A DirectShape is an arbitrary geometry which does not have enough information to create a parametric/ editable Revit element but supports assigning Categories. Read further for more details.
DirectShape geometry represents elements in a Revit model that are not native Revit elements but can be imported from various sources or created through the Revit API. These shapes lack the inherent parametric information needed to be fully editable within Revit, but they offer some level of functionality.
Here are some key characteristics of DirectShape geometry:
- Limited Editability: DirectShapes cannot be directly modified through standard Revit tools like editing dimensions or using grips. However, their geometry can be manipulated through the Revit API or by using Dynamo scripts.
- Assigning Categories: One advantage of DirectShapes is the ability to assign them to specific Revit categories (like walls, floors, ceilings) for organizational and display purposes. This allows them to be filtered, scheduled, and viewed alongside native Revit elements within those categories.
- Data Import: DirectShape geometry is a common format for importing data from other software like architectural visualization tools, structural analysis software (via IFC or STEP formats), or even from 3D scanning processes.
- API and Dynamo: Power users can leverage the Revit API or Dynamo scripts to modify DirectShapes programmatically, allowing for some level of customization and manipulation.
Sources: