Reorder Sheet Level Keynotes

[Cory.Killpack]

Up until now, our firm has been using text in legends and multi-category tags to do our keynotes. This works similar to CAD in that it's all manual input, so we aren't loosing any ground over CAD, but we're not gaining any either. So it's time we re-investigate the built in keynotes.

For the most part, we're happy with how they work. I can live with editing the text file, etc. But I'd like a little more control over the order they appear in my schedule.

It seems that Revit assigns the keynote a number based on the order you place the keynote into the view. Which means if I want to keep all my notes about diffusers together, I have to place them in sequence. Then, say down the road after many other keynotes have been added, I need to add another diffuser keynote - it will not be near the other notes unless I delete all other keynotes, place the new diffuser keynote and redo the other keynotes.

Is there a simple way to reorder sheet level keynotes? I'd like a little more control of the order that my keynotes appear on my drawings (more for that neat and organized look then anything).

Also the renumbering of keynotes (say when one is deleted) could cause a big problem when issuing revisions during CA. Has anyone found a good way to deal with that?

Thanks in advance.

[Cory.Killpack]

Wow, really? No one has a good way of dealing with keynotes?

[ajayholland]

Cory,
I still use the Note Block schedule for this type of keynoting. Each group of notes is a separate family. I use a keyword for each 'type' and parameters for key number and description. This simplifies re-numbering and re-ordering.

~AJH

[twiceroadsfool]

Up until now, our firm has been using text in legends and multi-category tags to do our keynotes. This works similar to CAD in that it's all manual input, so we aren't loosing any ground over CAD, but we're not gaining any either. So it's time we re-investigate the built in keynotes.

For the most part, we're happy with how they work. I can live with editing the text file, etc. But I'd like a little more control over the order they appear in my schedule.

It seems that Revit assigns the keynote a number based on the order you place the keynote into the view. Which means if I want to keep all my notes about diffusers together, I have to place them in sequence. Then, say down the road after many other keynotes have been added, I need to add another diffuser keynote - it will not be near the other notes unless I delete all other keynotes, place the new diffuser keynote and redo the other keynotes.

Is there a simple way to reorder sheet level keynotes? I'd like a little more control of the order that my keynotes appear on my drawings (more for that neat and organized look then anything).

Also the renumbering of keynotes (say when one is deleted) could cause a big problem when issuing revisions during CA. Has anyone found a good way to deal with that?

Thanks in advance.

Number them by Keynote, instead of by Sheet. Then you control the numbering in your text file, so you can group them however you want.

But, each sheet may have numbers jumping all over the place.

Also, if you havent learned this already... DO NOT try to renumber things in the text file. It wont be happy.

[gabecottam428011]

We gave up on trying to number in a specific order. Revit just won't allow it in any realistic workflow. And we try and talk the architect into allowing us to issue full sheet revisions - which solves the renumbering issue.

Good luck.

[Cory.Killpack]

Thanks for your reply's. Knew I wasn't the only one stumbling with keynotes.. So 2 out of 3 use keynotes and not note blocks? I wonder if that is fairly typical?

I like the idea of the way Revit does keynotes, but alas, I fear it's flaws are not acceptable for our use at this time. [i.e. renumbering of entire sheets by deleting one keynote (by sheet), only having one number "1" for the entire project and number jumping (by keynote).]

I've looked into note blocks as well, and I believe they would allow us to do what I am looking for. My concern it that it seems like note blocks could get hairy to manage by the end of a large project (where all M, P, & E notes appear in the type list..). I am curious ajholland, what type of keywords do you use for the 'type' names? My initial thought was to name the type per the keynote number, but then as the notes get reordered - that would only lead to problems. So a keyword of sorts would be in order.

[ajayholland]

Cory,

I've attached a typical generic annotation family. I use a keyword for the Type Name, which identifies the type in the family browser. This field is normally hidden. A type parameter is used for the Key Number, which allows for re-numbering as the schedule changes.

~AJH

[Cory.Killpack]

Cory,

I've attached a typical generic annotation family. I use a keyword for the Type Name, which identifies the type in the family browser. This field is normally hidden. A type parameter is used for the Key Number, which allows for re-numbering as the schedule changes.

~AJH

Great idea, seems like we could make something like that could work for us. Thanks for sharing!

[ajayholland]

I've attached a typical generic annotation family. I use a keyword for the Type Name, which identifies the type in the family browser. This field is normally hidden. A type parameter is used for the Key Number, which allows for re-numbering as the schedule changes.

~AJH