by Dennis Collin
When sketching linear elements such as lines or walls for a building perimeter, it is useful to be able to close off the final segment with a single click without having to draw it in.
Using AutoCAD, users can close line or polyline sequences using the Close option or C shortcut. But what about Revit? Revit also has a close shape option except it is typically defined by the pressing of SZ or Snap to Zero.
Fig 1. Revit’s Snapping options accessed from the Manage Tab.
In recent years, some users have had difficulty accessing the close option when drawing line-based elements. This is because the SZ shortcut has also been assigned to Revit’s System Zone Function. The clashing function creates a Zone System for analytical Spaces for energy optimisation purposes. Whilst useful for Revit MEP users this function is not typically required for Architecture or Structures.
Fig 2. Revit’s Shortcut Editing environment can be accessed in several ways!
Although users can toggle between the duplicate shortcut assignment by using the TAB key, it does defeat the whole purpose of shortcuts and executing commands faster.
As a solution I would recommend either removing the shortcut assignment to the Space Zone command or change it to something different like ‘SY’. Alternatively change the close function shortcut to a non-assigned key alternative (try CE).
Fig 3. Editing the System Zone shortcut to a non-assigned shortcut option.
The editing of Keyboard shortcuts can be accessed via the KS shortcut, Options dialogue or the User Interface panel on the Ribbon menu. The shortcuts can be exported to an XML file and then transferred to another workstation if needed.
For more information on shortcut customisation within Revit click here:
Creating families, parameters and work-around solutions are some of the topics covered on our follow-on Revit content 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, just ask, we are here to help!