Tagging/Dimensioning Tabs in Smart Tags & Smart Dimensions

In the Configuration windows of Smart Tags and Smart Dimensions, you will find tabs for dimensioning/tagging.

These tabs are used for typical dimensioning and tagging applications. They are in addition to the standard tabs available for each category (such as Common Options in Smart Tags or Common and To Nearest Element in Smart Dimensions).

These include:

• Elements in View

• Horizontal Elements, Diagonal Elements, Vertical Elements, Element Sections, and Diagonal Elements

• A few other unique tabs for specific categories.

In many cases, these tabs function as additional filters based on the orientation of the elements. For example, instead of dimensioning/tagging every instance of the category you are working with, you can dimension/tag only the horizontal ones.

This page will provide an in-depth explanation of these tabs and how to use them.

Elements In View

Categories that are typically point-based elements (such as Columns, Duct Fittings, Pipe Fittings) have only one additional tab—Elements In View.

The Point Based Elements multi-category also has only the Elements In View tab. Similarly, Doors and Windows—despite being limited to specific host categories—also have just this one tab.

For all these point-based categories, this tab is used to define main tagging/dimensioning preferences. Using this tab, all instances of the corresponding category will be tagged or dimensioned in an active view—unless filters are applied or there are some incorrect settings.

Horizontal Elements, Vertical Elements, Diagonal Elements, Element Sections

Categories that are always (such as Walls, Pipes, Ducts, Conduits, and Cable Trays) or typically (e.g., Structural Framing) line-based have these tabs:

• Horizontal Elements

• Diagonal Elements

• Vertical Elements

• Element Sections

• Diagonal Elements.

In short, each tab filters elements based on how they are positioned within the current view. The filtering is always relative to the view you are in.

MEP System Example

Let’s look at a few tagging examples. The first one is an MEP system:

In the plan view, there are ducts in various positions. The Vertical Elements tab in the Ducts category will tag only the ducts that appear in a vertical orientation.

Similarly, ducts that appear horizontal in a view will be tagged through the Horizontal Elements tab:

Likewise, if an element is neither horizontal nor vertical because it's rotated, it is tagged through the Diagonal Elements tab (highlighted in red in the image below). Elements that are perpendicular to the view plane are tagged using the Element Sections tab. In the image below, these are the riser ducts (highlighted in blue). We can only see their cross-section because these elements are perpendicular to the active view.

To tag this view, I'm using a configuration with two Rules for the Ducts category—one tag type for non-insulated ducts and a different type for insulated ones. All orientations are tagged except for Element Sections. Additionally, a filter ignores all ducts shorter than 500mm to prevent cluttering the view with excessive tags. Mechanical Equipment and Duct Accessories are also tagged, as well as Air Terminals, using multiple Rules to apply different tags for different terminal types.

This is the result:

Now, let's look at Section S1 (already tagged). Here, we're seeing the same elements but from a different perspective. The riser ducts now appear vertical. Elements that were previously vertical are now seen as cross-sections, so they are tagged through Element Sections.

Framing Example

Let's use a different example—this time, dimensioning a wall frame. However, the same logic still applies.

For vertical studs in the Frame Front view, the dimension at the bottom comes from the Vertical Elements tab.

Similarly, bottom and top plates, nogging, and the door header are horizontal elements in this view and can be dimensioned using the Horizontal Elements tab. This is where the dimension on the right comes from.

When looking at the same frame from a different perspective, an elements' orientation can change.

In the Framing Plan Detail view, the horizontal members from the Frame Front view remain horizontal. However, for what were previously vertical elements, only their cross-sections are visible. In this view, they are dimensioned using the Element Sections tab:

The same applies to the Frame Side view. Here, you can only see the cross-sections of elements that were horizontal in the Frame Front view, so these members are also dimensioned using the Element Sections tab.

On Front Sides, On Vertical Sides, On Horizontal Sides, On Diagonal Sides

The Face Based Details multi-category has its own unique tabs:

• On Front Sides

• On Vertical Sides

• On Horizontal Sides

• On Diagonal Sides

This multi-category is used for dimensioning/tagging families that can attach (be hosted) to the faces of other elements.

These tabs in Face Based Details follow a similar logic to line-based element tabs. The main difference is that they filter families based on the face (surface) they are hosted on.,

Precast Example

In this example, there are different elements hosted on different sides of the wall. Grout tubes are placed on the bottom of the panel, top fixtures at the top, and there are side loops on both sides of the panel.

When looking at the panel from the front, grout tubes appear to be placed on a surface that is horizontal in the current view. This is exactly what the On Horizontal Sides tab is used for.

Side loops in Elevation Front are placed on the sides of the panel. These sides appear vertical in this view, so the On Vertical Sides tab is used to dimension these elements.

If there were any elements on the front of the panel, the On Front Sides tab would be used.

When switching to a view from a different perspective, elements’ orientation relative to the view also changes.

For example, in Elevation Left, side loops now appear to be placed on a face (surface) that is parallel to the current view plane. In such cases, the On Front Faces tab is used.

The surface grout tubes and top fixtures are placed on is still horizontal in this view, so these elements are still dimensioned through On Horizontal Sides.