Line weights out of the box

[Kirk Bricker]

We have been using the default line weights since Revit 5. We have been having a continuing problem with model line weight issues at scales of 3/4" = 1'-0" and at 1", and 1-1/2. To correct these line weights issues we have been using the linework tool till we are blue in the face. We had made a conscious effort at the beginning of using Revit that we would not change anything in the program, font, line weights, etc. I have looked into the workings of Revit, and I have noticed that in the Line weights dialog box under model line weights there is no line weights set up for the scales that I have listed. What line weights are used at the scales that are not listed in this dialog box? Does Revit use the next scale. For instance, if we are drawing a detail at 3" = 1'-0" and using part of a model object, is the line weights using 1" = 1'-0" line weights?

It looks like this is out of the box scales that are set up:

1" = 1'-0"
1/2" = 1'-0"
1/4" = 1'-0"
1/8" = 1'-0"
1/16" = 1'-0"
1/32" = 1'-0"

What about these scales:

1 = 1
3" = 1'-0"
1- 1/2" = 1'-0"
3/4" = 1'-0"

What are other people using for the other scales?
Are the default scales working?

[david.kingham]

Anything below 1" it will use 1", but you can add new scales, just click the "Add" button :D The defaults work pretty good for us but we will be redoing these as soon as I have some free time...not sure if that will ever happen lol

[SkiSouth]

To answer your question, yes Revit uses the next closest scale size to what the view you are plotting is to set the pen weights.

I guess then the question that begs asking is why would you not add the scales you want to the line weight table, and set the pen setting like your office works? Simply change the template file your office uses once, and from then out, all projects start with the proper line weights for each scale and view type.

As has been previously explored here on AUGI, the template file can be set to be a very strong asset in your firm's arsenal. Setup correctly, your sheets could have the site, plans, elevations, sections, even details predefined (ready for use) so to speed the development of plans. These templates can be oriented towards residential buildings, Commercial, metal buildings, out houses - whatever.

Another fact is that you can transfer your line weights and types using the Transfer Project Standards option under File. So if you do forget to use the template file with the proper line weights, open a file that is set correctly, then transfer those settings to your current project. Note that these settings run with the project. You send the revit file to someone else, the line weights/settings go with the project, so guess what - the consultant plots the drawings with the proper weights also. Nice - no more "would you send me that ctb file please"..... (which I do with every acad file I send to a consultant now).

There is an old tutorial or two HERE, (http://forums.augi.com/showthread.php?t=12337) (I need to update it), But it might give some idea of what I do. As Fedor has so aptly commented.)

All that said - there's nothing wrong with leaving the line weights as set by the factory, but quite frankly, I do not recall ever needing a 1/2" wide line weight setting on anything....Also, Revit 8.1 plots the older Revit files correctly. It reads the line weight settings - in the project - and goes from there.

[LRaiz]

To answer your question, yes Revit uses the closest scale size to what the view you are plotting is to set the pen weights.
How do you know that? At least in the original implementation for scales that are not explicitly listed in pen width table Revit would interpolate using available data. For example if 3/4" = 1'-0" pen weight is not specified then Revit would use weighted average between 1" = 1'-0" and 1/2" = 1'-0".

[aaronrumple]

How do you know that? At least in the original implementation for scales that are not explicitly listed in pen width table Revit would interpolate using available data. For example if 3/4" = 1'-0" pen weight is not specified then Revit would use weighted average between 1" = 1'-0" and 1/2" = 1'-0".
That's good to know as I don't think I've ever seen that documented.

[SkiSouth]

:roll: oops - my mistake - can't remember exactly where I came about the info, musta made it uppp :Oops:

Found it!!!:



When a view has a scale not listed in the lineweights dialog, Revit uses the lineweights specified for the closest available scale. To get special linewights for 1" = 100', find a scale closer to that than any scale existing in the dialog and add it as Aaron described. In this case, 1"= 80' would do. Set the desired lineweight values in the new column.
__________________
David Conant
Autodesk Revit

[Kirk Bricker]

Thanks for the replies

[Paul Andersen]

Just curious if anyone is strictly following the National CAD Standard (NCS) with Revit. It seems to allow only 8 pen widths (0.18, 0.25, 0.35, 0.50, 0.70, 1.00, 1.40 and 2.00mm) and does not account for the widths to vary or adjust with respect to the scale of the drawing as Revit is capable of. According to LRaiz in order to implement this I suppose you would just set these widths for all scales so Revit doesn't make adjustments for any of the frequently used scales. According to David it sounds like Revit uses the explicit definition of the next closest scale. Can this be taken one step further in that if you only set the pen width for one scale (say 1/8"=1'-0") that that will be used as the definitive set of pen widths for all scales. Just curious how others are interpreting the NCS and how you may have approached it in Revit. Thanks in advance.

[Archman]

Reviving an old thread, but I wsa curious about this issue, so I contacted support. This is their response.


Steve,

Thank you for choosing Autodesk Subscription. Here is the recommended resolution to your Support Request:

In this case the line weights will be assigned to the last lineweight before it until the lineweight can be rounded to the next one. For example: between 1/16" = 1' and 1/32" = 1'. If you only have these two weights defined at scale and none of the increments inbetween then 1" -20' and 3/64"= 1' will default to the 1/16= 1' setting while 1" = 30' feet will round up to 1/32" =1' . Any of the line weights after the last defined scale will default to the last defined scale.

I hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Don Falkowski
Autodesk Subscription Support Team

[David Conant]

While I don't like to disagree with my old friend LRaiz, Archman has the real word. Revit does not interpolate line widths. It will always use a value from the table, it just picks the closest defined scale to use. You can add additional scales to the table, but only from a list that is provided when you push the Add button.