Revit Tip – Adding a Watermark note to views or sheets

By Dennis Collin

I frequently get asked on whether it is possible to add a watermark note such as ‘DRAFT’ to views in Revit. Of course, this is commonly done in PDF authoring software like Adobe, or online tools such as here. However, if this is not possible or desired due to security or confidentiality concerns then a watermark symbol can be created and added to a project template and placed when required.

Watermark notes need to be transparent and faint, so they don’t detract from the main drawing or sheet. To create a watermark symbol:

• Create a New Family
• Choose the Generic Annotation family template
• Create a text note to a suitable size, font etc and enable transparency.

I used the ‘Swiss721 BdOul BT’ font in my example. I used this font as it is hollow and looks different from annotations native in the document.

Set the text to a large 20mm text size, so it is noticeable, with a X2 Width Factor and fills the page.

• Disable right reading in the family properties

Adjust other settings to suit as desired. Once completed, load the family into the project and place it either onto a view or sheet as required.

For greater efficiency, a watermark can be added to a title sheet, with several toggle-able options for like Prelim, Draft or For Construction etc.