Revit Tip: Standardize Revit Section Head Families

Build consistent Section Head families to standardize documentation, reduce rework, and make references crystal clear.

Why it matters:

• Uniform section markers across projects improve legibility and reviewer confidence.
• Consistent labels (Detail Number, Sheet Number, View Name, Scale) reduce coordination errors.
• A single, well-structured family supports multiple view types and scales without ad-hoc edits.

Set up before you start:

• Open the Section Head family template (Section Head.rft) to ensure access to built-in labels.
• Define a graphic standard: line weights, text styles, arrow/tick styles, and filled regions.
• Decide what should be type-driven vs instance-driven (e.g., bubble size as type; show/hide sheet number as instance).
• If your firm uses custom fonts or symbols, document them in your company template (.rte).
• Keep procurement, licensing, and add-ons centralized via NOVEDGE.

Build the Section Head family:

• Reference planes: Create centerlines (H/V), name them, and lock geometry for predictable scaling.
• Subcategories: Add Head Outline, Arrow, Text Frame for granular visibility and weight control.
• Labels: Place built-in labels (Detail Number, Sheet Number, View Name, Scale). Avoid custom parameters for these so they populate automatically.
• Conditional graphics: Use Yes/No parameters to toggle items (e.g., “Show Sheet Number when referencing other views”).
• Detail levels: Assign fine/coarse visibility so small graphics disappear at plan-scale without manual overrides.
• Masking vs filled regions: Use masking for clean overlaps; filled regions for poche/solids. Test print results at 100%.
• Rotation and symmetry: Align arrows and tails to reference planes; test left/right section directions so graphics flip cleanly.
• Type variations: Create types (Default, Small Bubble, No Sheet) to cover common office needs without duplicate families.

Integrate with the Section Tag:

• Open the Section Tag family (Section Tag.rfa) and assign your new head (and tail) families in Type parameters.
• Load the Section Tag into your project. In each Section View Type, set Section Tag to your custom type.
• Save into your project template so every new project starts aligned. Distribute via your content library. For robust content management, see NOVEDGE.

QA checklist before rollout:

• Place sections in plans/elevations at multiple scales; verify readability and lineweight hierarchy.
• Use “Reference Other View” and confirm Sheet/Detail numbers resolve correctly.
• Test coarse/medium/fine levels and printing (PDF and physical) to validate contrast and halo effects.
• Check DWG/PDF exports for stroke thickness and text fidelity.

Automation and deployment tips:

• Use Dynamo or a simple macro to batch-assign the standard Section Tag to all Section View Types in legacy models.
• Leverage Transfer Project Standards carefully to migrate Section Tags without overwriting unrelated settings.
• Pair Section Heads with View Templates that standardize section graphics (lineweights, patterns, filters).

Pro move: Include a “QC” drafting view in your template showing all Section Head types side-by-side with notes on when to use each. Keep your content library versioned, documented, and accessible—your future self will thank you. For expert-grade Revit ecosystems, partner with NOVEDGE.

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