There's Trouble in the Nest (Solutions from Synergis Tutorial)

Modifying an annotation family so that the label remains readable when placed in certain orientations within the Revit model.

Some families in their out-of-the-box libraries are problematic. This article will focus on modifying an annotation family, which is nested in a duplex receptacle family so that the label remains readable when placed in certain orientations within the Revit model.

Recently, I was approached by a customer asking me, "Why is the text label on a receptacle upside down when I place it on a wall?" Oversight?

In Revit MEP, I'll start by selecting a receptacle in the model. Then, I'll click the Edit Family button on the Options Bar (Figure 1).

Start by selecting a receptacle. Then, select the Edit Family button.

In the Family Editor, I'll open up the Ref. Level floor plan view. Next, I'll zoom in on the model extrusion to notice a duplex symbol at its center. When I select this symbol, I notice that it is a nested annotation family. This is evident by the Edit Family button on the Options Bar. So, I'll open symbol family to take look (Figure 2).

In Family Editor, users can zoom in on the model extrusion. Here, a duplex symbol is in the center.

Inside this family, I notice that there is symbolic linework to represent the outlet in electrical plans and a label to help identify the type of outlet it is. Now, the linework is not the problem judging by the evidence in the floor plan of the host project. The trouble must lie in the label itself! Well, if I select the label and go to the Element Properties, I notice that the Keep Readable parameter is checked (Figure 3). Maybe it's something else.

Select the label and go to the Element Properties to verify that the Keep Readable parameter is checked.

There is one last possibility. I'll go up to the Settings menu and verify that the Family Category and Parameters are correct. In the dialog, I notice that the Category is set to Generic Annotation. That's OK. But, if I look down in the Family Parameters area, the box for Keep text readable is clear. Bingo! I'll check the box (Figure 4). Then, I'll hit the OK button.

Another option is to verify that the Family Category and Parameters are correct in the Setting Menu. Double check that Keep text readable is checked.

Now, I can load the symbol back into the receptacle family from the Design Bar. I'll check the box for Override parameter values of existing type in the warning. Then I'll load the receptacle family back into the project file again checking the box for Override parameter values of existing type. Problem solved (Figure 5). I'll have to overwrite the family in my library to avoid that one again!

Load the symbol back into the receptacle family from the Design Bar and check the box for Override parameter values of existing type.

Note: This issue may be relevant in other component families such as the light switch family.