Revit

How to Add Scale Parameter in Revit?

Understanding Scale Parameters in Revit

Adding a scale parameter in Revit is crucial for managing annotations and ensuring that elements are displayed correctly within different views. This process allows the scale of your elements or annotations to adjust automatically based on the view scale, maintaining cohesiveness in your project documentation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a Scale Parameter

Step 1: Open the Family Editor

To begin, launch Revit and navigate to the Family Editor. This can be done by selecting an existing family file or creating a new family instance. The Family Editor is where you’ll create or edit family elements and parameters.

Step 2: Access Family Types

Once inside the Family Editor, look for the Create tab in the ribbon. From there, locate the Properties panel and click on the Family Types button. This will open a dialog where you can manage various parameters for the family.

Step 3: Create a New Parameter

In the Family Types dialog, you’ll see a list of existing parameters. To add a new scale parameter:

  1. Click the New button to create a new type.
  2. In the dialog box that appears, provide a suitable name for the new parameter, such as "Scale Factor."

Step 4: Define Parameter Properties

Next, click on the Add button under the Parameters section. The Parameter Properties dialog will appear. From there:

  1. Set the Parameter Type to Family Parameter.
  2. Choose the appropriate discipline (e.g., Common, Structural, etc.) based on how you plan to use the parameter.
  3. Specify the data type for the parameter; commonly, this would be a Number if dealing with scales.

Step 5: Attaching the Scale Parameter

After you have created the scale parameter, you need to associate it with the elements or annotations you want to scale:

  1. Select the object or annotation symbol in your family that requires the scale.
  2. With the element selected, go to the Properties palette.
  3. Locate the newly created scale parameter within the list of parameters and assign it to the element.

Step 6: Save and Load the Family

Once the scale parameter is associated with the appropriate elements, save your changes in the Family Editor. Click on Load into Project to bring the updated family back into your Revit project.

Using the Scale Parameter in Your Project

After incorporating the scale parameter in your family, it will now function according to the current view settings. When you change the scale of a view, the annotations or elements linked to the scale parameter will adjust automatically, ensuring they remain visually consistent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I modify the scale parameter after it has been added?
Yes, once added, you can go back into the Family Types dialog, select the scale parameter, and modify its properties or value as needed.

Q2: Are scale parameters applicable to all families in Revit?
While you can add scale parameters to most families, it is essential to ensure that the family type supports scaling. Annotation families typically require them for scaling appropriately.

Q3: What is the impact of changing the view scale on annotations?
When the view scale is modified, any annotations linked to the scale parameter will adjust proportionately. This ensures that text size, symbols, and other elements remain legible and appropriately sized across different views.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.