Create or Modify Project Parameters

Project parameters are used for scheduling, sorting, and filtering in a project.

1. Click Manage tabSettings panel (Project Parameters).
2. (If creating a new parameter) In the Project Parameters dialog, click Add.
3. (If modifying an existing parameter) In the Project Parameters dialog select the parameter to modify, click Modify.
   Tip: Use the filter tools in the dialog to limit the list of available parameters. This will make it easier to find the parameter you want to modify. Fields can be filtered by Parameter Name, Parameter Type, Value Type and Discipline. Use the pull down control to set the filter value or operator. When filtering by Parameter Name, set the operator, and input a filter criteria. As you type, the list of available fields will be filtered. Hover over a field to reveal a tooltip on the filed to help you identify the correct fields for use in the schedule.

   Both Type and Instance parameters are included by default. Clear the check mark to exclude type or instance parameters from the filter.

4. In the Parameter Properties dialog, select Project parameter.
5. Enter a name for the project parameter.
   Note: Do not use a dash (-) in parameter names.
6. Select a discipline.
7. Select the parameter type.
8. 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
   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.
9. Under Group parameter under, select the heading under which the parameter should display on the Properties palette or in the Type Properties dialog.
10. (Optional) Under Tooltip Description, click Edit Tooltip. In the Edit Tooltip dialog, enter the tooltip text, up to 250 characters, and click OK.
11. Choose whether the parameter is stored by instance or type.
12. (Optional) Use the Filter list to filter categories by discipline.
13. Select the element categories to which you want to apply this parameter.
14. Click OK.