Understanding Diagonal Dimensions in Revit
Creating diagonal dimensions in Revit is essential for accurately annotating your drawings, especially when dealing with non-standard angles or layouts. This guide provides a step-by-step process on how to achieve diagonal dimensions effectively.
Steps to Create Diagonal Dimensions
Select the Dimension Tool
Begin by navigating to the Annotate tab in the ribbon. Here, locate the Dimension panel and select either Aligned Dimension or Angular Dimension depending on the specific requirements of your project.Set Up Reference Points
For a diagonal dimension, it’s important to have clear reference points. You can achieve this by selecting existing elements within your drawing or by drawing reference planes. To draw reference planes:- Go to the Architecture tab and select Reference Plane.
- Click on a suitable location within the drawing area and draw two reference planes that intersect at the point where you wish to create the dimension.
Placing the Dimension
With the dimension tool activated, move your cursor to the first reference point or edge of the element you want to include in the diagonal dimension. Click to set your first reference. Then, move the cursor to the next point and click again. When placing the dimension, ensure you haven’t locked your dimension line to a horizontal or vertical constraint.Adjust Dimension Placement
If necessary, reposition the dimension line to improve its visibility or alignment. Click and drag the dimension line by its middle control circle, ideally placing it in a clear area of the drawing.- Finalizing the Annotations
You can customize the appearance of your dimensioning by adjusting the properties through the Properties palette. This section allows you to change text size, font, and offset if required.
Alternative Method Using Witness Lines
If you want to dimension the distance between two walls or elements at an angle, consider using witness lines for more precision:
Create Witness Lines
Select the element you want to dimension and right-click to access its options. Choose to Add Witness Line. This line will help connect two points for your diagonal dimension.Adjust Witness Lines
You can move the witness lines by clicking the blue circle control and dragging them to the desired locations.- Complete the Dimension
After positioning the witness lines accurately, use the same dimension tool procedures outlined earlier to create your diagonal dimension from the witness lines to the endpoints.
FAQs
What is the difference between aligned and diagonal dimensions in Revit?
Aligned dimensions measure the exact distance between two points and align with the geometry of the elements being measured. Diagonal dimensions extend along an angle, ideal for measuring between non-perpendicular elements.
Can you modify existing diagonal dimensions after placing them?
Yes, existing diagonal dimensions can be moved or adjusted. Simply select the dimension and use the blue control handles to reposition it or modify the reference points as necessary.
Is it possible to add annotations to a 3D view in Revit?
Yes, dimensions can be added to 3D views, but they are limited to parallel projection. Be sure to adjust your work plane accordingly for accurate placement of dimensions in a 3D context.
