Revit Tip: Convert Temporary Dimensions to Persistent Constraints in Revit

Temporary dimensions are more than transient helpers—they’re a fast path to persistent, reliable constraints that keep your design intent intact through edits.

Start by optimizing how temporary dimensions behave:

• Manage > Additional Settings > Temporary Dimensions:
  • Walls: choose Centerlines, Faces, or Core Faces to match your documentation and room calculation standards.
  • Doors/Windows: set to Center or Opening for more predictable snapping.
  • Use Tab to cycle references when the witness lines pick the wrong target.
  • Drag the blue grips on witness lines to switch references on the fly.

Drive precise placement using temporary dimensions:

• Select an element to reveal temporary dimensions, then click the value and type the exact distance or size.
• Use consistent references (e.g., grid lines, reference planes, core faces) for repeatable results across edits.
• For rotated elements, ensure the temporary dimension aligns with the intended axis before editing the value.

Convert temporary dimensions into persistent controls:

• Click Make Permanent on the temporary dimension to place an actual dimension in the view; this preserves the relationship for future edits.
• For persistent alignment, use Align (AL) and click the lock icon to create a parametric constraint between references.
• To maintain equal spacing, create a permanent dimension string across multiple elements and toggle EQ.
• Use reference planes as stable anchors; dimension to these planes and align/lock for robust behavior during design changes.

Best practices for longevity and clarity:

• Create “Working – Constraints” views where you keep permanent dimensions and locks used only for control, not for sheet output.
• Apply view templates that hide non-plot constraints in documentation views while keeping them visible in working views.
• Avoid over-constraining. Too many locks can create dependency loops and warnings; constrain only what preserves design intent.
• Prefer constraints to stable references (levels, grids, fixed reference planes) rather than to geometry likely to move.

Troubleshooting and maintenance:

• If a temporary dimension won’t snap correctly, adjust its witness grips or refine the Temporary Dimension settings.
• Use Reveal Constraints (View Control Bar) to visualize and diagnose hidden locks and constraints.
• Resolve constraint-related warnings promptly; unlock, reposition, or simplify relationships to restore flexibility.
• When converting to permanent dimensions, use a dedicated dimension type for “control” (graphic style distinct from sheet annotation) to avoid confusion.

Workflow tip: Establish a quick routine during layout—select element, Tab to correct reference, enter exact value, Make Permanent where needed, then Align+Lock to critical datums. This keeps edits predictable throughout the project lifecycle.

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