converting a section to 2d lines

[Nevine]

so far to convert a wall section into 2d for detailing i export to AutoCAD and re-import to Revit. ADT used to have a "hidden line projection command" that was pretty cool. you could select any view and convert it to dump (yes sometimes we still need that) 2d lines.
The reason I want to do that is that too often when I have detailed a Callouts or section detail and then make a minor change things shift on me and they don't necessary affect the detail, so I have to go back and spend time fixing things and making sure my notes and arrows are pointing to the same thing. So I prefer to have dump details and that way I can reuse them and not to have to re-annotate every detail in every project.
Just wondering if this function is available in 7 or if anyone else feels it is needed.

[beegee]

If I'm understanding this correctly, the 2D detail is independent of the 3D model.

If so, then you can have your details in drafting views ( load them in from your detail library ) and then when you place a callout or section, reference it to the Drafting View.

But if you are drafting over the top of the model in a callout view, just turn off the model when you have finished. You could lock the linework to the relevant faces of the model also if that helped.

[PeterJ]

Or look into doing the detail work on a drafting vierw and placing it on a drawing sheet over the 'live' model section, then you should just need to realign it i the model location changes.

[gbrowne]

I tend to draw detail using drafting lines over the section "as underlay", then make the section "not display". Just like tracing. I thought this was the way to do it, using the 3d ability of revit for plans and elevations, but drafting in 2d. I am sure you can do the detailing in the model, but tracing/drafting is so much quicker.

Am I wrong? Whats the consensus?

[aaronrumple]

I use a combination depending on the complexity. I've modeled more and more over time and used less 2D drafting. However, the ability to display model as underlay and do not display are both very overlooked tools. They can be great for using the model to guide and help coordinate the details, but allows for independence from the actual 3D. You just have to ask yourself "To lock, or not to lock?"

Another option is to use only selected objects from the model using visibility/graphics. You might pull in a wall/floor/slab to get a section started, but leave the doors/windows off and develop the doors/windows as just details on top of the simplified model.

Of course be sure to use detail groups when you get the detailing done so you can reuse the details on other sections.

[Nevine]

It is just faster when I can just export the section and re-import it in a detail view. I don't have to redraw over, then I add the detail componenets and all the other good stuff and save it to my library for future re-use, but as I am compiling my detail library I am always encountaring new wall or detail conditions that I have to develop.

Well guys, you just showed me something new. I did not know you can control the display of the section as underlay or not at all. That is cool, but then how do you save the detail for future use? As a group not family?

I am slow this morning. Thanks Aaron, you had answered my question.

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