Dimensions in Revit
Revit dimensions are annotation in a view, always reading true values from the model. Learn to dimension walls and openings fast, and to use dimensions as design constraints.
In this lesson you will
- Place aligned and linear dimension strings
- Choose wall faces, cores or centres
- Use EQ and locks as constraints
- Add spot elevations and slopes
Aligned dimensions
- 1Annotate › Aligned (DI).
- 2On the Options Bar choose what to pick in walls: Wall faces, Wall centerlines, Core faces, Core centers.
- 3Pick references one after another to build a string; click in empty space to place it.
- 4Use Pick: Entire Walls with options to dimension openings and intersections automatically.
Dimension types
The dimension type controls tick marks, text size, units and precision. Duplicate and adjust a type for your office standard. Because it's annotation, text size is in paper units and Revit scales it with the view scale — no annotative settings needed.
Dimensions as constraints
Dimensions can drive design: select an element and click the dimension value to move it to an exact distance. Click the padlock to lock a distance — the elements then move together. Click EQ on a string to keep segments equal (e.g. windows evenly spaced along a facade).
Use locks sparingly; too many constraints make models hard to change and cause constraints are not satisfied errors.
Spot dimensions
Spot Elevation labels heights (FFL, top of slab) and Spot Slope labels falls. They read the model directly, so they update when levels or floors move — much safer than typed text.
Quick reference
| Command / tool | How to start it | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Aligned dimension | DI | Dimension strings |
| Linear dimension | Annotate tab | Horizontal/vertical dimensions |
| Spot Elevation | Annotate tab | Heights from the model |
| EQ / lock | On a dimension | Constraints |
Common mistakes
Dimension snaps to the wrong wall layer.
Set the Options Bar pick preference, or Tab through references.
Can't move an element — constraint error.
Look for locked or EQ dimensions and unlock them.
Exercise
Dimension the ground floor
- Dimension external walls with overall and opening strings using Pick Entire Walls.
- Dimension internal rooms to wall faces.
- Space three windows equally with EQ.
- Add spot elevations for FFL and the balcony fall.
You should end up with: A dimensioned plan with correct references.
Checklist
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Lesson quiz
What is the shortcut for an aligned dimension?
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Free, independent learning material written for KitWren. Revit is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc. KitWren is not affiliated with, sponsored or endorsed by Autodesk. We never provide software downloads, licence keys or cracks — use the official sources.