Keynotes in Revit Architecture

[mboyer]

I am in the process of Beta testing Revit for our firm and I'm looking for some feedback, from those that have used Revit, relating to Keynotes. Just by tinkereing around, I've discovered that I can create my own text file for the keynote references. I've setup a file that has sheet notes for all the drawings in the set, and includes fixture and furniture designations, etc. Then when I go to note up my drawing, I can simply select the appropriate note that I'm looking for. The downside is that unless I'm pointing at an object, I can not place a note. I'm wondering two things: Is using Keynotes the way to go when noting up your drawings? Secondly, if it is, for those notes that don't necessarily apply to 1 individual object, what is the workaround? For instance, lets say I want to add a note #1 that states Align Finish Faces. This note has nothing to do w/ the wall object and, I can't add a second leader to the keynote.

[dhurtubise]

Notes are meant to be use in a "specs" way. Which is why it comes with sample from Uniformat and else. So it is meant to be attached to a family.
If you need some random information you can simply place a piece of text or add a blank leader to a keynote.

[wmullett]

Furniture designations might be better as tags.

Any keynote placed can have the leader end free'd then you can move it to anything, including pointing at nothing.

Two keynotes or tags that are the same can be placed in the same place.(they will snap into the same location) Then the second (...3rd) keynote leader (free end) can be adjusted - thus you have multiple leaders.

[mboyer]

But, if the Specs concept isn't used, this seems to be a pretty powerful tool that goes to waste unless you customize it to your need. Along w/ my text file, I've setup different Keynote Tags that resemble our CAD symbols such as Sheet note tat, Furniture tag, Fixture tag, Finish tag, etc. And I can also do a Keynote legend using filters and list the sheet notes in use for a particular sheet.

[mboyer]

Furniture designations might be better as tags.

Any keynote placed can have the leader end free'd then you can move it to anything, including pointing at nothing.

Two keynotes or tags that are the same can be placed in the same place.(they will snap into the same location) Then the second (...3rd) keynote leader (free end) can be adjusted - thus you have multiple leaders.


This is the method that I've used hoping it wasn't the workaround. But it does work.

[twiceroadsfool]

But, if the Specs concept isn't used, this seems to be a pretty powerful tool that goes to waste unless you customize it to your need. Along w/ my text file, I've setup different Keynote Tags that resemble our CAD symbols such as Sheet note tat, Furniture tag, Fixture tag, Finish tag, etc. And I can also do a Keynote legend using filters and list the sheet notes in use for a particular sheet.

I woudlnt use Keynotes for things that are supposed to be Tags. Id use.... Tags. :)

[mboyer]

I woudlnt use Keynotes for things that are supposed to be Tags. Id use.... Tags. :)

I agree for items like Doors, Walls, Windows, etc. But for general sheet notes, what is your process?

[cliff collins]

Sounds like the OP should be using Note Blocks.

Then use Keynotes as intended for individual familes--"smart annotations"
in lieu of text notes.

I agree with other responses--use Tags as intended for tagging objects.

cheers

[davidthigpen]

If you use "user" keynote you can select an object (families, walls, roofs....) that already has a keynote applied to it and add the keynote "align finish face" from keynote file and have it listed in the keynote schedule. Better than blocknotes since it will end up in the same schedule as other keynotes.

[Valkin]

My firm has used a keynote system like this for 20 years, even in Autocad, so I'd say use the keynotes. Last year at AU there was that talked about the keynote system in reguards to the NCS -Revit®-izing the U.S. National CAD Standard http://au.autodesk.com/?nd=class&session_id=5077

If you are in a drafting view you can not just keynote line work, but if you have one detail component in the view you can use user keynotes to note the detail. I have also created a line component that can be noted as well.

In my blog I've talked about keynotes at length check it out
http://revittize.blogspot.com/search/label/Keynotes

[Scott Womack]

I agree for items like Doors, Walls, Windows, etc. But for general sheet notes, what is your process?

We create a Key Schedule for those types of notes, since General Notes would be the same on every sheet would they not?

1.Click View tabCreate panelSchedules drop-down Schedule/Quantities.
2.In the New Schedule dialog, select the schedule key category.
3.Select Schedule keys.
Revit Architecture automatically fills in the Key name. This is the name that appears among the element's instance properties. If desired, enter a new name.

4.Click OK.
5.In the Schedule Properties dialog, add the predefined fields for the style. For example, add ceiling finish, floor finish, and wall finish.
6.Click OK.
The key schedule opens.

7.Click Modify Schedule/Quantities tabRows panel New to add rows to the table.
Each row creates a new value for the key. For example, if you are creating a room key schedule, you can create key values for executive conference room, small conference room, large conference room, executive office, standard office, and so on.

8.Fill in the appropriate information for each of the key values.

[wmullett]

I use an IDF family in 2D details or out isn space in model views. What is an IDF? Invisible Detail Family. A family with an invisible line circle about 4" in diameter that is easily found to point a keynote at.

Thanks M. Fluer

[d.stairmand]

That's a really good Tip!