Type parameter in a titleblock field

[dzatto]

I found this online somewhere. Is this the best way to make title block parameters type instead of instance?

Basically, I used the designed by, checked by, approved by paramters that were already installed in the title block template. They work fine, excpet that they are instance properties. I need to change them on every sheet, even though DZ is the sample value. That shows up in the family, but doesn't show up in the project.

I just want to be able to change it at the project level and have all the sheets update. Just like the project date and address do.

Here's what I found. There has to be a simpler way, no?

There are two methods to use shared parameters in a project:

Method 1

Instance - To allow each Title Block parameter to vary, select Drawing Sheets under Categories in the steps below. This method is ideal for labels that will display data that varies from sheet to sheet.

Method 2

Type - To allow each Title Block parameter to utilize the same shared parameter content, select Project Information under Categories in the steps below. This will add a field to Settings > Project Information to provide easy access to the contents. This method is ideal for labels that should display the same data from sheet to sheet.

To use shared parameters from title block labels in a Revit project, follow these steps:

Create the label and add a parameter:

In the Title Block family, add a new label.
Click Label > Add Parameter.
Specify the shared parameter name and settings.
Once the parameter has been created, you can add it to the Label Parameters section by clicking the Add Parameter(s) to Label button.
Click the Load into Project button to load the Title Block family into the project.
Link the shared parameter from the title block family to the Revit project:

In the Revit project, click Settings menu > Project Parameters.
Click the Add button.
Choose Shared Parameter and then click Select. Choose the title block shared parameter.
Under the Parameter Data menu, choose the category to group the Parameter under.
Set the Parameter as Instance.
Under Categories, select Drawing Sheets if you are using Method 1 above. For Method 2 above, select Project Information.

[Alex Cunningham]

I don't think that method two is too hard. You are adding somthing to a family that will be on ever sheet. Think of the time it saves only having to add a parameter once and reload the family. I have spent weeks of time working on standard title blocks/templates for my office. Having one title block that can do everything cuts down on a lot of confusion in production.

[Munkholm]

I´m using method two, and it really only takes a few minutes to setup - Go for it ! :beer:

[dzatto]

It's not that it's hard, I was just wanting something at the family level. It seems that with method 2, I have to add parameters and set it up for every project. Well, now that I think about it, once I finally get around to getting my own template I can just do it once there I guess.

One other question: I don't think I can use the OOTB paramaters right? I'll need to make a set of shared paramters. I can't find the OOTB ones once I try to link them in the project.

[Alfredo Medina]

... and, if you really want to go the easiest way, just edit the titleblock, erase the default labels of "DRW", and "CHK", and replace them with just text: "DZ".

(Warning: this solution is acceptable only for a "one-man-business". Do not try this at offices! )

[Munkholm]

It's not that it's hard, I was just wanting something at the family level. It seems that with method 2, I have to add parameters and set it up for every project. Well, now that I think about it, once I finally get around to getting my own template I can just do it once there I guess.

One other question: I don't think I can use the OOTB paramaters right? I'll need to make a set of shared paramters. I can't find the OOTB ones once I try to link them in the project.

Excactly, this should be setup in your template

You should create your own sharedparameters.txt file, and do a little planning on how to group and name your SP´s
Personally I group SP´s by the OOTB parameter categories. i.e. Identity Data, Dimensions, Other, Text, Graphic, etc.

[dzatto]

I don't know why I didn't think of that. I am the only designer here so it will always be my initials. I'm just so used to using paramters it never occured to me to have it static. lol

[jbenoit44]

+1 for method 2.

[dzatto]

+1 for method 2.

I changed it to static. If we ever hire another designer or draft tech, I'll change it. No point in wasting time on it now. lol

[mdradvies]

... and, if you really want to go the easiest way, just edit the titleblock, erase the default labels of "DRW", and "CHK", and replace them with just text: "DZ".

(Warning: this solution is acceptable only for a "one-man-business". Do not try this at offices! )

IMHO this is not suitable for anyone, but that's just me...
This seems like the quickest way for 1 project. But that's just it: you won't do just 1 project with it. Set this up right in your template and you can start using Sheet Lists to edit your Titleblocks. The only way to do this is by using the second method.

And Munkholm is right, I recommend starting your own SP-file... This way you can add extra parameters to your Titleblock.