Global parameter is one of the most useful features of Revit for many reasons, but widely used in practice. It allows you to create and manage custom parameters that can be applied to multiple elements (Even System Families) within a project. In this post, we'll take a closer look at global parameters in Revit and how they can be used to enhance your BIM workflow.
What are Global Parameters in Revit?
Global parameters are user-defined parameters that can be used to control various properties of elements in a project. These can be created, modified, and managed using the Global Parameters dialog box, which can be accessed from the Manage tab in the Ribbon.
It can also be used to control a wide range of properties such as dimensions, angles, quantities, etc. They are particularly useful for controlling values that are used in multiple elements throughout a project, such as the height of walls or the spacing of columns.
How to Create Global Parameters in Revit?
To create a global parameter in Revit, follow these simple steps:
Open the Global Parameters dialog box by clicking on the Manage tab in the Ribbon and selecting Global Parameters from the Settings panel.
In the Global Parameters dialog box, click on the New button to create a new global parameter.
In the New Global Parameter dialog box, enter a name for the parameter and select the type of parameter you want to create (e.g. length, angle, quantity, etc.).
Set the other properties for the parameter, including the unit of measurement, the formula, and the associated category.
Click OK to create the new global parameter.
Once you have created a global parameter, you can apply it to multiple elements within the project. To do this, simply select the elements you want to apply the parameter to, and then assign the parameter using the Properties palette.
Benefits of Global Parameters in Revit
There are several benefits to using global parameters including:
Improved Consistency
This is the main reason to use Global parameters. It helps to ensure that all elements in a project are consistent in terms of their dimensions, spacing, and other properties. For instance, if your internal wall height is offset by 300 from the top level, you can fix the value of all internal wall types by assigning the global parameter.
Enhanced Efficiency
Once you assign the global parameter to multiple elements, you can quickly make changes to them in a project without having to modify each element individually.
Increased Accuracy
Global parameters allow you to control values with greater precision, which can help to reduce errors and ensure that your project meets the necessary standards and requirements. I personally use it to control the company’s coding system as there are more benefits than using Keynote or other system.
Better Collaboration
Global parameters can be shared across multiple disciplines within a project, which can help to improve collaboration and communication between team members. Once you set this up in the template, you will have the standard database that can be used in all projects.
Summary
Global parameter is a powerful tool in Revit that can help to streamline your BIM workflow and improve the consistency, efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration of your projects. By taking advantage of global parameters, you can create custom parameters that can be applied to multiple elements within your project, allowing you to quickly and easily make changes and modifications as needed. Global parameter is an essential tool for any Revit user looking to optimize their BIM workflow.