Creating a Custom Baluster Pattern

  1. In a plan view, select a railing.
  2. On the Properties palette, click Edit Type.
  3. In the Type Properties dialog, for Baluster Placement, click Edit.
    Note: Changes made to the type properties affect all railings of this type in the project. You can click Duplicate to create a new railing type.
  4. Enter a name for the first part of the baluster pattern.
  5. For Baluster Family, do the following:
    If you want to… Then…
    show rails and posts, but no balusters select None.
    use a baluster family that exists in your drawing select one of the balusters from the list.
    use a baluster family that is not in your drawing load additional baluster families before making any selection. For more information on loading families, see Loading Families.
  6. For Base, do the following:
    If you want to specify the base as… Then…
    the floor edge, stair tread, level, or ramp select Host.
    one of the existing rail structures in the drawing select the named rail from the list.
    a rail structure that is not defined in your drawing select Cancel, and click Edit for Rail Structure in the Type Properties dialog.
  7. For Base Offset, enter a value.
  8. Select the Top. Refer to the previous table.
  9. Enter a value for Top offset.
  10. Enter a value for Dist. from previous.
  11. Enter a value for Offset.
  12. For Break Pattern, do the following:
    If you want the baluster pattern… Then…
    spread along the length of each railing segment select Each Segment End.
    to break and place a post at the turn angle of the railing select Angles Greater Than, and enter a value for Angle. If the railing turns at an angle that is equal to or greater than this value, the pattern breaks and a post is added. Typically, this value remains at 0. Turn angles are measured in the plan view. Segment breaks in the railing that do not occur at a turn are ignored.
    to remain unbroken regardless of any separations or turns in the railing select Never. The balusters are located along the entire length of the railing.
  13. Specify justification.

    Refer to the description of Justify in Baluster Pattern Properties.

  14. Select Excess Length Fill if you selected Beginning, End, or Center for Justify.

    Refer to the description of Excess Length Fill in Baluster Pattern Properties.

  15. Click Apply to preview your changes in the model.
  16. Click OK.