Datasheet

element ORganIzatIOn
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Use the Built-In Libraries TO Your Advantage
Copying and modifying the built-in library families is a great way to learn how families are created,
and to begin experimenting with your own adaptations. Learning to adapt and create families will
prove to be a big benefit for you.
External families can be:
Model elements (columns and beams)
•◆
View-specific elements (tags and detail components)•◆
In-place families are primarily used for custom project-specific applications. As the name
suggests, these families are built in-place within the project. One possible application for an in-
place family would be a void family used to cut an odd-shaped opening in a wall.
Types
Families are further divided into types. A family may have one or more types. A column
family (model element) type would be a W12x40. A grid family (datum element) type would be
a
1
⁄4˝ Bubble. A structural framing tag family (view-specific element) type would be Boxed.
Instances
An instance is a specific element of a given family type. For example, for a model element of
the Category Structural Column, whose Family is a W-Wide Flange Column and whose Type is
a W12x40, the instance would be the specific W12x40 located at the grid intersection A-1 from
Level 1 to 4´-0˝ above Level 2.
Element Properties Dialog Box
As you are placing objects such as columns and beams into your building model, you can access
the properties of each one by highlighting it and clicking the Properties button on the Options bar
(next to the Type Selector), which will open the Element Properties dialog box (see Figure 1.18).
Elements can also be accessed in other ways. With the element(s) selected:
Right-click, then select Element Properties.
•◆
From the menu bar, choose Edit •◆  Properties.
Press Alt+Enter on your keyboard.
•◆
Press the default shortcut PR. •◆
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