Revit Tip: Revit Nested Tagging: Shared Nested Families and Roll-Up Parameters

When documenting complex assemblies (doors with frames/hardware, equipment with accessories, multi-part façades), aim for a single annotation that communicates multiple data points. Revit can’t literally nest a Tag inside another Tag, but you can achieve “nested tagging” with two reliable patterns.

• Tag nested components individually (Shared Nested Families)
  • Open each sub-family and check “Shared” so it’s taggable in the project.
  • Add Shared Parameters you want to read in tags (e.g., hardware set, finish, rating).
  • In the project, place standard tags on each sub-component as needed.
  • Best when different trades own different data and you need selective tagging.
• Create a compound assembly tag (Roll-Up Parameters)
  • Expose sub-family parameters up to the host assembly via “Associate Family Parameter.”
  • Build one custom tag for the host that shows multiple fields, mimicking a nested, multi-line tag.
  • Best when you want one clean tag per assembly.

Recommended workflow for the compound assembly tag:

• 1) Plan your data
  • Centralize a Shared Parameters file (source-controlled). Keep names, groups, and units consistent.
  • Decide which values are Type vs Instance. As a rule: specifications → Type, field-verified values → Instance.
• 2) Prepare nested sub-families
  • Add the Shared Parameters to each sub-family.
  • Set the sub-families to “Shared” if you may also tag them directly.
  • Use reporting parameters only where geometry drives values; keep it simple for performance.
• 3) Wire parameters in the host assembly
  • Create matching Family Parameters in the host (linked to the same Shared Parameters).
  • Associate each host parameter to the nested component’s parameter via Family Types dialog.
  • Test type swapping to ensure values persist correctly.
• 4) Build the tag
  • Create a Tag (Multi-Category or specific category) and add Labels for all required fields.
  • Stack labels with alignment; use a minimal Masking Region only if necessary.
  • Enable “Rotate with component” when appropriate; offer leader/no-leader types.
• 5) Validate
  • Make a dedicated QA schedule for the rolled-up parameters and add conditional formatting for blanks.
  • Add a view filter that highlights assemblies missing a critical value.
  • Run Tag All Not Tagged to confirm coverage.

Tips and pitfalls:

• You can’t nest a Tag family inside another Tag; simulate it with rolled-up parameters or shared nested components.
• Do not duplicate Shared Parameters with new GUIDs; reuse the same file across teams.
• Keep tag families lightweight (avoid model lines, large images, excessive masking).
• Lock label positions in the tag and test at multiple scales and detail levels.
• Document your standard in your template and BIM Execution Plan so others replicate it correctly.

Need licensing, training, or expert guidance on Revit family and tag standards? Connect with NOVEDGE, explore resources on the NOVEDGE blog, or reach out via NOVEDGE support.

You can find all the Revit products on the NOVEDGE web site at this page.