ArchiCAD 16 vs. Revit 2013 (Architecture) - Annotation

Topic 3:  Annotation Tools

Annotation Tools
	ArchiCAD	Grade	Revit Architecture	Grade
Dimensions	Selecting what you want to dimension can be trial and error before you get what you need, because you can dimension almost anything.  Dimensions can get out of wack when displayed from inside hotlinked files.  Easy to add or subtract from existing dimension objects	B+	Dimensions are really powerful.  However some things can't be dimensioned which can be very frustrating.  Otherwise a great tool.	B+
Text Tool (as Notes)	Standard functionality, predictable.  Very limited formatting i.e. bullets, numbering	B	Standard functionality.  Nice leader functionality.  Slave to defined family definitions, poor workflow when changing font characteristics	B-
Text as Labels (with leader)	Labels in ArchiCAD are text entities with a leader attached.  Leaders can have different pen (color & line weight) than the text.  Pen weight does not affect text, however it is a bit of a tedious management issue (just another thing to worry about).  No built in function to quickly add additional leaders.  You need to use the line or pline command.	B	Text tool in Revit can be free of leaders or include a line or arc leader. Nice semi-automatic feature to add additional leaders.	A-
Tags (Smart objects)	Good functionality	B+	Good functionality.  I wish tags could have more than one leader as in standard text notes	A-
Keynotes (Linked to a text file)	Not a built in feature.  3rd party add-on available (Cadimage).	D (B+)	Built-in functionality.  Not a fast workflow, only certain element types can be keynoted.  3rd party keynote file editor is recommended	C
Leaders - Tied to text tool	Only available via the label tool.	C	Excellent functionality and options.  It is real nice how you can add or subtract leaders on a note block.  However, you cannot add or subtract leaders on multiple note blocks at once.  Why not?	A-
Leaders - Stand-alone	Standard leader functionality built into the line or polyline command.  Old school, predictable and logical	A	There is no separate tool for leaders.  Very frustrating and weird.  Text is not always the only thing that needs a leader.   You can create a annotation family without text and specify 1 or more leaders from the options bar when you insert the family	F
Revisions Tool	Pretty basic.  There are 3rd party add-ons available for this.  I tried one a couple years ago and the workflow was not very good.  Hopefully it has been greatly improved since then.	C	High functionality.  The workflow is a little weird to figure out at first.  Parametrically tied to title-blocks, which is nice.	B+

ArchiCAD vs. Revit - 2D & 3D Modification Tools

Here is the second topic in my comparison between ArchiCAD 16 & Revit 2013.  The order of these topics is based on what I can get ready for posting first.  Some topics are easier than others, therefore they may be posted sooner.

I'm trying to be as objective as possible.  If I'm missing something or should reconsider a grade, please let me know...

Topic 2: 2D & 3D Modification Tools

2D - 3D Modify Tools
	ArchiCAD	Grade	Revit Architecture	Grade
Split	Split multiple parallel elements at one time	A	Split one element at a time.  Sometimes it is difficult to select what you want,  if you are in a crowded space, as you cannot select the item first before invoking the command	C
Break	No Equivalent.  A workaround is to  trim between 2 line elements	C-	Break With Gap:  For walls only.  Gap size needs to be a number between 1/16" and 1'-0"	C
Extend - Adjust | Trim/Extend	Extend multiple items at same time.  Select items to extend then the element to extend to.	A	Extending multiple lines requires separate multiple cursor clicks	C
Fillet - Intersect  & Fillet/Chamfer | Trim Extend to Corner	Select 2 or more elements then start the command.  Prompted with a dialog to select Fillet or Chamfer.  Radius and chamfer size is entered in the dialog box.	B	Start the command then select elements.  Trim/Extend to Corner command is great for 0" raduis fillets.  A fillet with a radius requires to use the Fillet Arc option, found in the selection of drafting tools displayed for one of the line commands.  A bit confusing to the first time user who is looking for fillet command among the modify tools.   Start command then select linework.  Specify fillet radius in the options bar. Walls cannot be filleted directly with a raduis.  You need to draw 2D filleted linwork, then use the linework (Pick Lines option) to create the walls from.	C
Trim/Extend	Built-in keyboard shortcut via the Ctrl key.  Trim geometry on drawing, using one or 2 cutting planes.  Or define cutting edge on the fly within the command.  Trim multiple items at same time.	A+	Trim multiple items, one click at a time.  Cannot trim between two cutting edges	C-