Family Editor-Linear Dimension Tool
That is an annotative device only found in the project environment, not while working in the family editor. It has to do with how constraints are defined and maintained. The family editor is not a drawing environment, dimensions (and related parameters) are muscle, attached/constrained to bones (reference planes).
What are you trying to accomplish that you believe you need this to do? An screen capture might help explain it.
Steve Stafford
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I have made many different families. All the families I have made with the standard dimensions (i.e. aligned, angular, radial, arc length and diameter)
Why would you need linear dimensions? Can you give me an example (e.g. upload family, screenshot) ? Then maybe I can give a solution how I would solve that.
Louis
Please mention Revit version, especially when uploading Revit files.
You need to add more bones and muscle (reference planes and dimensions) like the attached image.
Steve Stafford
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I would probably do it something like this (only reference planes drawn).
It is good practice to constrain components to reference planes/lines. So often I will first create the framework before adding the lines, extrusions etc.
Louis
Please mention Revit version, especially when uploading Revit files.
There is the rub, more than one way to solve a problem. The more you know about what variables you are likely to want to manipulate the more likely you can build in logical constraints. They can be explicit constraints through dimensions and reference planes like in my crude sketch over your image or you can build in design logic via dimensions, parameters and formulas.
I use the metaphor Bones, Muscle and Skin to keep my work in the Family Editor focused. Bones (reference planes/lines) are sketched first to describe the rough skeleton of the family. Then I add muscle (dimensions/parameters), attaching them to the bones. I flex the parameters to make sure the bones follow the instructions passed on by me/Revit to them through the muscles. Once I'm satisfied that is working I add the skin of the family (solids, voids and lines if necessary), constraining them to the bones. Revit (and us) are the brain driving it all. Then test and flex it both in the family editor and in the project to be sure everything works as intended.
Everything written above assumes that what is required is a parametric family, potentially highly variable and comprehensive. That can take quite a lot of thought and time for some families. However, for things that are relatively inert, like custom built-in furniture, it is not required of us to build a parametric skeleton. We can just create the forms in the exact sizes we want them to be and save/use the family.
The real value in putting the effort into the parametrics of a family is discovered when we spend a lot of time refining its design. It takes some experience to know which approach to take and when.
Good luck!
Steve Stafford
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