Dimensioning Generic Annotations

[JMS2-GLCD]

Sorry if this has been already asked...I didn't see anything related to this.  I am a foodservice consultant and we are moving over to Revit.  Right now, when it comes to electrical and plumbing plans, we use a 2D generic annotation for water, gas, electrical, etc.  The issue I run into is the ability to dimension these objects.  

We are a rather simple part of the project and typically, our symbols are used as placeholder so when MEP takes over, they update with using Revit families and whatnot.  By the time this happens, we are done and moving on since they need our complete information to proceed.

Since we use symbols, is there a good way to do this?  Is there a different process I should be doing?  Any insight on this would be greatly appreciated!

[JMS2-GLCD]

[Darin.Green]

No, Revit will not let you dimension to generic annotation. That being said, you should be a Leader Line that can be enabled for the generic family. Does that not work for you?

[ToanDN]

What are the issues that you facing? What are the dimensions that I am seeing from your screenshot? Are they not Revit?

[ToanDN · Accepted solution]

@JMS2-GLCD

You can dimension to the two OOTB reference planes of any Generic Annotations and that's about it.  Still, using Generic Annotation symbols for what you are doing is not a good approach, no matters how little your part of the workflow is.  One reason is what you are asking and another is they only show up in the views you place them on and the duplication with detail/ as dependent.  If someone use your file as a link they are likely not showing up as well.

I would create families using proper family templates, e.g. Electrical device.  Then, insert (term we like to use is "nest") your Generic Annotation in.  You can add additional reference planes or symbolic lines within the Electrical families and use them to control dimensions in the Project.  Their appearance will be exactly the same as if you use Generic Annotation symbols, minus all the limitations mentioned earlier.  

[JMS2-GLCD]

Okay great.  As I work through, I will put out questions if needed.  Thank you everyone very much!