Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 6.5
Type Of Parameter options for the Common discipline
There are additional options for parameter values that are not a unit of
measurement. The Text option allows you to input anything for the value
of the parameter. This is the most versatile option, but from an engineering
standpoint, it offers the least amount of “intelligence” because a text string
provides only information, not computable data. If the parameter value
doesn't have specific units and will always be numbers, it is best to use
Number instead of Text; this will allow you to use it in formulas if you ever
needit.Ifyouarecreatingaparameterthatisscheduledandwanttheability
toinputeithernumbersortextoracombinationofcharacters,thentheText
option is best.
The <Family Type…> option for a parameter is a useful tool when you
have multiple nested families within a family. You can create a Family Type
parameter to toggle between all the nested families. When the host family
is loaded into a project, the parameter can be modified to display any of
the nested families by selecting from the list in the Family Type parameter.
Figure 6.6
shows an annotation family for graphic scales with several nested
annotations loaded. A Family Type instance parameter has been created to
allow the use of any of the nested families.
