Presets and Variants

Presets and Variants help you run the same BIMO command with different settings without entering the same values again.

Warning: if a preset runs Run Dynamo, Run Python, or another command that changes the model, the variant launch can also change the Revit model. Test model-changing presets on a copy or a safe test file first.

What It Is

Preset - a saved set of command settings.

Variant - a quick launch option that runs a command from the BIMO toolbar with a selected preset.

For example, for Run Dynamo you can save several presets with different input values and assign them to Variant #1, Variant #2, and Variant #3.

When To Use It

• You often run one command with different settings.

• You need quick access to common workflows.

• You want to run Run Dynamo or Run Python with prepared parameters.

• You want to reduce settings-window work during repetitive tasks.

Where To Find Presets

1. Open Settings in BIMO.

2. Select a command from the list.

3. If the command supports presets, the Presets block is shown.

General settings do not use presets because they are global BIMO settings, not settings for one command.

Create a Preset

1. Select a command in Settings.

2. Click New to create a preset, or Copy to duplicate the selected one.

3. Enter a clear name.

4. Adjust the command settings.

5. Click OK to save the changes.

Available actions:

Assign a Variant

1. Select a preset.

2. In the Variant list, choose Variant #1, Variant #2, or Variant #3.

3. Click OK to save.

Each variant number can be assigned to only one preset inside the same command. If you assign the same number to another preset, the previous assignment is cleared.

Launch From the Toolbar

If a command has variants, it appears on the BIMO toolbar as a split-button:

• the main item runs the command normally and opens the settings window;

• Variant #1, Variant #2, or Variant #3 runs the command with the assigned preset.

If the preset values are valid, the variant runs without opening the settings window. If one or more values need attention, BIMO opens the settings window.

After a variant launch, BIMO restores the previously active preset.

Example: Run Dynamo

You have a Dynamo workflow that can run with different input values.

Create presets:

After saving, you can launch the required mode directly from the BIMO toolbar.

Warning: a Dynamo graph can change the model. Before quick-launching it through a variant, check that the right preset is assigned and the right Revit document is active.

Example: Run Python

Create presets for different Python scripts or input values:

• active document checking;

• parameter filling;

• data export;

• small automation for the current project.

Assign frequently used presets to Variant #1..#3 so you can launch them from the toolbar.

Warning: a Python script can change the model if the script performs model changes. Test those workflows in a safe model first.

If a Variant Does Not Run

Check:

• whether a preset is assigned to the required Variant #;

• whether the preset was deleted or reset;

• whether the preset values are valid;

• whether the selected command supports presets.

If no preset is assigned to the variant, the launch is cancelled.

Limitations

• Only Variant #1, Variant #2, and Variant #3 are available.

• Variant 0 means the preset is not assigned to a toolbar variant button.

• Toolbar menu items currently use names like Variant #N.

• Preset names are not yet shown as toolbar variant item names.

• Presets are available only for commands that support them.

In Short

• Use presets to save repeatable settings.

• Use variants to run frequently used presets from the toolbar.

• For scripts and commands that change the model, check the settings in a safe file first.