Keynotes

[Celia Matsuda]

What is Keynote in a construction drawing?

In a construction drawing, the term "Keynote" refers to a notation system used to identify and describe specific project details. It is an efficient way to provide additional information about architectural elements, finishes, materials, and other aspects without overwhelming the drawing with excessive text.
By utilizing concise codes or numbers linked to a detailed keynote legend, architects can convey essential information with clear and readable documentation.
Here’s how it works and how it is used:

How the Keynote System Works

Numbering and Code:

Keynotes are typically represented by specific numbers or codes. Each number or code corresponds to a detailed description in the legend.

References on the Drawing:

In the drawing, relevant elements are marked with a keynote number or code. This can include details such as types of materials, finishes, construction systems, or information to convey to contractors such as demolition and onsite specific details.

Keynote Table:

The Keynote palette in use:

The Keynote Legend is a detailed list defining what each number or code represents.

 

The Keynote Legend placed on layout:

 

Example of Keynote Use

Floor Plan:

In a floor plan, different walls, floor finishes, and other elements may be identified with keynote numbers. For example, a wall might be marked with the code "K1."

Keynote Legend:

In the associated keynote legend, "K1" might have the following description:

"K1: Interior wall - drywall, smooth finish, white paint"

Advantages of Using Keynotes:

• Clarity: Reduces the amount of text on drawings, keeping them clean and legible.

• Consistency: Ensures that all references to the same detail are consistent throughout different parts of the project.

• Efficiency: Facilitates updates and modifications, as changes in the keynote database are reflected in all parts of the drawing where the number or code is used.

Typical Applications

• Architectural Plans: To describe floor finishes, types of walls, doors, and windows.

• Sections and Elevations: To detail materials and surface finishes.

• Details: To describe construction materials.

Conclusion

Using keynotes in construction drawings is an efficient practice for keeping drawings organized and legible while providing a clear and consistent way to describe specific projects and construction details. If you are working on an architectural project, it’s important to understand how the keynote system is set up and how to interpret the keynote data to ensure all project specifications are correctly followed and understood.

The Keynote workflow in Archicad 28 significantly simplifies the annotation and documentation process. Traditionally, architects spent considerable time manually adding manual text notes to drawings, which was not only time-consuming but also prone to errors. With the Keynote, users can quickly and accurately annotate multiple drawings, ensuring consistency and saving valuable time. This feature allows architects to focus more on design and less on documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Keynotes

Here, you’ll find answers to common questions about Keynotes. For more detailed information, please check out the Archicad 28 Guide - Keynotes.

When will Keynotes be able to read information from the model?

It's been under investigation continuously, even while we were developing Keynotes. It requires further investigation and investment to make this happen.

Would it be possible to use Keynotes with Graphic Overrides ?

Not currently, as we don't have the connection to elements.

Would it be possible to transfer these Keynotes to the properties of construction materials or elements?

This is an area that we want to investigate further in, but at this stage it's not possible.

How can we export element-linked Keynote information to IFC?

Because the Keynotes are not embedded into elements, Keynote data doesn't transfer with IFC.

Will we be able to import non-conflicting Keynote items from hotlink modules into current project?

If the two Keynotes are the same between the Hotlink source and the host, then you won't see any conflicts. You won't see two items - you'll only see the one in the host, and it will link to the same thing. Hotlink Keynotes that have a conflict or don't exist in the host will be displayed, and if you break the hotlink, these will be embedded into the host.

Can the Keynotes pull from classifications and properties?

At the moment, no. We are looking at integrating Keynotes into element attributes. As well as pulling autotext into Keynotes, is also something that we're looking at.

Is it possible to make an element schedule that shows which Keynote is connected to it?

Currently Keynotes only appear in the Keynote legend - this is similar technology that we use with the Change/Revision tool. Because the element schedule lists elements and element data, and because the Keynotes are not currently embedded into elements, they won't appear in schedules.

Will there be a Keynote database in Archicad 28 by default?

In the international template, we don't plan any generic Keynotes out of the box (the database will be empty by default) - as we realize most users will want to delete them anyway.

Can we place the Keynote legend on details, or only on Layouts?

The legend can be placed only on Layouts and Master Layouts. The Keynote data is stored inside the drawing cache.