topic Re: Normal Dimensions in Revit Architecture Forum

Normal Dimensions

jeremywS8DXR — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 16:55:12 GMT

Is there any way to change dimensioning settings to allow for normal AutoCAD style dimensions in Revit? I really need to be able to set a dimension and be able to change its value to what I want it to be rather than being tied to something in the model.

Re: Normal Dimensions

vitorbortoncello — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 17:24:08 GMT

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/revit-architecture-forum/how-to-change-the-numerical-value-of-an-dimension/m-p/3818817#M67664

Re: Normal Dimensions

jeremywS8DXR — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 17:42:08 GMT

I appreciate that. Solves one of the problems. Do you know of any way to get the dimensions to behave like AutoCAD?

For example, an independent entity that can be manipulated on it's own?

Re: Normal Dimensions

mhiserZFHXS — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 21:20:23 GMT

There is no quick and easy way to do it, nor should there be. The whole point of BIM is accuracy. If it were easy to fake dimensions, then you would never be able to trust that accuracy. There are ways to do it, and SOMETIMES its necessary, but it is rare. If its something you feel the need to do frequently, then there is probably something wrong with your workflow.

@mhiserZFHXS - this post has been edited due to Community Rules & Etiquette violation.

Re: Normal Dimensions

jeremywS8DXR — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 18:42:06 GMT

I don't want to fake dimensions. I want to be able to show a dimension without having to tie it to a specific line, object or snap. On an elevation with the low side of a slope showing, I need to be able to show the framing eave height, but the roof and wall, because they are drawn in 3D, don't give me an accurate snap point for that dimension. I'd simply like to be able to click on the dimension and change it an 1/8" to actually make it accurate. The fact that I can't dimension accurately is the problem.

Re: Normal Dimensions

barthbradley — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 19:10:45 GMT

I think a screenshot is needed here. Your written explanation doesn't make sense to me, because Revit CAN dimension in 3D space. Almost sound like this is a snapping issue or maybe a workplane issue.

But, if you just want to override a dimension value with another numerical value, then place a unicode character before the numerical value like this:

Re: Normal Dimensions

jeremywS8DXR — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 21:14:22 GMT

In AutoCAD, you can place a dimension and then grab its snaps and change the dimension to whatever you want it to be, or snap it to a different position. In Revit, when you place a dimension, you're stuck with it. It can't be moved, or changed. I'd like to be able to use the dimension according to what I need it to be, not what some random programmer decided it should be. For instance, I need to show an eave height of 16'-0", but only have available snaps @ 15'-11 7/8" & 16'-1".

Re: Normal Dimensions

barthbradley — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 23:23:36 GMT

Some "random programmer" has nothing to do with it. The person creating/placing the dimension is solely responsible. Nice try though. In both in AutoCAD and in Revit, the "creator/placer" can reposition a dimension witness line. In Revit, this is done by repositioning the element the witness line is being pulled from.

Dimensions pulled between Ref. Planes (not shown):

Dimensions pulled between Ref. Planes (shown):

Re: Normal Dimensions

barthbradley — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 23:32:26 GMT

@jeremywS8DXR wrote:
I need to show an eave height of 16'-0", but only have available snaps @ 15'-11 7/8" & 16'-1".

Maybe changing the FORMAT of the Dimension Type is all you are after?

Re: Normal Dimensions

RobRocks — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 23:46:02 GMT

@jeremywS8DXR wrote:
I don't want to fake dimensions.

Technically, that's what you are asking for. AutoCAD allows it. Revit doesn't. And, IMVHO, for very good reason. Revit throws a warning if you attempt to do it. Others disagree as to validity of this deliberate "limitation".

I stand by my opinion and suggest you find another way to convey that information.

Re: Normal Dimensions

Mike.FORM — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 14:03:04 GMT

do you have actual framing members modeled inside the roof and wall that are at the correct heights? If so then select the elements obscuring the framing elements and do a temporary hide. Then dimension to the framing element and then reset the temporary hide.