BIM PARAMETERS TYPE GUIDE
Comprehensive Revit Parameters Reference
PARAMETERS IN REVIT
Essential guide to understanding and utilizing different parameter types in
Autodesk Revit for effective BIM implementation
Types of Parameters in Revit
1. System Parameters - Built-in to Revit
2. Project Parameters - Project-specific custom parameters
3. Global Parameters - Project-wide constraints
4. Shared Parameters - Reusable across projects
5. Family Parameters - Family-specific controls
6. Instance Parameters - Element-specific properties
7. Type Parameters - Type-wide properties
Key Concept: Parameters control data, behavior, and appearance of elements in Revit
Parameters Comparison
Parameter Type Scope Reusable Across Projects Can Be Scheduled Taggable
System Parameters Built-in elements No Yes Yes
Shared Parameters Project/Families Yes Yes Yes
Project Parameters Project-specific No Yes No
Family Parameters Family-specific No No No
Global Parameters Project-wide No No No
Instance Parameters Individual element No Yes Yes
Type Parameters Element type-wide No Yes Yes
Note: Shared Parameters provide the most flexibility for cross-project standardization
1 System Parameters
Built-in parameters provided by Revit that are integral to its system. Users cannot delete or modify these parameters.
Key Characteristics:
Predefined in Revit
Cannot be modified or deleted
Essential for fundamental element properties
Common Examples:
Dimensions: Wall Height, Room Area
Materials: Wall Finish, Floor Material
Instance Properties: Level, Phase
Type Properties: Family Name, Type Mark
Usage: Automatically available for all Revit families and elements. Essential for basic modeling and documentation.
2 Shared Parameters
Custom parameters that can be shared across multiple families and projects through an external definition file.
Key Characteristics:
Stored in external text files (.txt)
Can be used in schedules, tags, and annotations
Enable standardization across projects
Maintain consistent parameter definitions
Practical Examples:
Asset ID: Equipment identification numbers
Project Codes: Client-specific classification systems
Sustainability Data: Environmental performance metrics
Usage: Ideal for large projects requiring standardized information across teams and disciplines. Essential for BIM collaboration.
3 Project Parameters
Custom parameters added at the project level to enhance information for scheduling or filtering.
Key Characteristics:
Exist only in the project where they're created
Cannot be tagged or shared with families
Apply to multiple categories simultaneously
Appear in element properties palettes
Practical Examples:
Cost Codes: Budget tracking identifiers
Project Notes: Phase-specific comments
Status Indicators: Construction progress tracking
Usage: Best for project-specific requirements that don't need reuse in other projects. Valuable for temporary project annotations.
4 Family Parameters
Parameters created within a family to control its geometric behavior, materials, or visibility.
Key Characteristics:
Exist only within the family file (.rfa)
Not visible in projects
Control family geometry and behavior
Cannot be scheduled or tagged
Practical Examples:
Geometry Control: Door panel thickness
Material Assignment: Furniture finishes
Visibility Settings: Component display options
Usage: Essential for creating flexible, parametric content. Critical for family development and customization.
5 Global Parameters
User-defined, project-wide constraints that control dimensions, values, or visibility without being tied to specific families.
Key Characteristics:
Control multiple elements simultaneously
Create relationships between elements
Drive dimensional constraints project-wide
Can control formulas and conditional statements
Practical Examples:
Uniform Dimensions: Standard floor heights
Standardized Layouts: Modular room widths
Design Rules: Maximum slope gradients
Usage: Maintain design consistency and enforce standards throughout a project. Powerful for design automation.
6 Instance Parameters
Parameters that apply to individual instances of an element, allowing unique values for each placement.
Key Characteristics:
Vary between instances of the same type
Editable in Properties palette
Appear under "Instance Properties"
Override type parameter values
Practical Examples:
Identification: Door Mark, Room Number
Placement: Offset from Level
Custom Values: Equipment serial numbers
Usage: Ideal for elements requiring unique properties. Essential for room-specific data and unique element identification.
7 Type Parameters
Parameters that apply to all instances of a specific type within a family, ensuring consistent properties.
Key Characteristics:
Control all instances of a type
Changes affect all elements of that type
Editable in Type Properties dialog
Appear under "Type Properties"
Practical Examples:
Construction: Wall Thickness, Window Frame Material
Performance: R-Value, U-Factor
Standard Sizes: Duct Diameter, Pipe Sizes
Usage: Maintain consistency across all instances of a component type. Critical for standardized components and specifications.
