The Family Category and Parameters tool assigns the properties of a predefined family category to the component you are creating. The tool is only available within the Family Editor.
Family parameters define behaviors or Identity Data that apply across all types in that family. Different categories have different family parameters based on how Vasari expects the component to be used. Some common examples of family parameters that control how the family behaves include:
- Always vertical: When selected, the family always appears vertical at 90 degrees, even if it is on a sloping host, such as a floor.
- Work Plane-Based: When selected, the family is hosted by the active work plane. You can make any non-hosted family a work plane-based family.
- Shared: This parameter is only relevant when the family is nested into another family and loaded into a project. If the nested family is shared, you can select, tag, and schedule the nested family separately from the host family. If the nested family is not shared, then components created by the host family and nested family act as a single unit.
- Identify Data parameters include Omniclass Number and Omniclass Title which are based on the Omniclass Table 23 product classification.
To specify family parameters:
- In the Family Editor, click Model tab (or Modify tab)
Properties panel
(Family Category and Parameters). - From the dialog, select a family category whose properties you want to import into the current family.
- Specify the family parameters. Note: Family parameter options vary depending on family category.
- Click OK.