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Jay B Zallan 2010

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Custom Keynote Database(s) In order to annotate objects in Revit and have a list of those annotations be 'sheet specific' we can use the Keynoting tool. Keynotes are the only schedules or legends (at this time at least) that will report only those objects that are in views placed onto each individual sheet -automatically. The overall workflow is to use a custom keynote database and either modify the standard one or create a custom one that would be independent of the CSI formatted one. When the actual, specified assemblies, etc. are chosen; then simply either reassign the new keynote value or link up to another keynote database and choose the newly specified key value. The example below is of a custom keynote database, used for project specific (schematic) notations. .TXT file

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Project example:

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The example in Image 2 above illustrates how sub-groupings can be utilized to get logical ordering to the keynotes, such as Demo, RCP, etc; this assists in placing the appropriate type of note to the appropriate objects, in the appropriate view, without having to sift through ungrouped linear lists.

Note that the text fields must be comprised of a single line in the keynote text file itself but once the Keynote Legend is placed onto a sheet (or sheets) the text wrapping will become a function of the Revit Legend size on sheets. See Image 3 (left).

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Jay B Zallan 2010

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Steps to take for setting up a Custom Keynote Database

1) Copy the standard Autodesk Keynote Database file (Perhaps from: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\RAC 2011\Imperial Library\RevitKeynotes_Imperial_2004.txt)… to a project folder. Note: your locations may vary; especially if you don’t use RAC 2011!!! Remember to rename the new text file to be something logical & project specific.

2) Edit the new text file according to any sub-groupings, numbering and element descriptions desired. TAB separate each item, per Image 1 & 2 above… usually we use Windows Notepad to edit these. No formatting other than “TAB separated” will work (for now?).

3) On the Annotation Ribbon click into the Tag down arrow, per Image 4 below.

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4) Click "Keynote Settings" and browse to the project specific .txt file, per Images 5 & 6.

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Jay B Zallan 2010

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Excerpts from Revit Help Menu: “Keynotes: Keynotes are defined in a tab-delimited text file. The first portion of the text file is reserved for major headings/categories (the parent values). The remainder of the file is for sub-headings/categories (the child values). A tab-delimited file requires the use of the TAB key to create spaces between data entries. Changes made to the keynote table are not available in the current project session of Revit Architecture. Changes are available when the project is closed and reopened. You can use Microsoft® Excel or a similar spreadsheet application to manage the data, then export it to a tab-delimited file format. Types of Keynotes: Element A keynote can be applied to an entire element, such as a wall, detail component, or door. Material A keynote can be assigned to a material that has been painted on a surface, and to materials assigned to the component layers of an element. Keynotes are not supported for the insulation drafting tool or the detail components line and filled region. User This option provides a way to use commonly used notes or phrases to address documentation issues. These additional user notes must be added to the provided keynote text files or included in one that you create. Do not apply "User" keynotes for Elements or Materials, only implement User keynotes for generic, repetitive notes.” Format the text file per the example in Image 7 below, Refer to Revit's Help menu for more information; simply search "Keynote"… That is if they fix the RAC 2011 Help system!!!

Image 7 Image 8 below, shows an example of a Keynoted View placed on a Sheet that has a Keynote

Legend placed on it.

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Jay B Zallan 2010

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Image 8

Reverting or Changing Keynote Database(s)

Once the project transitions into using the MasterSpec Format database, etc. simply follow these steps:

1) Go into the Keynote Settings 2) Choose the new .txt file 3) Save & close the project 4) Open the project 5) Replace the 'schematic' Keynote values (for all the keynoted objects) with values from

the new keynote file… Dare I suggest a master, multi category or all encompassing keynote schedule to help streamline the management of this? OK I will…

…Voilà

In closing:

• Keynotes and Keynote Legends give the most flexibility when used correctly

• Be mindful not to mix and match the dreaded (by some; me included) “User Keynotes” with Element or Material Keynotes (You were warned)!!!

I could go on and on about how bad (in my opinion) User Keynotes can be but suffice it to say, they do not really relate to the actual objects and have been known to cause major project headaches, loss of revenue and lost jobs and employment too… Whatever methods you employ to call out your objects and materials I highly recommend that they are used and keynoted, etc. within a specific, well executed and well documented plan. Revit On!!!