Automate your labels and annotations in MEP Designer

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Clear documentation is essential when working with complex MEP systems in Archicad. Labels and keynotes let you annotate ducts, pipes, fittings, and equipment while keeping drawings organized and easy to read. By using Autotext, you can automatically add information from the model instead of entering it manually, which helps prevent errors or confusion and ensures your documentation stays accurate as the model changes.

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Label MEP elements and use Autotext

You can enter text manually, but for faster and more accurate documentation, use Autotext fields. This reduces the chance of mistakes and ensures your labels always reflect the model.

To annotate MEP elements one-by-one: 

• Activate the Label tool in the Toolbox.
• In Label Settings or the Info Box, choose the label type you wish to use.
• Hover over the element you want to label—highlighted feedback shows what will be tagged, and press Tab to cycle if multiple elements are detected.
• Click to place the label.

To annotate multiple MEP elements: 

• Select the MEP elements you want to annotate.
• Go to Document > Annotation > Label Selected Elements.
• Archicad places the default label on all selected elements.

To add Autotext: 

• Select Text/Autotext Label as the label type in Label Settings.
• Go to the Text Label panel and click Clear Text.
• Place the Label.
• Enter text and/or insert Autotext items in the Text Editor by double-clicking, or clicking Add to add items from the list.
• Placeholders appear if referenced data is unavailable.
• Click on empty space to finish.

Example: 

Pipe System: <Autotext: MEP System> 

If the pipe system changes in the model, the label updates automatically. 

 Autotext can display: 

• Element parameters – duct diameter, pipe size, flow rate 
• Project information – project name, author 
• Layout information – sheet number, drawing title 

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Keynotes for organized documentation

MEP drawings often require many notes describing materials, installation details, or system specifications. Writing full descriptions directly on the drawing can create clutter. Keynotes solve this by placing a short code on the element that links to a full description in a legend.

To add keynotes :

• Go to Document > Keynotes. 
• Select the element you want to annotate and place the keynote. 
• Generate a keynote legend to list all referenced notes in the drawing. 

Example:

• On the drawing: Pipe-1
• In the keynote legend: DN#MEP / MEP System / Slope 
  

1. This approach is especially useful when working with multiple pipes. Instead of placing long descriptions on each element, you can assign short identifiers and manage all detailed information in one place, keeping the drawing clean and easy to read.

2. You can also insert Autotext fields in keynote descriptions to dynamically display model or project information, such as duct diameter, pipe size, or sheet number. This ensures that your keynote legend always reflects the latest model data.

Place a Legend on the Layout

The Legend object displays a list of Keynotes on a Layout. You have many options to customize its content and appearance.

The Keynote Legend is an object-type element, found in your project library.

• Open a Layout that already contains drawings.
• From Keynotes palette, click Place Legend.
• The current default legend object is placed on the Layout.
• Any changes made to Keynotes in the project automatically update in the legend, ensuring consistency throughout your documentation.

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Learn more: Check the MEP Designer Help Guide to keep your MEP documentation clear and your project well organized.