Schedules, Dimensions, and Presentation Output
Schedules are tabular views of the model. A schedule is built from a category, chosen fields, filters, sorting/grouping, and formatting. Know the difference between a schedule (model elements), a key schedule (predefined parameter sets), and a sheet list (sheets). Calculated values use formulas and can reference other fields. Filter rules use equals, contains, begins with, and parameter existence.
Dimensions come in temporary, permanent, and spot varieties; spot elevations and spot coordinates are annotation elements tied to a point. Dimensions can be equality-constrained to center elements, a common trap because it locks geometry.
Presentation output includes renderings, walkthroughs, shaded and realistic visual styles, sun settings, and print/export (PDF, DWG). Know that shadows and sun path are view settings, and that ambient shadows differ from cast shadows.
Traps: a schedule will not show a parameter unless the field is added; a shared parameter must be added to the category first. Grouping by a parameter creates headers. Itemize every instance toggles row consolidation. A material takeoff is a schedule of materials, not elements.
Rule of thumb: if a schedule shows fewer rows than expected, check Itemize every instance and the filter; if it shows a blank column, the parameter is not populated on those elements.
Worked example: a door schedule lists 12 doors but the plan has 15. Two doors are in a linked model (not scheduled by default) and one is a curtain panel door, which belongs to a different category.