Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
for a specific parameter. In most cases, the information (the
I
in BIM)
becomes second in priority in order to complete the project in a biddable
and readable fashion, which in many cases would involve using either
numbers or text parameters instead of actual units. As a result of such
workarounds, you may not be able to circuit certain devices or show their
load on the panel schedules unless the chosen units are the same for the
entire project.
Using Parameters in Families
ManyparametersarecreatedwhenworkingintheFamilyEditor.Ascontent
is planned, created, or edited, it becomes clear which type of data is needed
for either analysis or reporting or to drive the geometry. When you're
working with Revit families, you'll come across the term
flexing
, which
essentially means changing dimensional parameter values to test whether
a family is parametric (flexible) and can take various parameter values
without being broken. Flexing a family can be done through the Family
Types dialog box, by modifying a series of parameters and clicking OK.
Another way to flex a family is to modify the parameter value directly in
a plan view or any other view. All you need is to select the parameter and
enter a different value for it. A third method of flexing a family is to select a
reference plane and move it in order to flex the parameter value indirectly.
This last method is further explained in the next section.
Dimensional Parameters Lock Function
You have the ability to lock
dimensional parameters
in the Family Editor
so that they cannot be changed while working on the geometry of a family.
There is a Lock column in the Family Types dialog box with a check box
for each dimensional parameter. What is nice about this feature is that if
you do not lock a parameter, you can change its value while working on the
geometry, eliminating the need to stop and access the parameter to change
its value manually. An object that is constrained by a dimension can be
moved and the parameter's dimension value will adjust. This eliminates the
pesky Constraints Are Not Satisfied warning dialog box that appeared in
versions earlier than Revit MEP 2012. However, this warning will appear if
a dimensional parameter is locked and an object is moved.
You can also edit the value of a dimensional parameter in the drawing area
by clicking the text, just as you would edit a dimension object. This can
