We've launched a new Family Browser that's located in the cloud. Now, why did we do this? There's several reasons for why this change came in Naviate 2021 version, here's the main ones.

Cloud content means smaller installation packages that's easier to download and install for you as a user. Further, content in the cloud means that we can add or change individual families easily and quickly without waiting for next release. And finally, this means we can offer a more flexible solution, offering you access to content cross-country without the need for a re-installation of Naviate.

The first version was released in July 2020, supporting these three main goals.

We have a lot more ideas for Cloud Browser to evolve as a solution for you as a user.

  • Access to updated template files in the cloud
  • Filter families based on last revisions of the families
  • See if a family is already loaded into the project
  • And many more!
The journey for Cloud Browser has just started. As a user we would appreciate any feedback you have for further development. Please visit our ideation portal to add your ideas and vote on the ideas already present. We have a goal of Cloud Browser being your Content Manager Solution in the near future.

Give your feedback in the ideation portal here

Family Browser

Our existing Family Browser is still there, used to place Loaded Families in an efficient way (drag and drop).

20 Q3 AEC SEP 2 Naviate for Revit blog Cloud Browser Family Browser menu

Cloud Browser

Now, let's dive into the Cloud Browser and what it looks like in this first version.

You can find it in the menu next to the well known Family Browser.

20 Q3 AEC SEP 2 Naviate for Revit blog Cloud Browser ribbon

The main features of the Cloud Browser

  • Choose content source depending of your region or country
  • Choose a category to filter load of families
  • Filter and search the loaded families by the data panels parameter selection
  • Filter and search the family using text, type in your target family and search
  • Insert the chosen family into a project using drag and drop option
  • Load a family in a project using the load family button

20 Q3 AEC SEP 2 Naviate for Revit blog Cloud Browser menu

How to insert or load families into a project using categories and parameters

You can choose a category to filter load of families. There five to choose from; model, annotation, tags, details and profiles. You can also filter and search the loaded families by the data panels parameter selection. You can select up to five parameters to filter your search on. You can choose more than one main category and a parameter to filter search on if you select categories/parameters one by one within one second. The Family Group parameter can be selected at more than one data panel, all other parameters can be selected just once.

Insert the chosen family into a project using drag and drop option. This means a family with more types will load all types in the project, and family with text file will open load select dialog for you to select and insert type in the project. Load a family in a project using the load family button, meaning all family types will be loaded in the project.

  1. Run Cloud Browser from General ribbon
  2. Select source checking the discipline and region
  3. Select main category for search
  4. Select parameters to filter searching under data panels
  5. Select family at family card area
  6. Insert family into project by drag & drop
  7. Load a family into project by load family button

How to insert or load families into a project using text search

You can filter and search the family using text, type in your target family and search. A family with text file doesn’t have types count at family card, it is defined as the external types. You can clear the search text using the clear button, this option will remove all parameters selection under data panels except the category, family group and family host.

Insert the chosen family into a project using drag and drop option. This means a family with more types will load all types in the project, and family with text file will open load select dialog for you to select and insert type in the project. Load a family in a project using the load family button, meaning all family types will be loaded in the project.

  1. Run Cloud Browser from General ribbon
  2. Select source by checking the discipline and region
  3. Optional select main category for search
  4. Optional select parameters to filter searching under data panels
  5. Enter a text for search
  6. Select family at family card area
  7. Insert family into project by drag & drop
  8. Load a family into project by load family button

Main categories

You can select all, or deselect all categories using the right click option.

20 Q3 AEC SEP 2 Naviate for Revit blog Cloud Browser quick menu

The show info about family and type(s) button presents an overview of the selected family with all available information. Change the size of the preview to your preferred with the family size card button.

20 Q3 AEC SEP 2 Naviate for Revit blog Cloud Browser information on family and type

Want to know more?