Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
family file. Because type catalogs are TXT files in comma-delimited format,
it is easier to edit them using a spreadsheet program such as Microsoft
Excel.
To create a type catalog from scratch, start a new spreadsheet file. Enter all
the family types in the first column of the spreadsheet. Each column after
that will be a type parameter within the family. The type parameters must
exist in the family file and have some value in order to be used in the type
catalog.
In the past, you couldn't have instance parameters as part of a type catalog,
but now that is possible as well. If you leave a parameter value blank in the
family, the type catalog will ignore the parameter when the family is loaded.
So,eventhoughtheparametersinthefamilyareessentiallyplaceholdersfor
the type catalog, they need to have something input for their value.
Figure
6.10
shows an example of a type catalog for a motor connection family.
Figure 6.10
Sample type catalog
It is easy to see why a type catalog for this family is used; otherwise, all
15 family types would be loaded when this family is inserted into a project.
Notice that the format for the type parameters is:
,parameter name##parameter type##units##
You can cheat with the parameter type a bit: Instead of remembering the
proper formatting for all units, in most cases you can use Other.
Here are a few examples of proper formatting:
,Duct Width##HVAC_DUCT_SIZE##INCHES
,Power##ELECTRICAL_POWER##WATTS
,Air Flow##HVAC_AIR_FLOW##CUBIC_FEET_PER_MINUTE
,Width##LENGTH##FEET
