A keynote parameter is available for all model elements (including detail components) and materials. You can tag each of these elements using a keynote tag family. The keynote value is derived from a separate text file that contains a list of keynotes.
Reference Keynotes, or simply “keynotes”, identify materials and products on the drawings and connect the drawing to the specifications.
The purpose of the keynotes is to enable the reader to determine where to find each item’s requirements in the specifications.
An element is individually identified with a note having a numeric identifier in a sequential list of items, with leaders pointing toward its position in the view. Keynote values are defined as a type parameter for each family. The keynote itself reads this parameter to resolve the label for the keynote. Keynotes typically reference a standard specification system used in the building industry. For example you might use keynotes that reference the 16 Divisions established by 1995 Construction Specification Institute (CSI) Master format system, or to one of the 50 divisions included in the 2004 version of the system.
For a better coordination between drawings and specifications, the keynotes use an alpha numeric suffix following the section number and separated by a decimal point, which directs the reader to the specific sections within the project manual.
The keynotes text should be generic and use the same terminology as in the specifications. It should not detail the items characteristics, because these can be changed during the project and consequently all the keynotes would need to be changed.
If different family types of the same building element, should have different notes, associating each of them with the corresponding designation in the specifications. For example, a building having both flush panel and narrow reveal-joint metal wall panels will use two keynotes with different designations:
07 42 13.A11 Metal Wall Panel (MWP-1)
07 42 13.A12 Metal Wall Panel (MWP-2)
If MWP-2 specification is changed to a different type of metal wall panel, there won’t be necessary to adjust the keynote because it points directly toward the specification. Keynote values are establish and assigned to elements with a .txt file, see Video: Edit a Keynote Text File
Sheet Keynotes
The Sheet Keynote identifies an important element of a drawing or provides instructional
information, but it is not connected to the specifications.
For example, a note may identify a dashed line and provide the following description:
LINE OF FLOOR OPENING ABOVE
Or, a note may provide direction on the installation, such as the following:
ALIGN FACE OF NEW WALL WITH FACE OF EXISTING WALL
Sheet Keynotes format is a number in a circle with an arrow pointing toward the item in the drawing
Keynotes in Revit
If an element already contains a value for a keynote, it displays in a tag automatically. If not, you can select the keynote value directly. Revit provides 2 sample text files for keynoting.
Keynotes assigned in a project are linked to their source keynote table. When the keynote table is changed, keynotes in the project will reflect the changes when the project is closed and reopened.
The default keynoting data provided in Revit is based on the 1995 Construction Specification Institute (CSI) Master format system, which uses 16 divisions to organize construction process and materials. This system is widely used in the United States. A more recent version of this system is based upon 50 divisions and was introduced in 2004. Revit supports both versions of the CSI system.
This system is most effective when objects that are used throughout a project are already assigned their respective keynote values. When these values are not supplied, you can assign a value as you place a keynote tag. Materials, system and component families, and detail components can have keynote parameters entered in advance.
Video: Place and Edit Element Keynotes
Keynote placement tips
- For
Revit to keynote a material, the element must be visible in the view, and the material must be displayed by setting the detail level to medium or fine.
For example, if a door panel is not visible in plan view, you will not be able to keynote the material of the panel. The same door family can have a keynote or tag attached to the door panel's material in an elevation view, because the solid geometry is visible in the view.
- If you are not able to keynote or tag an element in a particular view, check the settings of the family. Nested family components need to be shared in order to place or display a keynote value. For more information about nested families, see Creating a Family with Nested and Shared Components.
Keynote alignment
To align multiple keynotes, select them, then click Modify | Keynote Tags tab 
Multiple Align panel, and select an alignment option:
- Vertical alignment:
Align Elements Top
-
Align Elements Middle
-
Align Elements Bottom
- Horizontal alignment:
Align Elements Left
Align Elements Center
Align Elements Right
- Distribute:
Distribute Vertically
Distribute Horizontally