Revit Tip: Standardize Revit Text Types for Consistent Documentation

Consistent text is one of the fastest ways to make a Revit drawing set look coordinated, readable, and professional. Instead of manually changing font, size, or background settings every time you place a note, create purpose-built Text Types for the annotation standards used throughout the project.

In Revit, a Text Type controls the graphic appearance of text notes. A well-structured set of types helps every team member document the model consistently and prevents oversized, mismatched, or difficult-to-read notes from reaching the sheet set.

To create a new Text Type:

1. Open any view where text can be placed, such as a plan, section, drafting view, or sheet.
2. Go to Annotate > Text.
3. In the Properties palette, click Edit Type.
4. Click Duplicate, then give the new type a clear, standards-based name.
5. Adjust the type parameters and click OK.

Always duplicate an existing type rather than editing a standard type without review. Changing an existing Text Type updates every text note that uses it throughout the project, which can create widespread documentation issues.

When naming new types, use a format that makes their purpose obvious. For example:

• Text – General Notes – 3/32"
• Text – Dimensions/Labels – 1/8"
• Text – Section Detail Title – 3/16"
• Text – Sheet Note – 1/8" Bold

Useful Text Type settings to review include:

• Text Font: Select the approved office font. Keep the font list limited to avoid substitutions when files are exchanged.
• Text Size: Set this according to plotted paper size, not the scale of the view. A 3/32" text note prints at 3/32" regardless of whether it appears in a 1/8" or 1/4" scale plan.
• Tab Size: Establish a consistent tab interval for aligned lists and multi-line annotation.
• Bold, Italic, and Underline: Use these sparingly. Bold is useful for headings or critical callouts, but overuse reduces hierarchy.
• Width Factor: Avoid changing this unless your documentation standard specifically requires condensed or expanded text. Nonstandard width factors can affect legibility.
• Background: Choose Opaque when notes must mask busy model geometry, or Transparent when annotation should not hide drawing information.

A practical office standard usually includes only a small number of approved sizes. Too many nearly identical types make selection slower and lead to inconsistent sheets. In many projects, three or four core sizes—such as 3/32", 1/8", 3/16", and 1/4"—are enough to establish a clear graphic hierarchy.

For best results, create approved Text Types in your Revit template before a project begins. This ensures that every new view, sheet, and team member starts with the same annotation tools. You can also transfer established types between projects through Manage > Transfer Project Standards, selecting Text Types from the available categories.

Before issuing documents, review a few representative sheets at full plotted scale. Text that looks acceptable on screen may be too small, crowded, or visually heavy when printed or viewed in a PDF. Standardized Text Types make that quality-control process far easier.

For Revit software, training resources, and BIM workflow tools, visit NOVEDGE’s Autodesk Revit collection. A disciplined annotation standard is a small setup investment that delivers clearer drawings on every project.

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