Combine 2D Annotation Symbol with 3D System Component

[mary.long]

Hi all! 

I am trying to combine two different symbols for Fire Extinguishers into my model. Currently, I have a 2D annotation symbol, and a 3D System Component Family that I am inserting into the model separately. During redesign when the fire extinguisher placement moves, I now have to move both symbols.  It would be ideal to be able to have just one system/family that shows the annotation in 2D and the actual fire extinguisher shape in 3D. 

I have seen other forum posts that talk about creating new families, and adding labels to current families etc.  However, these are either slightly different than my issue, or I am just not grasping what to do. 

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[cbcarch]

Insert (nest) a Generic Annotation Family into the Fire Extinguisher Family. Then load into the project.

You may need to experiment with the Label/text size in the GA nested family. You can use a visibility parameter to control the display of the GA (on/off) for overall plans where you do not need the GA to show. You can alos set Visibility for Coarse, Medium and Fine Detail Level, etc.

[ToanDN]

Edit the FE family and load the Annotation symbol family in. Set to show or not show for certain detail levels. For example if you don't want the symbol to show on Fine detail views then set the symbol to show for Coarse and Medium only.

[barthbradley]

FWIW @mary.long, there are an awful lot of FE families available online to download that are built the way being described here by @cbcarch and @ToanDN.  Additionally, Revit has OOTB components built in the same way . One that comes to mind, is the Outlet-Duplex.rfa in the Electrical folder of your library.  

I would add another suggestion to what has been mention here, and that is to assign the Annotation* to a Subcategory. This way you can control its Visibility in Views through VG Overrides.    

*if annotative line work only; not text.