How do you add a border to text in Revit?

Adding a border to text in Revit is primarily achieved by configuring the text's Type Properties, rather than a direct "add border" button on a text instance. The most common and effective methods involve utilizing a background mask and adjusting its offset, particularly for text with leaders.

Understanding Text Borders in Revit

Revit's text tools don't inherently draw a simple geometric border line around standalone text by default. Instead, the visual effect of a border is typically created through the text's type properties, which control its appearance and behavior. The key parameters to look for are Background and Leader Border Offset.

Method 1: Using an Opaque Background Mask with Offset

This is the most prevalent method to create a clear, defined "box" around your text, enhancing readability by masking elements behind the text.

What it does: When the Background property is set to Opaque, Revit creates a solid, filled rectangle directly behind your text. This rectangle effectively acts as a background and can be perceived as a border when combined with a defined offset.
Key Parameters:
- Background: Set this to Opaque to activate the masking effect.
- Leader Border Offset: This crucial parameter defines the padding, or the margin, between the text characters and the edge of this opaque background. A larger offset creates more space between the text and the visible edge of its background.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding an Opaque Background Border

Select the Text: In your Revit view, select the text element you wish to modify.
Access Type Properties: In the Properties Palette, click on Edit Type.
Duplicate the Text Type (Recommended): To preserve your original text styles, it's best practice to duplicate the existing type. Click Duplicate..., give your new text type a descriptive name (e.g., "Text - 3mm - Opaque Border"), and click OK.
Configure Background: Locate the Graphics section within the Type Properties dialog.
- Find the Background parameter and change its value from Transparent to Opaque.
Adjust Leader Border Offset: In the same Graphics section:
- Locate the Leader Border Offset parameter. This value determines how much space surrounds your text within its background or leader.
- Increase this value (e.g., to 10 mm or 3/8") to expand the padding around the text, effectively making the background "border" wider. Experiment with different values to achieve your desired look.
Apply Changes: Click OK to apply the modifications to your new text type.
Observe: Your selected text will now display with an opaque background, and the Leader Border Offset will dictate the margin around the text.

Method 2: Applying a Border to Text with a Leader

While the Leader Border Offset primarily controls the spacing for any background or leader connection, some text types or annotation families designed for leaders might inherently show a distinct border when a leader is present. The Leader Border Offset still dictates the margin for this border.

If your text has a leader, ensure the text type's Background is set to Opaque and adjust the Leader Border Offset as described above. The opaque background will define the "border" of the text box where the leader connects.

Alternative: Manual Detail Lines

For unique or non-standard border shapes around text, you can always manually draw detail lines in a drafting view or directly on your sheet.

Process: Use the Annotate tab > Detail Line tool to draw a rectangle or any other shape around your text.
Pros: Provides complete control over the border's appearance and shape.
Cons: Not parametrically linked to the text, meaning if the text moves or changes size, the border will need manual adjustment.

Practical Insights & Best Practices

Duplicate Text Types: Always duplicate existing text types before making changes. This ensures you don't unintentionally alter other text elements in your project that use the original type.
Readability: Borders and opaque backgrounds are excellent for improving text readability on busy drawings, as they mask underlying elements.
Consistency: Establish a few standard text types with specific border/background settings and use them consistently across your project for a professional and uniform appearance.
Annotation Families: For more complex annotations, consider creating or modifying annotation families (e.g., tags, keynotes) that include predefined borders or shapes as part of their family geometry. These families can automatically display borders based on their design.

Comparing Text Border Methods

Feature	Opaque Background Mask with Offset (Recommended)	Manual Detail Lines
Ease of Use	Very Easy (once type is set)	Easy (for simple shapes)
Parametric	Yes (text size, offset)	No
Masking Background	Yes	No
Consistency	High (type-based)	Low (manual placement)
Flexibility (Shape)	Rectangular only	High (any shape)
Scalability	Excellent	Poor (manual rework)