So you always wondered how to use Shared Parameters in Revit and what they are used for? Shared Parameters are one of the most important things to set up in a BIM model. These parameters can be shared all across the Revit projects and families and give you the ability to add more specific data to your model.
This article will explain how you can use Shared Parameters in Revit, create your own parameters, and give you some tips.
What you need to know about Shared Parameters
The Shared Parameters in families are very useful when you create a schedule or tag; without these parameters, you cannot do it. Shared Parameters are stored in a text file (.txt) independent of your Revit project and family files. This means that it is possible to access the file to any Revit project or family. Revit will allow only one Shared Parameter file at the time, however, you can switch between multiple files if needed.
Setting up a Shared Parameter file
Before we can use the shared parameters in Revit we will need to create a parameter file.
- Open the Manage tab
- Click on Shared Parameters
- Click Create to create a new file
Give the file a meaningful name and ensure it is saved in a proper location. It is also essential that a backup is created regularly, just in case someone deletes it by accident. There is also a way to restore Shared Parameters if there is no backup, you can read more about it here.
Creating Shared Parameters
Now that the shared parameter file has been created in Revit, we can create and add our own Shared Parameters to this file. Make sure you think about a nice and organized structure by using logical Shared Parameter groups. This makes it easier to search through all parameters in the future.
- Manage > Shared Parameters
- New Group > give it a name
- New Parameter
- Name the parameter
- Choose a Discipline
- Choose a Type of Parameter
Different types of parameters
In the table below you can find an example of the most used parameter types. The Type of parameters that you will find in the dropdown menu will depend on the Discipline you have chosen.
| Type | Description | Usecase |
|---|---|---|
| Text | Customizable text value | Describe the quality of an element or modification date of a family. |
| Integer | A value entered as a whole number | Count how many fascia brackets you need for example. |
| Angle | Can be used as an angle of an element or component | To rotate geometry in a family. |
| Area | Can be used as an area of an element or component | To calculate the glazing area inside a window family. |
| Length | Can be used for the length of an element or component | The length parameter can be used to change the size of an element. (length, height, thickness, etc.) |
| Number | A numeric value as real numbers | To calculate the weight of an element inside a family. Concrete wall cap for example. |
| Volume | The volume of an element or component | To calculate the volume from the geometry inside a family. |
| Material | Contains the material for an element or component | To set material to any geometry inside a family. |
| Yes/No | A parameter that can be used to be on or off, is defined as Yes or No. | To make things visible with yes or no inside a family. Can be also very useful as an instance parameter. |
Using Shared parameters
Now that is clear how to set up a Shared Parameter file and add parameters to it, it’s time to use them inside a project as a Project Parameter or inside a Revit Family. But before we start you need to know that there are some parameter properties you can choose from.
- Type or Instance parameter
- Values are aligned per group type or Values can vary by group instance (only available when you choose Instance)
If you choose Type, the parameter value will be set for all instances of that type in a Revit Project (dependent).
If you choose Instance, the parameter will be set for only one instance in a Revit project (independent).
Values are aligned per group type making the instance parameter value-dependent in multiple groups. This means the parameter value will be the same in all group instances. If you change a value of a corresponding element it will change in all other group instances.
Values can vary by group instance making the instance parameter value independent in multiple groups. This means the parameter value can vary by group instances. If you change a value of a corresponding element it will only change in the group instance you changed it in. This can be very useful if elements need a unique identifier or their own unique mark but can stay in the same group instance.
Adding Shared Parameter to a Project
We just explained the different Parameter Properties, so we can start adding the Shared Parameters to a project. In the list below it will be explained step by step:
- Open the Manage tab
- Click on Project Parameters
- Click on Add…
- Choose Shared Parameter
- Press Select > Shared Parameters window screen > Choose Parameter group > Choose Parameter
- Group parameter under a predefined category
- Choose Type or Instance
- Choose Values aligned or vary by group instance (only available if you choose Instance in step 7)
- Choose a category to apply the parameter to (multiple allowed)
Adding Shared Parameter to a family
Now that you read about adding the Shared Parameters to a project as a Project Parameter, it’s time to show how you can add Shared Parameters to a family. It’s similar to the steps shown before.
- Open the Create tab
- Click on Family Types
- Add New Parameter
- Choose Shared Parameter
- Press Select > Shared Parameters window screen > Choose Parameter group > Choose Parameter
- Group parameter under a predefined category
- Choose Type or Instance
Convert Family Parameter to Shared Parameter
As I have mentioned earlier, it’s only possible to schedule or tag Shared Parameters in families inside a Revit project. For example when you created a Generic Family with your own Height Family Parameter, but you cannot add this parameter to a schedule, you can convert it to a Shared Parameter.
- Open the Create tab
- Click on Family Types
- Select the existing Family Parameter > Edit Parameter
- Repeat steps 4 to 7 as shown before
Adding Shared Parameters to a schedule
It’s time to add your own created Shared Parameters to a schedule. You can do this by easily following the steps shown below.
- Open the View tab
- Click on Schedules
- Choose a Category
- Name the Schedule
- Choose Schedule building components
- Add the Parameters you need (notice that the Shared Parameters are available under the field section).
Restore Shared Parameters
If you accidentally deleted your Shared Parameter file or don’t have access to it, it is possible to restore it in three different ways. This will be via a Revit family, schedule, or Project Parameter. With all three methods, you will have to follow the steps below.
- Select the Parameter you like to restore
- Press Edit Parameter
- Export Shared Parameter
- Press ok and notice that the Parameter will be restored in the current file under “Exported Parameter” group.
Repeat steps 1 to 4 as much as needed to restore all of your Shared Parameters.
If you are done with restoring all the Shared Parameters, it’s possible to restructure and reorganize the text file. You can do that as follows:
- Click on the Parameter
- Press on Move in the Parameter section
- Move To Group window will pop up > choose your own predefined group > press ok
Repeat these steps for all restored Parameters.
To summarize
Shared Parameters in Revit are really useful when you need Family Parameters inside a schedule or tag. The shared Parameter file can be shared across Revit Projects and families within your company or even with other stakeholders.
I hope this article helped you to set up a Shared Parameter file, add your own Parameters and give it use as a Family or Project Parameter. If you have any questions, just drop a comment below.
