Create a Custom Baluster Pattern

For each railing type, you can define the baluster pattern, specifying a baluster family, how it attaches at the top and the base, its spacing, break pattern, and more.

1. In a plan view, select a railing.
2. On the Properties palette, click Edit Type.
   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.
3. In the Type Properties dialog, for Baluster Placement, click Edit.
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 has already been loaded into the project	select one of the balusters from the list.
   use a baluster family that is not yet loaded into the project	load additional baluster families before making any selection. See Load 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 Distance 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 Edit Baluster Placement Dialog: Main Pattern.

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

    Refer to the description of Excess Length Fill in Edit Baluster Placement Dialog: Main Pattern.

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