Wall Sub-Category...Why?

[jpolding]

Why can you create wall sub-categories if you can't put components of the wall on them?

For instance:

I have 10 different types of walls all containing soldier course wall sweeps.

All of my soldier courses need to change material only.

Do I have to go through each wall style and change the material on the sweep?

[aaronrumple]

If you are changing the material only. Open the soldier course material. Rename it. Modify the patterns. This will automatically update all the solider courses.

Of course this is assuming you have used this material only on soldier course sweeps.

[jpolding]

Thanks for the workaround, but I think I made it too easy for you.:) I could see renaming materials becoming a little confusing especially if more than one object type share the same material.

Why are there wall sub-categories and what can go on them? Can wall compnents? I see what they do for families but what about wall types?

[SkiSouth]

Read about shared parameters. Make a material that is shared call it soldier course, with the default brick pattern. Then Update that parameter in your project and it will update all soldier courses at once. (assuming you have assigned the soldier courses this shared parameter material)

[jpolding]

Here's what I've done so far:

File-Shared Parameters-New-Name (Soldier Course 1) Material

Settings-Project Parameters-Add-Shared-Select-Instance-Group (Materials and Finishes)-Wall (checked)

This is where it gets wierd............This is what I tried.....

I tried making a material by the name Soldier Course 1. I made a region and assigned the Soldier Course 1 material. The parameter appears in the wall properties box.

When I click on the Soldier Course 1 parameter it just sends me to the materials dialouge.

I'm not sure what to do from here.

[SkiSouth]

1. Create Shared Parameter
2. Create Family, with material defined. Equal material defintion to shared parameter
3. Load families into project.
4. Under Settings-> Materials locate shared parameter material name. Define material and hatch required.
5. Families in project should all update to same brick soldier.