Set room-based zero level for elevation dimensions

[#1]

In multi-story interior design workflows, elevation dimensions are typically referenced to the Project Zero by default. This can make it difficult to read room-specific heights, especially when each space has a different finished floor level.

Issue description

When placing elevation dimensions in interior views, the values are calculated from the global Project Zero instead of the room’s finished floor level. As a result, identical elements in different rooms may display inconsistent or non-intuitive height values. This can complicate documentation, reduce readability, and require additional interpretation when reviewing drawings.

This article explains how to redefine the reference point of elevation dimensions so that each room uses its own finished floor level as the $0.00$ reference. This improves clarity and consistency in interior elevation documentation.

Solution

Set the user origin in the view

• Create or open an Interior Elevation or Section view.

• Activate the Set User Origin command from the toolbar.

• Place the user origin at the desired reference point (e.g., finished floor level of the room).

• If the command is not visible, add it via Work Environment > Commands.

Adjust elevation dimension settings

• Place the elevation dimension in the view.

• Open the Dimension Selection Settings dialog.

• Change Dimension Origin from Project Zero to Current User Origin.

Result

Elevation dimensions are displayed relative to the defined user origin, allowing each room’s finished floor level to act as the $0.00$ reference. This results in clearer and more context-specific interior documentation.

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These techniques were originally shared by Community member @Mahmoud Qenawi. If you’d like to explore the original discussion, click here to read the full thread!

This article is part of the ‘Tip of the Month’ series on Graphisoft Insights, highlighting valuable community-driven solutions for modeling challenges. Try these methods in your next project and experience the difference in model quality and efficiency.