Graphic scale that automatically adjusts to the actual scale of a view

[HVAC-Novice]

I want to include a grahic scale on some views. There are some annotation families (like in this thread). But there one needs to manually set the scale and match to the scale of the view.  the problem with that is:

- I need to manually set it for each view

- If I change the view scale, i need to change it again.

- The above can be forgotten, and then the plans are erroneous when the scale shown is wrong. 

So I want a graphic scale that automatically scales with the scale. An initial idea would be to use a generic family since that would scale (annotation families don't seem to scale)

this would be placed on the view. another neat feature would be if there was a graphic scale that would be part of the viewport. But I'm even less sure how to do that. One idea would be to somehow use the "View Scale" parameter. 

I attached the family from the thread I linked above. 

[syman2000]

I've create this family a while back. See if this is what you are looking for.

[HVAC-Novice]

Thanks. I tried yours and it seems it still requires manual entry of the scale. Or am I doing it wrong? 

what I'm looking for is an automatic way to show the graphic scale. 

[syman2000]

You just have to enter the scale of the drawing and the value will automatically adjust to the scale. It has Engineer, Imperial and Metric embedded into the graphic scale.

[HVAC-Novice]

thanks. Maybe I wasn't clear, or I mis-understand. But "entering" the scale is the part that I wanted to automate. 

[barthbradley]

Dynamo

Dynamo- Automate Graphic Scale in Revit - Bing video

[syman2000]

If you want to automated, you have to go into dynamo side.

[HVAC-Novice]

thanks, all. Looks like I'm where I can be with what Revit alone is able to do. So, if Dynamo may be a solution, does anyone have more specific pointers? 

Maybe I continue my quest in the dynamo forum.... 

[barthbradley]

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@HVAC-Novice wrote:does anyone have more specific pointers? 

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Yeah. Start by watching the Video I Linked you to above.

[ToanDN]

I just include a few commonly used scale bars in the titleblock family.

[constantin.stroescu]

have a look at this family ( this is in Revit 2019)that I currently  use into my projects.

The problem is with the text that keeps its size instead to scale with the bar..

[HVAC-Novice]

Sorry, i originally missed that. it says the Rhythm nodes aren't available anymore. 

that is the fastest video ever... 🙂

[HVAC-Novice]

that sounds like a good idea. I'll explore that more. It would become cumbersome once you include lot plans etc.

[HVAC-Novice]

Thanks. that works, but I have to think of creative ways to make it looks like a typical graphic scale with the checker board pattern and keep the numbers reasonable. 

Another problem is for some scales it may be reasonable to show up to 20 ft, or only 10 ft. 

I guess till I find a better solution, I use the family i originally posted. I place it at the end of the project (when I don't change scales anymore.  it just seems to look the best (or looks like most people are used to).

What really makes this hard is to make it look good a legible for a wide array of scales. If you only deal with a few scales that are relatively close to each other, it is easier. 

Edit: and I don't know how to do multi-quotes, so I had to make separate replies.

[barthbradley]

Parametric Graphic Scale for Revit (eganbimresources.com)

[HVAC-Novice]

thanks. 

I try to avoid buying or subscribing to small add-ins. Especially some that are just a small function. Where I work IT and our attorneys require a LOT of paperwork from a software manufacturer for me to be able to install it. That typically only is worth for larger software solutions. IME vendors don't go through the hassle for a small fee we would pay. Sad, because I never can install a free software, and even for a trial I have to go through the ordeal of getting approval. 

Not an issue for a "real" software that cost $1,000, but a real issue for small software. 

[robinVW982]

Hi, 

Nice, but its not accurate tho?

Trying Metric Scale from your family.

0.4 m should stop where 400 ends, there seems to be a gap in the end.

// Robin

[snewsome86JAJ]

I "think" this may be what I'm looking for, but the video has no sound and is going really fast. Anyway to break this down with a little more instruction? TIA

[Dash.b.]

this should definitely be a feature built in to revit! but it is not... try Egan graphic scale Plugin. This is the best solution available right now ($20/year).

[bimkid85]

I need same in Metric System