How To Add Keynotes In Revit?

Understanding Keynotes in Revit

Keynotes serve as an essential method for tagging elements and materials within Revit projects. These labels may include standard CSI keynotes or custom-tailored notes, providing clarity and consistency across documentation. The keynote system streamlines the process of conveying critical information, allowing for quicker updates and modifications in the project.

How to Import a Keynote File

1. Open Revit: Start by launching your Revit application.
2. Access Keynote Settings: Navigate to the Manage tab.
3. Select Keynote File: In the Keynote panel, you will see options to either reload or browse. Click on the “Reload” button if you want to load your existing keynote table. Alternatively, if you want to choose a new keynote file, select the “Browse” option.
4. Locate the Keynote File: The "Browse for Keynote File" dialog box will appear. Use it to navigate to the directory where your keynote file is stored.
5. Load the File: Once you find the appropriate keynote file, click “Open” to load it into your project. Keynotes can be sourced from local storage or remote servers.

Editing Keynotes

1. Select the Element: Click on the element or material whose keynote you wish to change.
2. Open Properties: Look for the Properties palette and click on “Edit Type.”
3. Access Keynotes Dialog: Find the keynote value listed and click on it to open the Keynotes dialog.
4. Choose a New Keynote: From the Keynotes dialog, select the desired keynote to replace the existing one.

Applying Keynotes to Elements

1. Choose the Keynote Tool: Navigate to the Annotate tab and select "Tag" to use the keynote tagging tool.
2. Select the Element: Click on the element you wish to tag. The system will automatically display the corresponding keynote value for that item.
3. Verify the Tag: Ensure the correct keynote is associated with the element. If it requires editing, follow the previous steps to change it.

Understanding Keynote Manager

Revit includes a Keynote Manager that enhances the functionality of keynotes within the software. This tool simplifies editing and managing keynotes, providing a more intuitive interface. Users can access a dedicated keynote palette directly within Revit, allowing for efficient adjustments to the keynote system.

Creating and Using Custom Keynotes

1. Identify Keynote Needs: Assess which elements require custom keynotes to ensure clarity in your project documentation.
2. Edit Keynote File: Open the keynote text file (this may require a text editor), and add your custom keynotes in the appropriate format.
3. Load Keynote File: Return to Revit and follow the import procedures to load your newly edited keynote file.
4. Use Custom Keynotes: As with standard keynotes, you can now tag elements in your project using your custom definitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I export keynotes from Revit?
To export keynotes, navigate to the Manage tab, select the Keynote panel, and choose the export option to save your keynote data in a text file format. This allows for easy sharing and documentation.

Can I search for specific keynotes in Revit?
Yes, you can use the Find function integrated into the Annotate tab. Simply enter the keyword or keynote number and Revit will locate all corresponding entries in your project.

Is it possible to change the format of keynotes?
Absolutely. You can edit the keynote text file to modify the format, including how keynotes appear in tags. Ensure you reload the updated file in Revit for the changes to take effect.