Missing Shared Parameter File

[Anonymous]

I am working in a model that was given to us. The shared parameter file was not given to us and it is unclear if it will be provided. Currently the model is directed to our standard shared parameters. Which leads me to.. 

1. Is there a way to tell if and what shared parameters were used? If so, can you export them to a text file from a project file?

2. If we do not receive the shared parameter file, can we use our standard shared parameters without messing up too much in the files?

3. Often, our families are built around shared parameters in our standard file, will using these files mess anything up in our model?

4. And more generally - what happens to shared parameters in the model and families when the file is gone?

Thank you in advance.

[kadmonkee]

1. on the Manage tab of the Ribbon select Shard Parameters it should provide you with a list of shared Parameters from the original file.

2. you can export the shared parameters from the families in the model and apply them to your Shared Parameter File (Time Consuming)

3. schedules and Tags will not report correctly unless you swap out the Shared Parameters to your standards.(Time Consuming)

4. cant find the file so you cant report the info from the Shared Parameter, if they are embedded into the family or the Project you will need to extract (export) them.

[SteveKStafford · Accepted solution]

If you are working on this model from within the file they provided then everything should work assuming their template has all the things it needs to document a project. If you are expected to start moving the project forward but with all of your own standards then the things that the previous reply delves into begin to factor in.

I'll make my own attempt to answer your questions too...

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@Anonymous.rose.williams wrote:

1. Is there a way to tell if and what shared parameters were used? If so, can you export them to a text file from a project file?

In a family or Project you can examine a parameter and see if the Shared Parameter radio button is selected. In a family it will be within the Family Types dialog. In a Project you can see them in the Project Parameters dialog, from Fields tab of schedules, and when you edit a tag (technically in a family now) for example. If your own SP file is attached you can click the Export button, if it is enabled (a SP file has to be assigned to the project and not already have the parameter).

2. If we do not receive the shared parameter file, can we use our standard shared parameters without messing up too much in the files?

While reviewing the parameters you can select your own instead. You'll have to track this through the project, schedules/tags and the related families. One trick (still extra work) is to add your own parameter and assign it to be equal (formula column) to the other parameter. That works as long as the Type of Data setting is the same for both parameters.

3. Often, our families are built around shared parameters in our standard file, will using these files mess anything up in our model?

Not necessarily. It could create a situation where you have, for example, two Width parameters, yours and theirs. Revit uses a GUID to make an SP unique, not the name. It is quite common with MEP equipment from different sources to end up with a variety of parameters storing the same kind of information like Horsepower for example, but with different names and data types (text, number, integer etc.).

4. And more generally - what happens to shared parameters in the model and families when the file is gone?

Nothing. There is no connection between shared parameters in a family or a project and the original source shared parameter file. I think of the SP file as a dictionary. We store parameter definitions there. When we create a family we add parameters, look up definitions and the understanding of it is stored in the family. The same is true for projects. Ultimately when a family like a tag is used on another family that Shares the same understanding, definition, the data connects logically, the tag knows the value in the family is the same as its own and displays the value.

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I'd recommend you request a copy of their SP file so you can get up to speed faster. You'll be faced with some swapping if your own office standards are quite different from theirs. Good luck!