Video: Alternate Dimension Units

Display configurable alternate dimension units along with primary units.

This video demonstrates the following:

1. Understand how alternate dimensions are used.
2. Select a dimension and define alternate units in Type properties.
3. Specify the display location for alternate dimension units.
4. Specify details such as units, rounding, and unit symbols.
5. Specify a prefix or suffix for the alternate dimension.
6. Alternate dimensions update automatically when you change a reference.

Note: This video was recorded using Revit 2016. When using a newer software release, you may notice differences in functionality and user interface.

Transcript

You can display alternate dimension units along with the primary project units for all types of permanent and spot dimensions. For example, you can show imperial and metric units simultaneously in a dimension string. ​

Select a dimension, and on the Properties palette, click Edit Type. You define alternate dimension units in the type properties for the dimension type. In this example, we'll change the Aligned dimension type to display alternate units.​

You can use 4 properties to configure the alternate dimension units. Specify whether to display the alternate units in-line to the right of the primary units, or below the primary units.​ Click the button for the Alternate Units Format property to specify details, such as the units, rounding, and a unit symbol, if required. ​

Optionally, you can include a prefix and suffix for the alternate units. In this example, we'll use brackets around the alternate units to make it easier to distinguish them from the primary units.​ Now you can see the primary and alternate units for all of the dimensions created with the Aligned dimension type in the project. ​ Notice that if you change a reference in the dimension by dragging the witness line control, the primary and alternate units update automatically.​

Use this feature to customize the unit display for other dimension types, as required.