Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Duplicate Parameters
It is possible to create a project parameter with the same name and
settings as a parameter that already exists in the elements to which it is
being applied. This may not pose a problem for objects already loaded
into your project, but keep in mind that a component may be loaded
that already has a parameter equal to one of your project parameters.
Managing project parameters is as essential as managing shared
parameters and content.
When you add a parameter to your project and it is applied to elements in
the chosen category, the parameter will not have a value. You can easily give
the parameters values by creating a schedule of the elements and including
the project parameters in the schedule.
Yes/No type parameters will be set to Yes (selected) by default and appear
to be uneditable when they are viewed in a schedule or the properties of an
element. You can click the grayed-out check box once to make it editable.
Parameters in Schedules
Family parameters and some system parameters cannot be used in
schedules. If you do not want to use shared parameters in your families,
you can create project parameters for scheduling information about
components. In the Schedule Properties dialog box at the center of the
Fields tab is an Add Parameter button, as shown in
Figure 6.22
. Clicking
this button opens the Parameter Properties dialog box; this is the same
dialog box that you get when you click Project Parameters. Essentially, you
can create project parameters from the Project Parameters dialog box or
from a schedule. All of them will appear in the Project Parameters list.
However, there is a difference depending on whether you create them from
the dialog box or from a schedule. When you create the parameters from a
schedule, they will automatically be applied to the category of the schedule.
For example, if you are scheduling mechanical equipment, creating a
parameter in that schedule will automatically apply it to all mechanical
equipment. But what if you want the same parameter to apply to other
object categories as well? You can do this from the Project Parameters
dialog box, where you will be given the opportunity to select any additional
