual exploded view creation tasks that are fundamental to design presentation, construction visualization, and building assembly documentation workflows.

Key Features​

Usage includes:

  • Level-Based Explosion: Automatically explode 3D views using building levels as separation logic.
  • Parametric Distance Control: Set custom increment distances between levels in X, Y, and Z directions.
  • Selective Level Displacement: Choose which levels to include in explosion for customized presentations.
  • Non-Destructive Editing: Modify views without moving actual model elements or changing model geometry.
  • Iterative Refinement: Rerun tool with adjusted parameters to perfect explosion visualization.
  • Visibility Control: Hide ceilings and elements without level assignments for clearer visualization.

Requirements​

Before using Explode 3D View, ensure your environment meets the following prerequisites:

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

Video​

note

This tool heavily relies on how the model is organised.
If the model elements are not organised/splitted by levels (e.g. Walls), the tool won´t be able to explode them.

Usage​

Understanding Standard vs. Enhanced Exploded View Creation Methods​

  1. Standard Revit Exploded View Creation:
    • Manual Set Assignment: Manually assign elements to different sets for explosion control
    • Section Box Manipulation: Create and manipulate multiple 3D view section boxes for explosion effects
    • Time-Intensive Process: Complex setup requiring extensive manual work for each explosion view
    • Limited Flexibility: Difficult to adjust and iterate once explosion setup is established
    • Geometric Complexity: Manual calculation and positioning of explosion distances and relationships
  2. Enhanced Level-Based Explosion (This Tool):
    • Automated Level Logic: Use building levels as automatic separation logic for explosion
    • Parametric Control: Control explosion distances and directions through simple parameter inputs
    • Iterative Workflow: Easily rerun and adjust explosion parameters for optimal visualization
    • Non-Destructive Process: Create exploded views without modifying actual model geometry

Basic Explosion Workflow Setup​

  1. Navigate to NonicaTab Pro → Explode 3D View.
  2. View Selection: Choose target 3D view for explosion:
    • View Specification: Select specific 3D view to modify (view-only changes, model remains unchanged)
    • Safety Assurance: Model elements are not moved or modified, only view display is affected
  3. Level Selection Configuration:
    • Level Displacement Control: Select which levels to include in explosion displacement
    • Selective Application: Mark or unmark specific levels for customized explosion patterns
    • Grouping Strategy: Group levels together by unmarking intermediate levels for consolidated display

Advanced Distance and Direction Control​

  1. Increment Distance Configuration:
    • Z-Direction Control: Set vertical distance increments between levels (e.g., 9 meters between foundation and Level 1)
    • X and Y Direction Options: Configure horizontal explosion increments for complex explosion patterns
    • Progressive Spacing: Each level displaced by cumulative increment distances from original position
    • Custom Distance Values: Adjust distances based on project scale and visualization requirements (15 meters example)
  2. Multi-Directional Explosion Strategies:
    • Vertical Explosion: Primary Z-direction explosion for floor-by-floor building breakdown
    • Horizontal Expansion: X and Y increment options for lateral building component separation
    • Combined Movements: Use multiple direction increments for complex 3D explosion patterns
    • Spatial Relationships: Maintain clear spatial relationships while achieving desired separation
  3. Distance Optimization Techniques:
    • Initial Distance Testing: Start with moderate distances (9m) and adjust based on visual results
    • Iterative Refinement: Progressively adjust distances (15m example) for optimal presentation
    • Scale Considerations: Match explosion distances to project scale and presentation requirements
    • Viewing Distance: Consider viewing distance and screen resolution when setting explosion increments

FAQ​

Manual exploded view creation requires painful set assignments or complex 3D section box manipulation. This tool automates the process using building levels as separation logic with simple parameter controls, making exploded view creation quick and easily adjustable rather than time-intensive and complex.

The tool only modifies the selected 3D view display - no model elements are actually moved or changed. The model geometry remains unchanged, ensuring the explosion effect is purely visual and non-destructive to the building model.

The tool's effectiveness depends on model organization - elements must be properly assigned to levels. For example, if walls aren't organized by levels or windows span multiple levels with single-level assignment, they won't explode as expected. Proper level assignment is crucial for optimal results.

Yes, you can easily rerun the tool with different parameters to adjust distances, change level selections, or modify explosion patterns. The tool is designed for iterative refinement, allowing you to perfect the explosion through multiple runs with different settings.

Distance increments (like 9 meters or 15 meters) represent the spacing between levels in the explosion. Each level is displaced by cumulative increments from its original position - so with 9m increments, Level 1 moves 9m from foundation, Level 2 moves 18m, etc.

You can group levels together by unchecking intermediate levels in the level selection. For example, to keep the foundation, Level 1, and mezzanine together, uncheck the levels between them. This creates grouped assemblies within the overall explosion pattern.