Understanding Revit family Parameters

Issue:
A Revit family consists of three different family parameter types. Understanding the differences between these parameter types is critical for proper family creation. Many Revit users struggle to distinguish between them, which often results in families that do not function as intended.

Causes:
A lack of understanding of the different parameter types used in Revit families can lead to significant time loss and the creation of broken families that cannot be scheduled or tagged correctly.

Solution:
There are three parameter types used in Revit families:

1. Built-in Parameters

• • Default Revit parameters that are fixed and cannot be modified.
  • These parameters can be scheduled and tagged across different projects.

2. Family Parameters

• • Custom parameters created within the family.
  • These parameters cannot be scheduled or tagged.

3. Shared Parameter.

• • Custom parameters defined through a shared parameter file.
  • These parameters can be scheduled and tagged.

How to utilize different types of parameters

Built-in Parameter:

These are the most common parameters embedded within Revit family templates. The parameters are fixed and cannot be altered. However, they are readily available for scheduling and tagging in any project where the family is loaded.

Family Parameter:

Family parameters are custom parameters added to a family for a variety of uses. They are primarily used for:

• • Controlling family configuration
  • Driving formulas
  • Reporting values within the family

Family parameters cannot be scheduled or tagged in a project environment. 

Shared Parameter:

Shared parameters are also custom parameters and function similarly to family parameters within the family editor. The key difference is that shared parameters:

• • Can be scheduled
  • Can be tagged
  • Are defined through a shared parameter file

Best Practices for Using Parameter Types

Built-in Parameters

Best suited for maintaining standardized families, schedules, and tags. These are ideal for beginners and for offices that do not yet have a standardized Revit template.

Family Parameters

Best used for internal family control, such as parameters used in formulas, visibility control, or reporting within the family. 

Shared Parameters

Best used for any custom parameter that needs to appear in schedules or be taggable across projects.

About the Author

Sr Technical Support Specialist<br><br> Skilled in AutoCAD, Mixed-use, Renovation, Revit, and Sustainable Design. Strong arts and design professional with a BA in Urban design focused in Architecture from University of Washington.

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