Graphics Tools#
Seat numbers and seat sizes are embedded in each seat family as model text — three-dimensional text geometry sized relative to the seat that rotates with it in plan. Using model text (rather than annotation) ensures labels always display at a consistent size relative to the seat, regardless of view scale, and always follow the orientation of each individual seat.
The trade-off is that model text is 3D geometry. When the seating model is linked into an architectural project, these labels appear as physical objects in perspective views and renderings. The application provides two layers of visibility control to manage this, as well as a tag-based alternative that avoids model text entirely.
Visibility layer 1 — Type parameters#
Each seat family type carries two type parameters that act as master switches for the model text geometry:
| Parameter | Controls |
|---|---|
| PB_Seat_Number_Visible | Visibility of the seat number model text |
| PB_Seat_Width_Visible | Visibility of the seat size model text |
These parameters are off by default when seats are loaded into a project, so no labels are visible until explicitly enabled. They can be turned on manually by editing the family type in Revit's Family Types dialog, or automatically the first time the Seat Numbers or Seat Sizes command is run. Once enabled by the command, the parameters remain on — subsequent uses of the commands only adjust subcategory visibility.
Visibility layer 2 — Subcategories#
When the type parameters are on, the model text elements appear under two subcategories of the Furniture category:
| Subcategory | Controls |
|---|---|
| PB_Seat_Number | Seat number model text |
| PB_Seat_Size | Seat size model text |
Subcategory visibility can be controlled per view through Revit's Visibility/Graphics Overrides dialog, allowing labels to be visible in some views and hidden in others without affecting the family types. The Seat Numbers and Seat Sizes commands automate this per-view control from the ribbon.
Alternative — Seat tags#
The application includes two Furniture category tags loaded automatically during project initialization. Tags provide an alternative to model text that is not visible in linked models or renderings:
- Seat Number Tag — displays the PB_Seat_Number shared parameter value
- Seat Width Tag — displays the seat's nominal width
See Seat Tags for details.
Tip
If the seating model will be linked into an architectural project, consider using seat tags rather than model text labels, or confirm that PB_Seat_Number_Visible and PB_Seat_Width_Visible remain off in the families delivered to the architect.
Controlling visibility from a host model#
When the seating model is linked into another Revit project, the host model can control the visibility of the seat number and size model text without any changes to the seating model itself. Revit matches subcategories from linked models by name — if the host model contains a Furniture subcategory with an identical name, that subcategory's visibility setting applies to the linked elements.
To control seat label visibility from the architect's model:
- In the host (architect's) Revit project, open the Object Styles dialog (Manage → Object Styles).
- On the Model Objects tab, expand the Furniture category.
- Click New and create subcategories with the following exact names:
PB_Seat_NumberPB_Seat_Size- Close Object Styles.
- In any view where you want to hide the labels, open Visibility/Graphics Overrides (VG), go to the Revit Links tab, expand the linked seating model, and locate these subcategories under Furniture. Turn them off as needed.
The subcategory names are case-sensitive — they must match exactly. Once created, the same subcategories can be used across all views in the host project and can be included in View Templates for consistent control.