Provide an option to change affected parameters to instance

[jkidder]

Often there is a point late in a family development where its decided that a parameter needs to be instance, instead of type.  At this point in creation the parameter that needs to be changed may be used in multiple formulas.  Revit gives the error that the parameter can't be changed because it's used in other parameters formulas that aren't instance based.  It takes time to search through the parameter list and find all parameters affected.  Furthermore, if those parameters are used in other formulas a loop is generated where the change can't be made without deleting formulas.  In order not to loose complex formulas I have to resort to copying the formulas into a text file, changing the parameters, then copying them back in, which is frustrating and time consuming.

Solution 1:

Add a "Change" button in addition to "Cancel" on the error dialog.  The "Change" button would go through and automatically change all parameters affected to instance parameters.

Solution 2 (preferred, for greater flexibility):

Instead of Revit preventing changes from occuring have a side panel with a running error dialog, notifying the user of errors (from formula syntax to instance parameters used in a type parameter formula). This will allow any changes to be made without interference.  When "Ok" or "Apply" is clicked the error popup would act as it currently does, and would feature a list of all the errors and options.

[sasha.crotty]

Thanks for taking the time to submit your idea. Unfortunately, this idea did not get the support of the community over the last 6 months and as such we will not be pursuing it at this time. Please feel free to rework (titles and clear descriptions are really important) and resubmit this one down the road.