How to Change the Hidden Line Style in Revit

You can change the hidden line style in Revit using the Linework tool to override the line style of specific elements in a view.

Revit offers several ways to control the appearance of lines, including hidden lines, which represent geometry obscured by other elements. One common method for changing the style of individual hidden lines within a specific view is by using the Linework tool.

Using the Linework Tool

The Linework tool allows you to override the line style of edges and elements in the current view without affecting their properties in other views or the overall model.

Here are the steps to change a line style using the Linework tool:

1. Access the Tool: Navigate to the Modify tab on the Revit ribbon. In the View panel, find and click the (Linework) tool.
2. Select the New Style: On the Options Bar that appears below the ribbon, locate the Line Style dropdown menu. From this list, select the desired line style. To make a hidden line visible or change its appearance, you might select:
   • Hidden Lines: To reinforce the standard hidden line appearance.
   • : To revert to the element's default hidden line style defined in Visibility/Graphics Overrides or Object Styles.
   • Other predefined or custom line styles: To apply a different visual representation.
3. Apply the Style: Click on the edge or element in the view whose line style you want to change. The selected style will be applied to that specific line in that view.

Practical Applications

• Highlighting: You might use the Linework tool with a different line style (like a thicker dash) to emphasize specific hidden elements in a detail view.
• Correcting Display: Occasionally, an edge might not display correctly as hidden; the Linework tool can force the desired line style.
• Temporary Changes: Since Linework overrides are view-specific, they are excellent for one-off adjustments without altering project standards.

Note: This method changes the line style only in the current view. It does not modify the element's object style or material properties project-wide.

For more comprehensive control over hidden lines across entire categories of elements, you would typically use Visibility/Graphics Overrides (VG) or modify the Object Styles. These methods allow you to define the default line style, color, and weight for hidden lines of specific categories project-wide or per view.

Comparing Methods (Briefly)

Method	Scope	Persistence	Flexibility (Specific Lines)
Linework Tool	Current View Only	View-Specific	High
Visibility/Graphics	Current View or Global	View/Project	Low (Applies to Category)
Object Styles	Global	Project-Wide	Low (Applies to Category)

Using the Linework tool is a direct and effective way to manage the appearance of individual hidden lines precisely where you need the change.