Common Family Parameters

When creating a common family parameter, specify the parameter type in the Parameter Properties dialog.

In the Family Editor, click Create tabProperties 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.

Note: The Create tab can only be accessed when working in the Family Editor.

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.
Distance	Can be used to create distance parameters.
Rotation Angle	Can be used to establish the rotation angle of an element or subcomponent.
Speed	Can be used to create parameters that define speed.
Volume	Can be used to establish the volume of an element or subcomponent.
Time	Can be used to create time related parameters.
Cost per Area	Can be used to define the cost per area of an element or subcomponent.
Area	Can be used to define the area of an element or subcomponent.
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 a parameter that defines 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 a 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.