Ideate BIMLinkHow to...Create NEW Elements
  • Create New Parameters

    • Create New Parameters

    Ideate BIMLink can be used to create many new elements but this topic will cover how to create parameters within both Revit project and Revit family files. The Revit API lets us create new shared parameters within the project while in the family file we can create both shared and unshared parameters. The workflow for each Revit file type varies slightly. 

    Shared Project Parameters Requirements

    Use the sample link definition called Parameters-Create_NEW as a starting point to create new shared project parameters. This link definition includes the required properties needed to support the creation of new shared parameters:

    NOTE: Because of the uniqueness requirements for the Shared Id it is recommended that you always use an existing Revit file or shared parameter file as a source for this value rather than creating this yourself.

    You may want to also specify these optional properties:

    What’s an Associated Category?

    When a new project parameter is created from a Revit schedule, the associated data category matches the schedule category, though more can be added. When a new project parameter is created via the Revit Project Parameter tool then at least one data category must be selected from the list as shown in Revit.

    This same list is available within Ideate BIMLink from the Select available properties from option as shown below. For each category BIMLink will display the option to type True/False in Excel as a method to make the assignements.

    Create Shared Project Parameters

    To create a new shared project parameter, first create an Excel file with the required format:

    1. Launch Ideate BIMLink in a project file
    2. Select New…
    3. Use the By Category option, then search for Parameters
    4. Select the sample link called Parameters-Create_NEW
    5. Review the optional properties noted above and add them if so desired.
    6. From the Properties tab, review the Associated Categories properties as shown above. The sample link includes only three Associated Categories: Project Information, Sheets, and Views.
    7. Export to Excel

    Next, within the Excel file:

    1. Ensure that the word NEW is added to the Id column
    2. Revit that all Shared Id values are copied from another Revit file or from a shared parameter file to ensure uniqueness.
    3. Ensure that at least one Associated Category is marked with TRUE for each new parameter.
    4. Save and close the Excel file.

    In BIMLink, use the Import function to read in the new data. Any item flagged with NEW will be created as a new shared project parameter. 

    Shared and Unshared Family Parameter Requirements

    Use the sample link definition called Parameters_RFA-Create_NEW as a starting point to create new family parameters. This link definition includes the required properties needed to support the creation of new shared parameters:

    NOTE: Because of the uniqueness requirements for the Shared Id it is recommended that you always use an existing Revit file or shared parameter file as a source for this value rather than creating this yourself.

    * The Shared Id property is required only if you intend to create a shared parameter. If this property is not included, an unshared family parameter will be created.

    You may want to also specify these optional properties:

     

    Create Shared and Unshared Family Parameters

    To create a new shared project parameter, first create an Excel file with the required format:

    1. Launch Ideate BIMLink in a family file
    2. Select New…
    3. Use the By Category option, then search for Parameters
    4. Select the sample link called Parameters_RFA-Create_NEW
    5. Review the optional properties noted above and add them if so desired.
    6. Export to Excel

    Next, within the Excel file:

    1. Ensure that the word NEW is added to the Id column
    2. Revit that all Shared Id values are copied from another Revit file or from a shared parameter file to ensure uniqueness.
    3. Save and close the Excel file.

    In BIMLink, use the Import function to read in the new data. Any item flagged with NEW will be created as a new family parameter.

     

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