Parameters and configurations

Open the Parameters tab

Press ⌘4. The tab lists the model's Configurations, its parameters (name, expression, unit and value), the Bindings of the selected element, and the zone's limits, read-only.

Add a parameter

1. Type a name in the new parameter row (letters, digits and _, not starting with a digit), a value and its unit.
2. Click Add parameter.

A value can be an expression: numbers with units (9 ft, 24', 6 in, 90 deg), other parameters, the zone's limits, + - * / ** % and min max abs round sqrt floor ceil sin cos tan. A bare number is in the parameter's unit. The field says as you type if an expression is wrong, and a circular one is refused.

Drive an element from a parameter

1. Select the element.
2. Under Bindings, pick one of its dimensions in Bind, type an expression in Bind expression, for example ceiling + 1 ft, and click Bind dimension.

The bound dimension shows its expression and its value, and follows whenever a parameter changes. A plain length typed into it frees it again.

A typed expression in a field of the element's own shape in Properties binds it the same way. In the Move fields and other one-time fields, a parameter or expression is read once, when applied.

Make a design option

A configuration is a named set of parameter values.

1. Click Make configuration and give it a name. It starts from the values in use and becomes active.
2. Change values: with a configuration active, a change is that configuration's own. A button such as "Use shared value of ceiling" puts one back.
3. Pick a configuration to switch to it. The model rebuilds and the Regulation tab checks that option.

Compare two options

Click the configuration's compare button ("Compare Option B with now"). The view shows it against the active one without writing anything, and the banner counts the elements and rules that differ. Esc or Back to now (Esc) returns.

Note. A configuration varies sizes, not the layout. For options whose rooms differ, use conversations, or Options… in Design mode. See Design mode.

Clip

Every change here is an edit on the conversation on view, so undo, Accept, Discard and Before and After work as for any edit. The agent sets the same parameters: "ceiling height to 10 feet" from the agent and the same value typed in the tab make the same change.