What is a 'Detail Line' in Revit, and how is it used?

A 'Detail Line' in Revit is specifically designed for creating 2D elements that serve various purposes, primarily for annotation and detailing views. These lines are not tied to any 3D geometric representation in the model; instead, they exist purely in a 2D context. This allows users to add graphical representations, annotations, or hypothetical details that help to convey design intent or clarify details in construction documents without influencing the actual building model.

Detail Lines are highly versatile as they can represent elements such as property lines, reference lines, or other visual indicators that do not exist as physical components in a Revit project. By using Detail Lines, designers can enhance the clarity and communication in their drawings, allowing for precise documentation of ideas and specifications in a way that is intuitive and straightforward.

While options suggesting a representation of 3D elements, structural elements, or layers of material could lead to confusion, they miss the core functionality of Detail Lines as purely 2D representations that assist in the annotation and detailing aspect of drawings.