Free Floating Dimension

[ryansC5XHQ]

I understand that Revit's goal for dimensioning is to be able to update a need be.  Which sheds even more light on the fact that dimensions need an object to even exist, but when options are introduced into a residential architecture firm, this can be counter productive. Example, If one dimension  could represent two situations, why would you spend more time dimensioning the option when you've already established dimensioning in the first place. 

I know this can be confusing, but simply put, why dimension the same thing twice when only materials change (Brick to Stone) and frame doesn't change. Filters could probably help in this situation, if not utilized in a manner that would tie up Filters resource.  

Any ideas to establish a free floating dimension?

[barthbradley]

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@ryansC5XHQ wrote:

I know this can be confusing,

Yep. I don't understand what you are describing or asking about.  Got pix? 

[syman2000]

AutoCAD for longest time had this issue with floating dimension. Revit force you to tie the dimension to a host object. That way if the host is deleted, dimension shouldn't show up. If you want to implement bad habits from AutoCAD to Revit, we basically going backward and not moving forward.

[barthbradley]

Learn to love Reference Planes.  

[barthbradley]

[RobDraw]

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@syman2000 wrote:

AutoCAD for longest time had this issue with floating dimension.

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I beg to differ. That is 100% a user issue. 

SNAP!

[ryansC5XHQ]

I able to do the same utilizing Detail line families and adding a tag, still the UI is undesirable. Revit's API lacks communication with accessing the geometry of the dimension. Location of dimension is obtainable, but extensions aren't.

[barthbradley]

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@ryansC5XHQ wrote:

I able to do the same utilizing Detail line families and adding a tag, still the UI is undesirable. Revit's API lacks communication with accessing the geometry of the dimension. Location of dimension is obtainable, but extensions aren't.

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I don't follow you? "Geometry" of the dimension?  What does this mean?  In fact, I have no idea what the value of a "floating dimension" is.  Maybe I'm reading you all wrong.  Is a "floating dimension" a dimension like the ones pictured in my screenshot above?  

[ryansC5XHQ]

Correct, Are you using reference planes?  Attached below is a snippet of my solution. I am very curious to read about your approach.

Cheers,

Ryan

[barthbradley]

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@ryansC5XHQ wrote: I am very curious to read about your approach.

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I don't have an "approach" to "free-floating" dimensions because I don't do "free-floating" dimensions.  I'm very careful and deliberate with my dimensioning.    Dimensions have a purpose.  They convey critical and meaningful information.  I don't even like "±" dimensions (e.g. 8'-1"±, 3'-6"±).  I very rarely use them. 

[hmunsell]

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@ryansC5XHQ wrote:

"...but when options are introduced into a residential architecture firm, this can be counter productive."

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by "Options", I'm assuming your referring to Design Options? If you have a wall that is editable in 2 different design options, there are actually 2 walls. Revit placed/copied one wall in each design option for you to edit. That is why you have to dimension "the same thing twice". That is just how Revit handles Design options. 

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/revit-products/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2020/EN...