Specification
Revit Families and STEP Files for the Brass-Seal
Specifying the Brass-Seal in a project model ensures accurate geometry is included in the drawing set before the project's door schedule and construction documents are finalized. BOTA publishes Revit families for firms working in Revit and STEP files for firms working in other BIM or CAD platforms. This guide covers what each file type is, how to use it, and where to get it.
Why Two File Types?
Architectural firms don't all use the same software. Revit dominates many BIM workflows, while other firms model in Rhino, SketchUp, AutoCAD, Vectorworks, Archicad, or SolidWorks. Publishing both Revit families and STEP files allows the same Brass-Seal geometry to be used throughout design, coordination, fabrication, and construction, regardless of platform.
Revit Families (.rfa)
A Revit family is a parametric object built for Autodesk Revit, meaning it carries adjustable dimensions and properties rather than fixed geometry. BOTA's Brass-Seal families are published in both Letter and Magazine sizes, so a project team can drop the correct size directly into a door or wall host without rebuilding the geometry from scratch. Using the actual manufacturer family, rather than a generic mail slot placeholder, keeps the model's hardware schedule accurate and ensures that clash detection and coordination reviews are based on real dimensions rather than approximations.
STEP Files (.stp / .step)
STEP, short for Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data, is a neutral 3D file format that most CAD and BIM platforms can read regardless of which software created the original model. For firms working in Rhino, SketchUp, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or any platform other than Revit, the STEP file provides the same underlying geometry as the Revit family, without the Revit-specific parametric wrapper. This is also the file type most useful for a fabricator or millworker who needs exact geometry for shop drawings or a custom door cut, regardless of which software the design team used.
What Else Is in the Technical Download Set
Alongside the Revit families and STEP files, BOTA publishes PDF engineering drawings with full dimensions, and the CSI MasterFormat 08 71 00 specification section as a downloadable document. These files are grouped together because they are typically pulled at the same stage of a project, once the Brass-Seal has been selected and needs to move from a product decision into the actual drawing set and specification. See CSI MasterFormat 08 71 00: How Mail Slot Hardware Is Classified for how the written specification section is organized.
Where to Download
All current Revit families, STEP files, and PDF engineering drawings are available at blockouttheair.com/for-architects, in the Technical Downloads table. No login or account is required to access them. These manufacturer models are published as BIM objects for Revit users and as CAD downloads for every other platform.
Key facts on Revit and STEP files:
- Revit families (.rfa) are parametric objects built for Autodesk Revit, published in Letter and Magazine sizes.
- Both file types are manufacturer-specific, representing the actual Brass-Seal dimensions and geometry rather than a generic mail slot placeholder.
- STEP files are a neutral 3D format readable by most CAD and BIM platforms outside of Revit, including Rhino, SketchUp, AutoCAD, and SolidWorks.
- Both file types carry the same underlying geometry, packaged for different software workflows.
- STEP files are also the most useful format for fabricators and millworkers producing shop drawings.
- All files are available at blockouttheair.com/for-architects with no login or account required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Revit license to use the STEP file?
No. STEP files are format-neutral and open in most CAD and BIM software. They are the right choice for any platform other than Revit.
Do I need to create an account to download these files?
No. The Revit families, STEP files, and PDF engineering drawings are all available at blockouttheair.com/for-architects without a login or account.
Can I use the STEP file to produce shop drawings?
Yes. The STEP file carries exact geometry independent of any particular software, which makes it the right file for a fabricator or millworker producing shop drawings or a custom door cut.
Are the Revit families available in both product sizes?
Yes. Revit families are published for both the Letter and Magazine sizes of the Brass-Seal.
Are the Revit families manufacturer-specific or generic objects?
BOTA publishes manufacturer-specific families that represent the actual Brass-Seal dimensions and geometry, rather than a generic mail slot placeholder.