Parameters are used for various purposes. Some are added to adjust measurements. Some are added with the intent to use them in Schedules or Tags. Some are used in formulas, and others are just there for information. There are 4 types of Parameters that can be made in Revit. Their intended use will determine which one is used.
The four parameter types are Family, Project, Shared, and Global.
- Family Parameters are parameters made and used in families. Typically, these parameters are used for dimensional constraints.
- Project Parameters are made in a project model and can be assigned to a category. Every family of that category in the model will show that parameter in the properties.
- Shared Parameters are parameters stored in a TXT file that can be loaded into a Family or Project.
- Global Parameters can drive a value across an entire model. When set, they will change everywhere they are used.
Shared parameters are unique among the four options because they can be used independently in a family or in a project using the Project Parameter tool.
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A Shared Parameter file can be created by selecting the Manage ribbon > Settings panel and selecting the Shared Parameter tool. This can be done in a Family or from a Project Model.
- From the Edit Shared Parameter window, choose Create…
- Once made, the same Shared Parameter TXT can be used across multiple Revit versions.
- If a Shared Parameter file already exists, The Browse… button can be used to find it.
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When creating a Shared Parameter file, picking an appropriate location to store the TXT file is important. Each Shared Parameter in each TXT file has a unique 36-character ID assigned to it. This makes it possible to share parameters from different TXT files with the same name. Of course, this is not desirable. The file needs to be somewhere your staff can access it, but not somewhere the average user can accidentally or on purpose edit it.
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After creating the Shared Parameter file, Parameters and Groups can be added. I prefer to plan it out and create my groups first, at least the ones I anticipate needing. Groups help sort the parameters that will be created. More groups can always be added later, as needed.
In the Group area of the window (Bottom Right)
- Select the New… button.
- Create groups to sort the parameters as they are being created. Groups can also be made later as needed.
There is also a Rename… and Delete option to be used as needed |
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Parameters can then be created and added to specific groups.
In the Parameters part of the window (Middle Right)
- Select New…, this will open the Parameters Properties window where new parameters can be made.
- Properties… will display the properties of the selected parameter. Parameter Properties can not be edited once there made. Properties… will only display the Name, applied Discipline, Data type, and Tool Tip.
- Move… will allow you to change the group the parameter is in.
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There are several things to consider when making a new parameter.
- Name: Give the parameter a Name. Parameters are unique within their Shared Parameter TXT file. No two parameters, in a shared parameter file, can have the same name.
- However, shared parameters of the same name can be imported from different TXT files, though they are not recommended.
- Discipline: Common is the one I use most, but discipline-specific parameters can be selected as needed. Each Discipline option has its own set of Data Types that can be selected based on the need.
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- Data Type: These options are specific to the selected discipline. Selecting a discipline will provide discipline-specific types that can be used to further refine how the parameter is used.
- Edit Tooltip: A 250 character descriptor can be added to the parameters to prompt the user as to what kind of entry is expected when filling in the Shared Parameter.
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Congratulations. You have just created a Shared Parameter file, added some parameters, and grouped them. Hopefully, you have a better understanding of Shared Parameters and how to create them. I recommend taking your time and planning out what you need and how you want them organized. Changes can always be made later, but starting off on the right foot is always a good plan.
Next, we will discuss how to use these Shared Parameters in a family and project.
