Customizable Function Parameter for all Family Types

[Ric_Weber]

Way back in 2017 @jkidder had basically this idea, but unfortunately it was archived.  I am hoping to resurrect the idea along with added functionality... no pun intended.  Here is Julie's original idea: https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/revit-ideas/expand-quot-function-quot-parameter-in-families/idi-p/641...

The function parameter can be found in some families, and for the situations and families it is available for it is somewhat useful.

However I would like to see the following: 

• All family categories should have the Function parameter.
• All family categories should have the following base Function options: 
  • None
  • Interior
  • Exterior
  • Site
  • Custom
• Provide this parameter to all sort by, group by, and filter lists including an upcoming Project Browser Browser Organization scheme.
• Create a <Family Type.Function> Data Type of parameter.  This would allow for consolidated lists of items.  For example: 
  • Within a door family, separate lists for the following: 
    • door.panel
    • door.frame
    • door.hardware
• Allow the Function parameter to be controlled by a formula

Some may think I am posing this in lieu of the excellent Drop Down List idea. https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/revit-ideas/dropdown-lists-for-parameters-comboboxes/idi-p/6315262

I am offering this in conjunction with that idea as an additional option.  I think there is room for both data types.  This option, but also a drop down list that is limited to selections as in the case of a Fire Rating parameter that should only have certain options but are not necessarily tied to nested or shared families. 

I hope you think this is a good idea.  Thanks for your support.  

[Ric_Weber]

I just realized that earlier I said, "an upcoming Project Browser Browser Organization scheme."  I was referring to a (hopefully) upcoming  Family Browser Organization scheme.   Thank you. 

[jkidder]

Being able to set family functions (for both loadable and system families) is so important.  Every project I do I have to bypass the inbuilt function parameter because it doesn't apply to enough categories and have enough options.  Instead I'm adding a location text parameter to be able to halftone interior and site elements, sort lights be exterior, interior and site for review, turn off interior specialties and generic models (or vice versa), etc.

<Family Type.Function> parameters would be an excellent way to limit what families show up in a Family Type dropdown  - A project always ends up with inappropriate choices, especially with door families where selecting a frame where a leaf should be will break the family.

[eramoy]

Also, the function parameter should be able to be used in formulas. Currently "only numerical, Yes/No, and text parameters can be used in formulas". For example, in my door families, I have to create an additional yes/no parameter "Exterior" to calculate my Pull Clearance parameter with "if(Exterior, 24", 18")"

[Ric_Weber]

@eramoy You are SOOOO right!!!  I cannot believe I forgot to mention the obvious.  If we don't say it they'll do all this work and then not make it so we can use it in formulas!!!  Thank you!!!!