When creating a common family parameter, specify the parameter type in the Parameter Properties dialog.
In the Family Editor, click Create tab
Properties panel 
(Family Types). In the Family Types dialog, under Parameters, click Add. For Discipline, select Common. For Type of Parameter, select one of the following.
Properties panel (Family Types). In the Family Types dialog, under Parameters, click Add. For Discipline, select Common. For Type of Parameter, select one of the following. | 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. |
| Mass Density | A value that represents the mass per unit volume of a material. |
| URL | Provides a web link to user defined URL. |
| Material | Establishes parameter in which a specific material can be assigned. |
| Image | Establishes a parameter in which a specific raster image can be assigned. |
| Yes/No | Used most often for instance properties when the parameter is defined with either a Yes or No. |
| Multiline Text | Establishes a parameter in which longer multiline texts strings may be used. Click the browse button from the Properties palette to enter your text string. Note: When used as a shared parameter, this is not compatible in versions earlier than 2016.
|
| <Family Type...> | Used with nested components, Allows you to swap components after the family is loaded into a project. |
| Divided Surface Type | Establishes a parameter with which divided surface components (such as panels and patterns) can be driven. Formulas can be used in this field. This parameter is available to massing families only. |