Keynotes are defined in a tab-delimited text file. You can use Microsoft® Excel or a similar spreadsheet application to manage the data, then export it to a tab-delimited file format.
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. Changes are available when the project is closed and reopened, or the file is reloaded from the keynote settings dialog.
Video: Edit a Keynote Text File
Keynotes in Other Languages
You can edit the keynote file using a plain text editor. You can use any language in the file that can be represented in a text file.
If you want to create keynotes using a language that requires a script supported by the Unicode Standard, open the text file using a text editor (such as Notepad), and use the Save As command. In the Save As dialog, change the file's encoding from ANSI to Unicode, and save the new file. Now you can use Unicode characters in the file. In Revit, open the Keynoting Settings dialog, and use Browse to select the new keynote file.
Sample Keynote Text File
CSI Main Category/Heading (parent value)
11000 [tab] Division 11 - Equipment
CSI Master format sSb-Category/Heading [tab] Sub-Category/Heading Description [tab] CSI Masterformat Main Category/Heading Value (parent value)
11060 [tab] Theater and Stage Equipment [tab] 11000
11061 [tab] Acoustical Shells [tab] 11000
For sub-categories of sub-categories
11060.A1 [tab] Counter-Weight Rigging [tab] 11060
Sample User Keynote Text File
For User Keynotes you can place them in front of the CSI structure by using the following format:
Main/Heading/Parent Category
00000 [tab] Division 00 - User Notes
Sub-Category/Heading/Child
00001 [tab] User Note 1 [tab] 00000
00002 [tab] User Note 2 [tab] 00000
For sub-categories of sub-categories
00001.A1 [tab] User Note 1a [tab] 00001