A type catalog lists all of the types in a family, allowing you to select and load only the types you need for the current project, resulting in a smaller project file size.
To create a type catalog, you create an external text file (TXT) that contains the parameters and parameter values that create the different types in a specific family. You place this file in the same location as the family file so that when you select to load the family, the type catalog displays.
Notes
To display the type name... | In the type catalog, enter... |
---|---|
48" x 60" |
48"" x 60"" |
3' - 6" |
3' - 6"" |
The easiest way to create a type catalog is to use the Export Family Types tool on an existing family. Using this tool, you create the base type catalog and then modify the text file in a text editor.
Create a type catalog using the Export Family Types tool
,Length##length##inches,Width##length##inches,Height##length##inches
Syntax | Description |
---|---|
, |
The first character of the first line in the file is the delimiter. This character is used to separate each parameter definition. |
Length##length##inches |
Defines a parameter in the family (Parameter Name##Parameter Type##Units). |
36x12x36,36,12,36
Syntax | Description |
---|---|
36x12x36 |
Type name. |
, |
A comma is used to separate the type name from the list of parameter values, and is also a delimiter for each parameter. |
36,12,36 |
Length parameter value = 36, Width parameter value = 12, Height parameter value = 36 |
Type of Parameter | Parameter Declaration | Notes |
---|---|---|
Text | param_name##OTHER## | |
Integer | param_name##OTHER## | |
Number | param_name##OTHER## | |
Length | param_name##LENGTH##FEET | |
Area | param_name##AREA##SQUARE_FEET | |
Volume | param_name##VOLUME##CUBIC_FEET | |
Angle | param_name##ANGLE##DEGREES | |
Slope | param_name##SLOPE##SLOPE_DEGREES | |
Currency | param_name##CURRENCY## | |
URL | param_name##OTHER## | |
Material | param_name##OTHER## | |
Yes/No | param_name##OTHER## | Defined as 1 or 0 with 1 equaling Yes and 0 equaling No. |
<Family Type> | param_name##OTHER## | Family name:type name with no file extension |
Metadata parameters : | ||
Keynote | Keynote##OTHER## | |
Model | Model##OTHER## | |
Manufacturer | Manufacturer##OTHER## | |
Type Comments | Type Comments##OTHER## | |
URL | URL##OTHER## | |
Description | Description##OTHER## | |
Assembly Code | Assembly Code##OTHER## | |
Cost | Cost##CURRENCY## |
Sample text file and type catalog
,Manufacturer##other##,Length##length##centimeters,Width##length##centimeters,Height##length##centimeters MA36x30,Revit,36.5,2.75,30 MA40x24,Revit,40.5,3.25,24
Type | Manufacturer | Length | Width | Height |
---|---|---|---|---|
MA36x30 | Revit | 36.5cm | 2.75cm | 30cm |
MA40x24 | Revit | 40.5cm | 3.25cm | 24cm |