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This chapter provides information on creating content stored in catalogs, namely, parametric and block-based
parts and fittings. For information on creating style-based content, see Customizing Style-Based Content on page
599.



 


 

 



You can create 2 types of content using Content Builder: parametric parts and block-based parts. To determine
what type of part to create, it is important to understand how each type is defined, how the parts are used in
AutoCAD MEP, and what type is best for certain parts.



 



Parametric parts give you the flexibility to create parts that are dynamically sized according to size parameters.
You define a parametric part by creating a 3D model of the part and assigning variables, or parameters, to control
its shape and size. Parameters are defined by individual values, lists of values, or calculated values based on
equations. When the part is placed in your drawing, you specify values for the parameters and the part is
dynamically built to reflect the specified shape and size. Parametric parts enable you to create a single 3D model
for a part family that can be updated to represent multiple part sizes. Parametric parts enable you to define
millions of parts through a single model, depending on the number and type of parameters defined.

RELATED: See Workflow for Creating a Parametric Fitting with Content Builder on page 674 and Workflow for
Creating a Parametric MvPart with Content Builder on page 696 for steps to build parametric parts in AutoCAD
MEP.

It is beneficial to create parts like equipment and fittings as parametric parts. Equipment, such as an air terminal,
a junction box, or a tank, share the same geometric features; however, the features change in size according to
the design. Following are examples of custom parametric parts for each module.

 Mechanical: A 4 x 4-inch rectangular floor register looks the same as a 6 x 6-inch rectangular floor register,
except for the longer length and width. By creating a parametric part, you can create a 3D model of a rectangular
floor resister and assign parameters for the length and width that can change in size. When the register is placed
in your drawing, you can specify the length and width, and the register is dynamically built to match.
Viewing different-sized air terminals

 Electrical: A 13-hole junction box for 1-inch conduit looks the same as a 13-hole junction box for 3-inch
conduit, except for the size of the inlet for the conduit connection. By creating a parametric part, you can create a
3D model of a 13-hole junction box and assign a parameter for the conduit connection that can change in size.
When the junction box is placed in your drawing, you specify the size of the conduit and the junction box is
dynamically built to match.

Viewing different-sized junction Boxes

 Plumbing: A 120-gallon storage tank looks the same as a 350-gallon storage tank, except for the height and
diameter. By creating a parametric part, you can create a 3D model of a storage tank and assign parameters for
the height and diameter that can change in size. When the storage tank is placed in your drawing, you can
specify the height and diameter, and the tank is dynamically built to match.

Viewing different-sized tanks

Fittings such as elbows, tees, and crosses also share geometric features that change in size according to the
design. For example, a round 2-inch elbow looks the same as a round 6-inch elbow, except for the diameter and
elbow radius. By creating a parametric part, you can create a single 3D model of a round elbow and assign
parameters for the diameter and elbow radius that can change in size as needed. When the elbow is placed in
your drawing, you can specify the diameter and radius and the elbow is dynamically built to match.

Viewing different-sized elbows



 



A block-based part is defined as a multi-view part (MvPart) whose geometry is based on individual AutoCAD®
blocks. Each part size is associated with a unique 3D model block, to which you specify basic information such
as view representations and connector placement. 2-dimensional (2D) block representations are generated for
each part size. When the part is placed in your drawing, you select a specific part size, and the unique
representation of the part is added to your drawing.
You create equipment, referred to as MvParts, as block-based parts. MvParts, such as air handling units, motor
control centers, or pumps, typically consist of a group of unique parts with their own geometric features. Shape,
size, connection points, and properties such as manufacturer or material may differ.

NOTE: MvParts that are simple in design, such as air terminals or fans, can also be created as parametric parts.
For example, a gas air handling unit and an electric air handling unit are not only different in shape and size but
also in placement of connection points and types of connectors.
Viewing different air handling units

TIP: Create parametric parts for equipment and fittings that are simple in design and require many part sizes.
Create block-based parts for equipment and fittings that are complex in design and require only a few part sizes.

 

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The Content Builder on page 647 dialog offers several task-specific options to build custom parts in AutoCAD
MEP. You can create or modify both parametric and block-based parts.
Depending on the task you select, Content Builder has 2 working environments: parametric building and block-
based building.



  

Content Builder uses the parametric building environment when you choose to create or modify a parametric
part. The following example shows Content Builder displaying a rectangular duct to round conical tap tee.
For more information, see Starting Content Builder on page 647.

Content Builder

m
RELATED: See Workflow for Creating a Parametric Fitting with Content Builder on page 674 to build a
parametric part.

This environment includes the following user interface features:

 The part browser is displayed on the left side of the screen and provides an organized view into the features of
your part. As you define your part, additional features are nested in a hierarchy under the appropriate folder. In
the browser, you can show as much or as little detail as you wish by expanding or collapsing the folders.

 The modeling area is displayed on the right side of the screen and is designed to give you full view control
over your part model. You can use the standard AutoCAD view commands to change the direction in which you
view your part model.

 The toolbar provides quick access to select Content Builder commands. Icons are available for saving your
part, saving an existing part as a new part, generating a preview image, validating your part, and specifying part
options.

 The status bar, located at the bottom of the part browser, provides updated information about part validation
when you click the Validate icon on the toolbar. A description of the validation status is provided in addition to a
traffic light that displays green when the part is valid and red when the part is invalid. A details button provides a
list of warnings and/or errors found in your model.

 Feature-specific menus are available when you right-click a part feature in the browser window. Options that
are not available are shaded.

The part browser and the modeling area are resizable windows. You can drag a corner of a window to change its
shape and size, and you can drag a window to a new location on your screen.



  

Content Builder uses the block-based building environment when you choose to create or modify a block-based
part.

This environment features 2 modes:

 You create block-based parts or add part sizes to part families. The Wizard mode steps you through defining
part behavior, individual part sizes, AutoCAD blocks used to represent each part size, a preview image to assist
during part selection, part connectors, and property set information. For more information, see Starting Content
Builder for Creating a Block-Based MvPart on page 757.

MvPart Builder dialog for creating a new part

 You modify block-based parts. Tabs are available for part behavior, assigned blocks and names, preview
image, part connectors, and assigned property set information. You can make changes to one or all of the tabs at
any time. For more information, see Starting Content Builder for Modifying a Block-Based Part on page 764.

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The AutoCAD MEP software uses the term O

to represent real-world parts, such as fittings and equipment.
Content Builder is a content creation tool included in AutoCAD MEP. It is an integrated package of 3D modeling
tools and 2D drafting and drawing capabilities that helps you to conceptualize, design, and build content. Each
piece of content represents a part family, such as air terminal, junction box, or tank, that contains a collection of
part sizes, such as a 4 x 4-inch rectangular floor register, a 1-inch conduit 13-hole square junction box, or a 150-
gallon vertical tank, respectively. Content Builder enables you to create and modify part families and individual
part sizes.
When you use Content Builder, you build 3D models of parts and generate and assign 2D drawing views of those
parts to use in design layouts. The model is defined in terms of the size, shape, and position of the features that
make up the part. You associate the part with a catalog and navigate to that part when you want to add it to your
layout. You also add connectors to the part to enable intelligent connections to other building systems objects, in
order to create complete building systems networks.

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The following items are tips you should keep in mind as you use Content Builder.

 Save a backup copy of the part catalogs before using Content Builder, in case you need to revert to the
original catalogs provided with AutoCAD MEP. You can use a browser application, such as Windows® Explorer,
to copy and paste the catalogs and their sub-folders to a new location.

 Determine model dependencies. Analyze the model design to determine how features interrelate; then decide
how to create the model.

 Work in a 3-dimensional (3D) view. Creating the model in a 2-dimensional (2D) view may lead to confusion.

 Use the order of the folders in the part browser as a guide to the steps involved in the creation process.

 Do not use the EXPLODE command. Exploding a part deletes the part definition from the catalog.
 Content Builder generates drawing views of your parametric part. The AutoCAD MVIEW command does not
create associative views of your parts.

 AutoCAD object snaps can be used to assist in object selection.

   

 
 
  
 

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When using Content Builder, you assign a layer key to the part family to allow for automatic layer mapping of part
sizes. Only those layer keys predefined in the layer key style selected for your current drawing are available for
selection in Content Builder. Therefore, before using Content Builder, you must select a layer standard and layer
key style to use for your part sizes. Recommended selections are the MEP - AIA layer standard
(AecbLayerStd4.dwg) and Mech - AIA 256-color layer key style, which are provided with AutoCAD MEP. They
include layer keys for all AEC objects.

A layer key style is used to map an AEC object, such as an MvPart, to a defined layer based on a layer standard.
When you add an AEC object to a drawing that has a specified layer standard and layer key style, the AEC object
is placed on the layer to which it is mapped. This is referred to as layer keying. For example, according to the
MEP - AIA layer standard (AecbLayerStd4.dwg) and associated (Mech - AIA) layer key style, the Air Handling
Unit layer key is mapped to the M-HVAC-Eqpm layer. Therefore, when you add an air handling unit to your
drawing, it is assigned to the M-HVAC-Eqpm layer. For layer keying to work, you must select a layer standard
and layer key style for your drawing.

NOTE: To learn more about layer standards and working with layer keying, see AutoCAD MEP Layer Standards
on page 132 in this Help system or Layer Management in AutoCAD Architecture Help.

To select a layer standard and layer key style

1. Click Home tab V Layers panel V V Select Layer Standard .

The Drawing Setup dialog is displayed.

2. On the Layering tab, under Layer Standards/Key File to Auto-Import, browse to select a drawing that
contains the layer standard and layer key style you want to use, and then click Open. It is recommended
that you select the AecbLayerStd4.dwg layer standard located in the \ProgramData\Autodesk\MEP
2010\enu\Layers folder to use the standard AutoCAD MEP layers.

3. Under Default Layer Standard, select a layer key style from the list, and then click OK. It is
recommended that you select the Mech - AIA 256-color layer key style to make all AEC object layer
keys available in Content Builder.


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When you start Content Builder, the Getting Started - Catalog Screen dialog is displayed. This task-specific
dialog acts as a toggle, giving you quick access to the different working environments. The Getting Started-
Catalog Screen dialog has a part catalog browser and an icon bar. You select a catalog from the list of loaded
part catalogs that are specified on the MEP Catalogs tab in the Options dialog. To learn more about a part
catalog and how parts are stored in a catalog, see Working with Catalog-Based Content on page 79.

IMPORTANT: When selecting a catalog, it is important to analyze the type of part you want to create or modify.
MvParts belong to a single catalog; however, they can have a different domain for each connection.

When selecting a part to create or modify, the Getting Started - Catalog Screen dialog detects the part domain,
and guides you by activated icons to ensure that you use the correct building environment. Icons are activated
based on the selected domain and part in the part catalog browser, whether parametric or block-based. For
example, if you select an MvPart part catalog, both the New Block Part and New Parametric Part icons are
available. However, if you select a component part catalog such as duct or cable tray, only the New Parametric
Part icon is available.
Block-based parts are created and modified through the block-based building environment, and parametric parts
are created and modified through the parametric building environment. For more information about the building
environments in Content Builder, see Approaches to Creating Parts on page 643.
To start Content Builder and open a building environment

1. Click Manage tab V MEP Content panel V Content Builder . The Getting Started - Catalog Screen
dialog is displayed.

2. Select a part catalog.

TIP: Be sure to select the correct catalog when creating a new part. Each catalog domain creates specific data
that is added to the parts in the respective catalog. The catalog path is determined by the settings used in the
catalog tab of the Options dialog on page 70.

IMPORTANT: To facilitate the process of upgrading to a new version of AutoCAD MEP, add all your custom parts
to custom catalogs. Do not add custom parts to the catalogs provided with the software. When you upgrade, this
allows you to easily move all your custom catalog content as a whole to the catalog folders for the new version
(where new versions of the catalogs provided with the software are also located). You can use both types of
catalogs during layout if you specify multiple catalogs for a domain, as described in Specifying Part Catalogs and
Style-Based Content Locations on page 70.

3. In the Getting Started - Catalog Screen dialog, do one of the following: