Fixed spacing of objects with equal dimensions for the remainder on either side

[Anonymous]

Hello, 

I have not been able to figure out how the locking of dimensions works when trying to space objects equally within a space. The simple example is wanting to have a string of light fixtures in a hallway spaced 4'-0" apart with the remainder being equal on both ends, like this for example:  

|---EQ --|-- 4'-0" --|--4'-0" --|--4'-0"--|-- EQ--|

I've tried locking the 4'-0" dimensions of the string in many different ways, but when I then click the EQ button on the dimension string it unlocks them and creates some random spacing. It seems like this is a simple thing.  What am I missing?  Is this not possible?  Can Autodesk please add this?  Once you lock the dimensions, the EQ button should be able to equalize only the non-locked dimensions.   Any suggestions?

[barthbradley]

So what you are saying is that the total 6-point distance is not equally divided by 4'-0" ?  

[hmunsell]

are you trying to place it as one long dimension string?

try placing 2 different dimensions.

• one dimension string being the three 4' dimensions and lock them
  • 
• then place a dimension string for the over all distance
  • interior face to Center of first dimension string to other interior face.
  • set that dimension to equal.
  • 

[constantin.stroescu]

you can create 4 copies of the Family , add a line in the middle and make a Group.

Move the group to fit the mid position of the host....

place a Group in center of the room | Search | Autodesk Knowledge Network

[Anonymous]

Yes, I'd like to place it as a single string. I've been working around this for years and there are many ways to get it to show this way, but they all seem like a work around and take time.  See for example the screenshot below.  I've placed a single string and forced the left and right dims to say "EQ". This is the result I want, but you have to do it by hand and place the fixtures accurately by hand.

But it seems like I should be able to place the lights in the ceiling, dimension them with a single string.  Select one fixture, change the dim so it is 4'-0" from the other fixture and then lock that dimension.   So far, this works by the way....  But then if you click EQ, it seem like it should come up with this result.  All the non-locked dimensions should be Equal.  But instead it unlocks the 4'-0" dimension and give you some strange result.

I was hoping there was a way to get Revit to do this out of the box without having to make special families etc.  Just lock the dimensions that are fixed and click to make the rest equal.  No?

Thanks for your help.

[barthbradley]

I think you're expecting too much from Revit. If the first and last dim are equal, then you can get Revit to display the "EQ" - otherwise it cannot display "EQ".  

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/revit-products/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2016/EN...