Symbols in Keynote Lists - Strange but True

Among the drawing efficiency improvements that were introduced in the Systems Drafting era was the concept of  "Keyed Notes". 


This technique evolved from the desire to standardize and streamline repetitive notation. Symbols on the plan replaced the hand-lettered notation, resulting in clean drawings and efficiency in making changes.


Eventually the numbered lists were produced by copying a type written master onto adhesive backed transparent mylar. The typewriter did not draw a circle around the number, nor did we.


Fast forward to CAD. The keynote symbol is an attributed block and it is so cool because I can double-click on the object and edit its contents. Since all the notes are placed as separate objects, or perhaps as multi-line text, it's easy to copy the same block vertically to create the numbered list.


Revit was designed to solve the deficiencies of CAD. In this case it is the link between the numbered list and the symbols on the drawings. In (vanilla) CAD there is none.

Neither software can automatically place the symbol in the numbered list. Only Revit can update the list automatically, transparently, in both directions.


It is a widely accepted convention that a legend should be included to explain the different types of symbols used in a set of construction drawings. The keynote symbol should be included in this legend, and if it is there is no need to repeat the same information in a note list.

No Further Delays

After a slight hiatus from the conception of this blog to its inception, we are ready to move forward. The blog will remain public and all information posted here will be non-proprietary.


All the tips and techniques I will share have been developed over several years and in collaboration with a variety of AEC professionals, and are offered for the use and benefit of all. The anecdotes, issues and challenges arising from the transition from CAD to BIM will be familiar to many and interesting to all who are traveling along the same path.

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This blog's primary purpose is a broadcast of news and information related to BIM transition at KTGY.


Across all five offices, about one-third of the design and production staff have training and experience using Revit. We have twenty Revit users in Irvine, a few in Oakland and D.C., and the entire staff in Denver is Revit-qualified. About fifty users total.


In the first three months at KTGY I've worked on developing BIM content, standards and methodologies. In Irvine we've initiated two multi-family housing projects,  a retail prototype job, and also created models of the ancillary buildings for yet another low-density housing project.


For all who have not yet had the opportunity to work in BIM I offer this incentive: Working with Revit is fun! All who wish to have more fun at work are invited to join the Revit-lution!