Is it possible to categorize a shared type parameter under project information?

[graphite]

So, I am trying to figure out how to add a custom label which would allow for different PE# numbers to be entered for each sheet. What would be the best way to go about doing this?

I have noticed that when I create my PE# label parameter as a type I am allowed to select project information as a category. However when I select instance, project information is no longer availiable as a possible category. If I need this parameter to remain as an instance (to allow for different PE numbers), what category should I select so that it will be availiable for editing within the sheet?

Thanks in advance.

[patricks]

We have a couple of shared instance parameters in our title blocks. The shared parameter exists as both a parameter in the title block family itself, as well as a project parameter in our template. The shared parameters in our template use the Sheets category, and they're instance parameters. That way when we click on the title block, the text shows up as blue and can be edited directly.

[graphite]

Thanks I did not see the sheet category, the instance label worked out.

How about when I need to add a type parameter to the titleblock such as a Contract # which will remain consistent throughout the project. When I select type after adding the project parameter, both sheet and project infromation dissappear from the availiable categories.

thanks

[patricks]

Can you not use the built-in Project Number parameter, which is available when editing your title block, and appears under Project Information when loaded into a project?

[graphite]

We need to create a separate contract number label because we perform different jobs under different contract agreements (contract #).

Plus I need to be able to create a label for total number of sheets which would need the type functionality on the sheet as well.

[patricks]

Oh dang, not sure why Sheets and Project Info disappears when you try to make it a Type parameters.

Honestly what I would do is just edit the title block for each project and simply place a text object for the Contract # and the total number of sheets.

[graphite]

That was my backup option. I was just trying to see if I could leave it open ended as a template for other projects with the same client.

[patricks]

It's going to be almost as easy just to click the title block, Edit, change the number, and load back into project as it would be to change a type parameter if it could be made available as such. Assuming you would only have to do it once per contract # project, it should be quick and easy.

For the total number of sheets, I would just leave that until the end when you're ready to print, and change the number of sheets accordingly. Keep a "working" sheet list that doesn't appear on any sheet, which could include the Count field, which gets totaled and you'll quickly see the total number of sheets in your set.

[graphite]

I figured it out, add a shared parameter and select it as an INSTANCE NOT TYPE, also categorize it under project information. It will show up on your sheets in the embedded label as well as display in the project information as a TYPE parameter. Allowing you to make a change to it in one place on your sheet and allow it to propogate throughout.

Strange that you have to trick revit to use a type parameter by making it an instance.

[Alfredo Medina]

...Strange that you have to trick revit to use a type parameter by making it an instance.

It's not a trick. It's the way it has always been. Since a parameter must be defined as either Type or Instance, not null, at some point somebody had to decide about "Is it possible to have types of this category?" If the answer is no, then the category will not be listed as a type. Maybe that is what happened in the case of Sheets and Project Information not being listed for type parameters. Can I have types of sheets? No. Can I have types of projects? No.

If you need a parameter that holds information that is global to the project, such as "Total # of sheets", it will be categorized under Project Information, as an instance.

If you need a parameter that holds information that can vary from sheet to sheet, such as "Sheet serial #", it will be categorized under Sheets, as an instance.

So now you can combine the two parameters, as "Sheet serial #" of "Total # of sheets" ( e.g. 1 of 24 ). The value of the instance parameter will be entered sheet by sheet, or more easily, in a schedule of sheets; and the value of the total number of sheets will be entered in the Project Information dialog box.

[ThinkRevit]

I build Type Catalogs for some of the largest firms. Many of these Catalogs have thousands of Types. Please note that these Catalogs are the product of complex spreadsheets as a means to keep the information manageable. Building large Type Catalogs with the exact Parameters ensures Parametric Values have been loaded with no room for User error. I keep Instance Parameters limited to Values like door swing Angles or Line Based Families (Integers). Most of these firms instruct Users not to Change Type Values as that is the job of the person setting up the data (Type Catalog).