Can't get ducts to print properly in black

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Hi All. I'm a new Revit user and new to the forum.

I am trying to set all of my ductwork to print in black on PDFs but I can't seem to figure out how to make it happen. I've set up the color of all things duct to black but my exhaust, return, and supply ducts come out different colors (gray, darker gray, and black respectively, see picture). What can I do to make all my ductwork appear in solid black? I even put an override on "Visibility/Graphic Overrides" to black for ducts and still no change.

My print settings are through CutePDF, I've set the color to grayscale. I do not want to force things black by setting the print style to be black and white because it messes up the rest of my drawing. Anyone have any ideas on how to remedy this? Thanks!

-Nar

[Twiceroadsfool]

Set up a Filter.

Categories: all ducts, pipes, duct fittings, pipe fittings, conduits, etc.

Filter by: system name, greater than, blank field.

Set line color to black.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

[tzframpton]

Aaron's response is a total fix, however I wanted to include this info so you understand why his way works and the V/G option doesn't. Default duct systems have what's called a System Graphic Override, which overrides anything in V/G, but a Filter overrides it. This setting is somewhat buried and if you don't know about it, it's difficult to randomly come across it.

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Thanks Tannar and Aaron. I tried to add the filter but I must be doing something wrong...

I've never set up a filter so bear with me. I went into filters and added a new one called "Ducts", selected all elements I want to change but in the rules section I cannot select any conditions. You mentioned "System Name" but there's literally nothing in the list I can select. Please see the first picture. I noticed there were already some filters set up by the previous person who worked on this project such as "Mechanical - Exhaust" which is set to filter by "System Classification" for anything that contains the word "exhaust". Same thing for returns and supplies.

I then went into V/G and under the filter tab added my filters and selected to override the color to black. PDF still prints the same exact way as my OP.

Am I taking the wrong approach here?

[Twiceroadsfool]

ONE Filter. Not Several.

Select the relevant Categories. You cant include some categories like "Placeholders," etc.

When you have the correct categories selected, that NON drop down will list System Name as an available choice. If its not available, you have something checked in the category column that isnt supposed to be there.

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Ok, so what you said worked for setting up the filter. I then went into V/G, filters tab, added it, and set override to black. Still same print...

[Twiceroadsfool]

What are all the categories specifically, that you have checked? It works fine here.

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So I just realized my mistake. I've been doing it at the sheet level. I did it at the floor plan level and now they're all black. Overall, this works for my printing needs. Thank you.

Is there a way to keep the original green/purple/blue colors displaying for exh/RA/SA but only print in black? Or is the only way to work on the project then set these filters up at the last minute before printing? Having the colors does help during the design phase, I'd rather keep them if there's a way.

Lastly, do I have to now go into each individual floor plan (I have 40+) and change the V/G overrides or is there a way to quickly hit them all at once?

Thanks again!

[Twiceroadsfool]

View Templates, is how you hit them all at once.

And if you are in 2021, you can set up this Filter, and then uncheck "Enable Filter" so that its there, and overriding, but not active. Then right before you print, you go in the View Template, and check ENABLE FILTER.

If you arent in 2021 yet, Enable Filter isnt there. In that case, have two View Templates, and switch back and forth, or use temporary View Properties.

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This was a great help! Thank you Aaron.