by Dennis Collin
Visibility control is a common topic customers like to discuss e.g. what controls what, which views are they applicable to and whether the overrides are view based or affect elements project wide?
This article is intended to clarify matters by indicating the hierarchy as a top 10 list. This displays which method takes precedence in the display of the element. This list doesn’t cover every scenario, but it does include some of the most common overrides employed by users.
As a rule, I try and utilise display controls that are data driven and follow basic BIM principles of consistency and coordination. However, there are certain scenarios such as detailing where some manual embellishments of views are necessary.
With each listed option a wall example element is used to illustrate how these overrides apply to that object for that view.
In ascending priority:
10 – Project Based Object styles. These settings apply project wide but can be overridden by option numbers 9 to 1.
9 – Visibility Graphics Overrides, Projection/Cut Lines. These settings are view based but can be saved to a view template for consistency across many views.
8 - Visibility Graphics Overrides, Host Layers Cut Line Styles. As number 9, these settings are view based but can also be saved to a view template for project display consistency.
7 – Phasing Graphics Overrides – Override behaviour defined in Project phase settings but applied to a view controlled by the view’s phase/phase filter property.
6 – View Depth, Beyond Line Style. The beyond line style is a project setting that will be applied to elements in the depth portion of a structural or floor plan view. The extents of the depth area are defined by the view range function and can also be stored in a view template for consistency.
5 – View Filters, Selection or Rule based groupings that are view specific but can also be saved to a view template when required.
4 – Override Graphics in View by Element. View specific override, which cannot be carried over to other views. Used mainly for detailing purposes.
3 – Graphic Display Options – Silhouette Edges. Can be stored in a view template, used mainly for presentation and detailing purposes.
2 – Override Graphics in View by Element, Halftone. View specific override, cannot be carried over to other views. Used mainly for detailing and presentation purposes.
1 – Linework Tool. View specific override, which cannot be carried over to other views, like other similar options used mainly for detailing and presentation purposes.
Graphic overrides can also be specified for duct and pipe system types. Graphical overrides for a system are prioritised between Phasing and Filters options, weight, colour and line pattern of the system type will override the by-category settings. However, a view filter will override the settings in the system graphical override properties.
I will discuss the prioritisation of graphical overrides with regards to MEP Ducts and Pipes and how they related to the listed display options in a future post.
Working efficiently and maximising the use of Revit content and display issues are just some of the topics that ARKANCE provides on Revit training courses. Visit the Arkance UK site to get an overview of the courses on offer and talk to one of the team for dates and availability or if you have more bespoke requirements, please just ask, we are here to help!
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