column tag with comment

[DParkRMAK]

I am trying to get my custom column tag to show the comment parameter value. Is it possible to make the comment an instance parameter instead of a type parameter?

The only way I can get it to work is by making a type parameter. I would like to be able to turn it on as an instance parameter only when needed instead of making a type for each variation.

[CoreyDaun · Accepted solution]

Unfortunately, Tags are not able to be controlled by Instance Parameters. You will have to create a separate Family Type for each configuration.

[DParkRMAK]

Ah, thanks. That is what I ended up doing but it would be nice to be able to have some instance features in tags.

On a similar note, I was trying to use a label family for the tag so I could control the position of the text and ran into a problem with the parameters not being available in a generic annotation family. Is there a way to link structural colum tag parameters to the nested label family? I tried a few things but with no success.

[CoreyDaun]

No - it is not possible to have a Label from an embedded Family report the Parameters available in a host Tag Family. However, if you are just aiming to control the location of the Label, then all you have to do is Group the Label along with a Reference Line. Now you can apply the necessary constraints to the Reference Line(s) and the Label will move along with it.

[KateMorricalTowne]

We use instance parameters in tags all the time. What kind of limitations are you seeing?

[CoreyDaun]

For example, if you add a Yes/No Instance Parameter to a Tag Family. When it is loaded and placed in a Project, the Yes/No Instance Parameter is not available under Properties when the Tag is selected.

[KateMorricalTowne]

Yeah, we haven't had great luck with yes/no instance parameters. But we use text-based instance fields (like Comments) in a lot of tags with no issues.

[CoreyDaun]

In reporting Instance Parameters (i.e., including the Parameter in a Label), there is no problem. The issue here becomes apparent if you open a Tag Family and then add any kind of Instance Parameter to the Tag Family (under Family Types), not to the Label. When an instance of the Tag is selected in the Project, none of the Instance Parameters are present under the Tag's Properties.

[DParkRMAK]

Thanks for your input.

I guess the text position constraint can't be an instance parameter. It would be nice to be able to drag and adjust the text position. It seems it can only be controlled by type.