Default Property Value

The default value of a Property is defined in Property Manager, in the Value Definition panel.

The default can be any text or value, or even an expression: a function consisting of operations and variables.

Regardless of the default, you can assign a custom value to any Property for any element or material.

If you edit a property’s default value in Property Manager, all linked property values are updated accordingly at the element/material level.

Under the Default Value control, choose an option that defines the Property’s Default Value.

• Undefined: The Property value is <Undefined> by default. It is up to the user or external consultant to set its custom value for each item.
• Value: This is a user-defined, static value that remains fixed until you change it. All items using this Property are assigned this value.
• Expression: This Property value is calculated uniquely for each item. An expression-defined value is a function of other data (e.g. element parameters), or a function of other properties (e.g. mapped properties). For example, the value is based on its model parameters (e.g. element Height), or derived from the value of another Property.

  See Expression-Defined Element Properties.

Link Property to Default Value

For each property listed in an item’s Classification/Properties panel, the chain icon indicates that its value is linked to the default for this property.

Figure 1. Property Linked to Default

Note: Defaults are defined in Property Manager. If you edit a property’s default value in Property Manager, all linked property values are updated accordingly at the element/material level.

If you overwrite a value in Element Settings or the Building Material dialog, its link to the default is broken.

Figure 2. Property Unlinked from Default

To re-link and restore the default value, click the chain icon and choose Default value.