How Do I Remove a Line Override in Revit?

To remove a line override in Revit, you typically access the Visibility/Graphics Overrides dialog for category-level changes or directly reset element-specific overrides. For overrides applied via the Visibility/Graphics dialog, locate the overridden line or pattern settings for the relevant category and use the "Clear Overrides" function.

Understanding Line Overrides in Revit

Line overrides in Revit allow you to temporarily change the graphical appearance of elements or entire categories within a specific view. These changes can affect line color, weight, and pattern. While useful for highlighting specific elements or communicating design intent, too many overrides can lead to inconsistency and make your drawings difficult to manage. Removing them restores the default appearance defined by your project's object styles or view templates.

Step-by-Step Guide to Clearing Visibility/Graphics Line Overrides

This method is used when an entire category's line appearance has been overridden in a view via the Visibility/Graphics dialog.

1. Open Visibility/Graphics Overrides:

   • In the desired view, type VV or VG on your keyboard, or navigate to the View tab on the Ribbon, then click Visibility/Graphics.

2. Navigate to Model or Annotation Categories:

   • Within the Visibility/Graphics dialog, go to the Model Categories tab (for 3D elements like walls, doors) or the Annotation Categories tab (for 2D elements like dimensions, text).

3. Locate the Overridden Category:

   • Scroll down and find the category for which you want to remove the line override (e.g., "Walls," "Doors," "Detail Lines").

4. Clear Line Overrides:

   • In the row of the target category, look for the Projection/Surface or Cut columns under the Lines section.
   • Click the Override button (it will typically say "Override..." or show a modified value) for the specific line setting you wish to reset (e.g., "Projection/Surface Lines" or "Cut Lines").
   • In the Graphic Overrides for Lines dialog that appears, click the Clear Overrides button.
   • Click OK to close the Graphic Overrides for Lines dialog.

5. Apply and Exit:

   • Click Apply within the Visibility/Graphics dialog to see your changes immediately.
   • Click OK to exit the Visibility/Graphics dialog.

For more information, refer to the official Autodesk Revit Help on Visibility and Graphic Display.

Removing Other Types of Line Overrides

Line overrides can originate from several sources. Beyond the Visibility/Graphics dialog, here's how to remove other common types of overrides:

Element-Specific Overrides (Override Graphics in View)

If you've overridden the graphics of individual elements directly, follow these steps:

1. Select Element(s): Select the element(s) in the view that have the override.
2. Reset Graphics: Right-click on the selected element(s), hover over Override Graphics in View, and then choose By Element....
3. Clear Overrides: In the View-Specific Element Graphics dialog, click the Clear Overrides button at the bottom.
4. Click OK.

Alternatively, if you've only modified a few aspects:

1. Right-click on the element(s).
2. Hover over Override Graphics in View.
3. Select Reset Graphics in View.

View Filter Overrides

Line overrides can also be applied through View Filters, which override graphics for elements meeting specific criteria.

1. Open Visibility/Graphics: Type VV or VG.
2. Go to Filters Tab: Click on the Filters tab.
3. Remove or Modify Filter:
   • To remove the filter entirely, select the filter and click Remove.
   • To modify the line overrides applied by the filter, select the filter and click on the Overrides button under Projection/Surface or Cut Lines. Reset the line settings as desired.
4. Click Apply and OK.

Learn more about Revit View Filters.

Linework Tool Overrides

The Linework tool (LW) is used to override the line style of individual edges of elements in a view.

1. Activate Linework Tool: Go to the Modify tab and click the Linework tool, or type LW.
2. Select "By Category": From the Line Style dropdown in the Options Bar, select <By Category>. This is the default line style.
3. Click Overridden Lines: Click on the specific lines in the view that you want to revert to their default "By Category" style.

Best Practices for Managing Revit Graphics

• Utilize View Templates: To maintain consistency and control, define your graphic settings within View Templates and apply them to views. This reduces the need for individual overrides.
• Understand Override Hierarchy: Be aware that overrides have a hierarchy (e.g., Element overrides > Filter overrides > Category overrides > Object Styles). An override at a higher level will supersede one at a lower level.
• Document Overrides: If specific overrides are necessary for clarity, consider documenting them or noting them in view-specific notes to inform other users.