Creating Family Parameters

You can create new instance parameters or type parameters for any family type. By adding new parameters, you have more control over the information contained in each family instance or type. You can create dynamic family types for increased flexibility within the model.

To create parameters

1. In the Family Editor, click Create tabProperties panel (Family Types).
2. In the Family Types dialog, click New, and enter a name for the new type.

   This creates a new family type that will be available in the Type Selector when you load it into a project.

3. Under Parameters, click Add.
4. In the Parameter Properties dialog, under Parameter Type, select Family parameter.
5. Enter a name for the parameter.
6. Select a discipline.
7. For Type of Parameter, select the appropriate parameter type.

   Name	Description
   Text	Completely customizable. Can be used to collect unique data.
   Integer	A value that is always expressed as an integer.
   Number	Used to collect miscellaneous numeric data. Can be defined by a formula. Can also have real numbers.
   Length	Can be used to establish the length of an element or subcomponent. Can be defined by a formula. This is the default type.
   Area	Can be used to establish the area of an element or subcomponent. Formulas can be used in this field.
   Volume	Can be used to establish the length of an element or subcomponent. Formulas can be used in this field.
   Angle	Can be used to establish the angle of an element or subcomponent. Formulas can be used in this field.
   Slope	Can be used to create parameters that define slope.
   Currency	Can be used to create currency parameters.
   URL	Provides web link to user defined URL.
   Material	Establishes parameters in which a specific material can be assigned.
   Yes/No	Used most often for instance properties when the parameter is defined with either a Yes or No.
   Family Type	Used with nested components and allows you to swap components after the family is loaded into a project.
   Divided Surface Type	Establishes parameters with which divided surface components (such as panels and patterns) can be driven. Formulas can be used in this field.

8. For Group parameter under, select a value.

   After the family is loaded into a project, this value determines which group header the parameter displays under on the Properties palette.

9. Select either Instance or Type. This defines whether the parameter is an Instance or Type parameter.
10. Optionally, if you selected Instance in step 9, you can select Reporting Parameter. See Reporting Parameters.
11. Click OK.