Dimension & Text

[dpatera1]

I am new to detailing in Revit and am trying to figure out if there is a way to create a dimension and then change the dimension value to any text I would like?? (i.e. - not really using the numerical dimension just want the dimension bracket). The only way I have found to do this as of now is to draw the dimension bracket lines each and every time I want to write a custom description. Is there an easier way??

[Bill McLees]

You can insert text on top of the dimension itself. Revit will not allow the dimension value to be "faked."

I think others have made an annotation family that looks like a dimension, but allows a text field in lieu of the numbers. I don't have one however.

[Adam Mac]

This is a very contentious issue among Revit users - and the answer is generally something like:
"how dare you 'fudge' a dimension when Revit gives you the tools to model everything precisely" or i've even seen a comment along the lines of "...i'd never leave that kind of judgement to a draftsman..."


You can however - if for some unknown reason your dimension is 1 or 2mm out, create a dimension style that uses "rounding" .

i.e. under your dimension style properties > units format - uncheck "use project settings" and then choose how much rounding you need: in this example "to the nearest 10" would fix it.

BUT having said that, if your dimension is too much different than that than you probably should be fixing the model/linework anyway, as dimension as Bill has suggested.
I use a font called "cc_ek_sien_niks" which is a blank font that someone from this forum kindly sent me, and then type over the dimension.
Let me know if you'd like the font...

HTH

Adam

[kpaxton]

I am new to detailing in Revit and am trying to figure out if there is a way to create a dimension and then change the dimension value to any text I would like?? (i.e. - not really using the numerical dimension just want the dimension bracket). The only way I have found to do this as of now is to draw the dimension bracket lines each and every time I want to write a custom description. Is there an easier way??
oH....That is SOOOOOO AutoCAD... I wanna smack someone... Where's my Stick?

(forgot about that quote, huh Adam?) ;)

This is a contentious issue for sure, but one has to remember... why is someone dimensioning something in the first place? Right. To tell someone else, how big something is or how far something is from another something. To me personally, you should only use text in place of a dimension when saying things like "Field Verify", "Equal", or "Varies".... (I'm sure there are one or two more out there). These you can add as a Suffix or Prefix in the Dimension Style if you so desire.

If it's not a dimension.... then it's a note.

If you REALLY need to... then follow the other suggestions.... sigh.

-Kyle

[Adam Mac]

oH....That is SOOOOOO AutoCAD... I wanna smack someone... Where's my Stick?

LOL - actually i have seen you say that before Kyle..... i like it!

[kimheaver]

Is there an easier way??

Just create a dimension style that has a very small text size, I use 0.01mm, that way you get the dimension without the text (just a dot).
Then use the text tool to create whatever text you want.

Regards,
Kim Heaver

[dpatera1]

Thanks for the idea of making the text small

By the way to the previous responses - I am fairly new to detailing in (ie - a student that has always used Revit to develop conceptual designs and am only now using it to design an actual building) Revit and find it very condescending how you treat a legitimate question on this board. I am not trying to fudge the numbers but am simply trying to add (alphabetical text) in to the dimension brackets to customize the detail!

[iru69]

There are legitimate reasons for wanting to fudge a dimension.

A typical one is dimensioning something solely to satisfy building/land use code issues like a setback or a railing height where I want a specific dimension regardless of what the "real" dimension is of the modeled object.

If we're forced to override dimensions with various workarounds, then it defeats the purpose of not easily accommodating such needs in the first place. If Revit truly wants to protect "real" dimensions, then it should add a feature to distinguish real dimensions from fudged dimensions. Limiting what a user wants to do with the tools is almost always a losing strategy.

[Adam Mac]

.....and find it very condescending how you treat a legitimate question on this board.

Sorry if you mis-interpreted my response - it was in no way meant to be condescending - i was simply re-stating the arguments that you will no-doubt see on this forum on this very issue. (and i actually gave you an alternative method of dimensioning....)


If Revit truly wants to protect "real" dimensions, then it should add a feature to distinguish real dimensions from fudged dimensions.

I agree with Irusun as there are legitimate/appropriate times where it is "safe" to use a fudged dimension. We all use Revit in different ways/industries don't forget!