Sim Callouts

[Anonymous]

Ima trying to make a dummy callout and I want to know if there is a way in which I can mae them smarter by clicking the texts and changing the  text instead of having to opne and edit the view tag in family editor.

Regards

[chrisplyler]

Edit the family.

Create an instance paramater of the text format.

Get rid of the text box and replace it with a Label that references the parameter.

[Anonymous]

well the whole question was that HOw can I create such a parameter. How can I do all the things you mentioned . I can't make a parameter ou of nothing. 

cheers

[RDAOU · Accepted solution]

Hey @Anonymous

If I am not mistaken; you want to use these in relation with the CAD details you previously inserted into a Drafting view. There are two things in your question...You have titled the subject "SIM Callouts" then you asked about Dummy Callout/Tag in your question.

SIM/OH Callouts

While you may call SIM callout tags dummies (only because you are not modeling a new detail and they are referencing an already existing detail); however, they are in principle live reference to an actual (either similar or opposite hand) live detail. in Revit or a Drafting view with a CAD inserted detail..ie: smart tags (BIM thinking)  where you don't need to input text manually...If your question is in  relation with your POST HERE ON DRAFTING VIEW DETAILS; what I would do is the following:

1. Tidy up the CAD file (saves you messy masking regions in Revit)
2. Insert Each detail on a drafting view (ie: you have 4 details ideally it is best to have 4 drafting views 1 for each - You can split them in the CAD file or can insert same file 4 times into 4 drafting views and use masking region in Revit)
3. Rename the Drafting View as deemed appropriate for the name of each detail
4. Insert the drafting views onto the sheet
5. (Optional) Create various types of views (ex: SIM/OP/MIRROR/GEN)
• Open one drafting View
• Go to Properties Palette>Edit Type > Duplicate > Name it: SIM Details or GEN Detail or OPH Detail (ie: a mirror or opposite hand detail)
• Set the Reference Label accord. to the View type (ie: SIM for similar; GEN for General...etc)
• Set each drafting view to a type as deemed suitable. (Note: Reference label is a view property and not instance...hence, all callouts referencing same view will received same Ref. Label)
6. Back on the model view where you want to place the callouts; invoke the callout and use "Reference other view" from the option bar and the relevant drafting view.
• Go through all section views and place the callouts for all similar details and reference them to the Drafting View set as SIM
• Similarly for the Mirror details and reference them to the Drafting view set to MIR/OP
• Similarly for the General Details and reference them to Drafting View set as GEN

Method 1

DUMMY Tags

Are exactly what the name says dummies they only reference what you type into that tag either in the family editor or through a text parameter added to the tag and which you input/type in within the project environment. (CAD Thinking) The downside of those tags is that once you start adding them extensively to your model; at a certain point you will lose track of them and coordination would somewhat become impossible...If this is what you are looking for; then you can follow method @chrisplyler described... (Similar to what this guy has in his SCREENCAST HERE)

Many use this method but I personally wouldn't use them unless there is no other workaround...Alternatively; I use dummy drafting views instead of dummy tags (ie: let Revit take care of the numbering on the callout tags and on the sheets and in case one needs to update/modify anything…one knows where to find it (all in one place) - and its somewhat similar and consistant with method 1 above

1. Insert the DWG details drawing on a drafting view then place it on a sheet
2. Change the Number in the title to XXX so it won’t coincide with any number later on
3. Select the title > Edit type > and change type to No Title
4. Create dummy Drafting Views (same as the number of details - ie: 3 drafting views if you have 3 details on the sheet)
5. On the Drafting View
• Insert an annotation text - at least 1 character so Revit will allow you to place it on a sheet
• Edit the type of view to SIM/GEN/MIR or OP as per step 5
• Optional (I would add on each view a note describing the detail and CAD file ref - This will be later set to invisible ie: won’t show on sheets)
6. Go back to the Sheet and drag drop the proxy Drafting Views created above from the project browser to the sheet … and place/associate each under a detail
7. Go back to the Section views where you want to place the callouts and do same as step 6 in the first method described above.

Probably a bit more work that just adding a parameter but I find it tidier

SEE SCREENCAST DUMMY TAGS HERE

[chrisplyler · Accepted solution]

When in the Generic Annotation family editor, you use the Label tool. When you click to place a new label, you'll get a popup allowing you to select the parameter you want to use, or to create a new parameter to use.

[Anonymous]

The issue is still unresoled a sthe tag gets uploaded in my floor plan and I have difficulty loading it in Revit. 

[Anonymous]

How come y fie does NOT save after I edited the family and save it then Load it into the project?

[chrisplyler]

The family file? You mean you click save and it doesn't save?

[RDAOU]

I have never saved or tried to overwrite an existing family template 😕 (like really never) always used save as when I edit something (old habit)