Revit Tip: Standardize Reusable Graphics with Revit Legends

Legends are one of the most efficient ways to standardize repetitive graphical information across a Revit project. Unlike most views, a Legend can be placed on multiple sheets without creating duplicates. This makes Legends ideal for symbols, general notes, wall-type graphics, accessibility diagrams, finish indicators, and typical assembly references that must appear consistently throughout a drawing set.

To create one, go to View > Create > Legends, give the Legend a clear name, and populate it with the appropriate components, text, detail lines, filled regions, and legend components. Once complete, drag the same Legend from the Project Browser onto any number of sheets.

• Use Legends for information that is truly reusable. A Legend should communicate standards or repeated conditions, not sheet-specific design information. If content only applies to one area or one detail, a drafting view may be the better choice.
• Place the same Legend view on multiple sheets. In the Project Browser, expand Legends, then drag the desired Legend onto each sheet. Revit allows a Legend to be placed repeatedly, unlike plan views, sections, elevations, and most other view types.
• Edit once, update everywhere. Any modification made inside the Legend is reflected on every sheet where it is placed. This reduces coordination risk and eliminates the need to maintain multiple copied notes or diagrams.
• Use Legend Components for model-based graphics. The Legend Component tool can display representative family types, such as doors, windows, walls, casework, or furniture. Select the component category and family type in the Properties palette, then choose an appropriate view direction.
• Keep legends visually independent from model scale. Legends are annotation-oriented views. They are especially useful when a symbol or diagram needs to look identical on sheets with different viewport scales.

A practical example is a door-and-hardware Legend. Rather than recreate door symbols and hardware notes on every floor plan sheet, create a single Legend showing each door type, its mark, fire rating, frame requirement, and hardware set reference. Place this Legend on the architectural cover sheet, enlarged plan sheets, or interior package sheets as needed. When a door type changes, update the Legend once and every placed instance remains coordinated.

For best results, establish a naming convention that makes Legends easy to find. Names such as LG-Doors and Hardware, LG-Accessible Clearances, or LG-Finish Symbols are clearer than generic names such as “Legend 1.” You can also use browser organization rules to group Legends consistently with the rest of the documentation package.

Be deliberate about sheet placement. Although Revit lets you place a Legend anywhere, a consistent location improves drawing readability. For example, keep code symbols in a fixed corner of life-safety sheets, or place finish symbols near the finish schedule. Align Legend viewports with the title block and other views using Revit’s alignment tools.

• Avoid placing overly dense Legends on every sheet; repeated information can create clutter.
• Use concise text and clear graphic hierarchy so the Legend remains legible when printed.
• Review Legend content before each issue, especially when family types, keynotes, or standards have changed.
• Use a project template to preload commonly required Legends for faster, more consistent project setup.

Well-managed Legends strengthen drawing consistency while reducing repetitive editing. For Revit tools, training resources, and workflow solutions, visit NOVEDGE.

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