Creating Project Parameters

1. Click Manage tabSettings panel (Project Parameters).
2. In the Project Parameters dialog, click Add.
3. In the Parameter Properties dialog, select Project parameter.
4. Enter a name for the project parameter.
   Note: Do not use a dash (-) in parameter names.
5. Select a discipline.
6. Select the parameter type. (See Parameter Types.)
7. An option is available if you are creating an instance parameter that is one of the following types:
   • Text
   • Area
   • Volume
   • Currency
   • Mass Density
   • URL
   • Material
   • <Family Type>
   Select either:

   • Values are aligned per group type (default): If an element with this instance parameter is part of multiple groups, the parameter value will be the same for corresponding elements in all group instances. While in Edit Group mode, you can select the element and modify the parameter on the Properties palette. Changing the parameter value for the element in one group will change the value for the corresponding element in all other instances of the same group type.
   • Values can vary by group instance: If the element with this instance parameter is part of multiple groups, the parameter value can vary for corresponding elements in group instances. While in Edit Group mode, you can select the element and modify the parameter on the Properties palette. Changing the parameter value for the element in one group will not change the value for the corresponding element in other instances of the same group type.

   For example, you may have a group that is replicating equipment from room to room, say for a hospital room, but each of these elements (pieces of equipment) needs to have a unique identifier. Parameters values do not have to be the same for the element from group to group. You decide when creating the parameter if the value should be unique or consistent across group instances.

   Note: If you change an existing parameter from varies to aligned, an error message displays listing the elements with the parameter that will change. If you click "Align Parameter Values," then all group instances will update to have the same parameter value. The value applied is the value that was assigned to the element in the first group instance.
8. Under Group parameter under, select the heading under which the parameter should display on the Properties palette or in the Type Properties dialog.
9. Choose whether the parameter is stored by instance or type.

   For more information on instance and type properties, see Modifying Type Properties.

10. (Optional) Use the Filter list to filter categories by discipline.
11. Select the element categories to which you want to apply this parameter.
12. Click OK.