Building Designer Category Variables

Lists user configuration variables that generally apply to all Building disciplines.

Variable	Short Name	Description
BB_ACCELERATE_DYNAMICS	Accelerate Display Performance	Determines the level of display dynamics acceleration for part attributes such as rendering, unification, and resymbolization included in view navigation and dynamics. When set to `NONE` (default), part attributes are displayed during all view navigation and dynamics. When set to `LOW`, part attributes are not displayed during view navigation and dynamics in the context of Dynamic Views. When set to `HIGH`, part attributes are not displayed during all view navigation and dynamics.
BB_ANNOTATION_CELLLIB	DataGroup Annotation Callout Cell Library	Specifies the name of the DataGroup Annotation tool callout cell library file.
BB_AREA_REPORTSEED	Area Validation DGN Report Seed	Sets the DGN seed file used as a report template for the Area Validation tool.
BB_AREA_XLSREPORTSEED	Area Validation XLS Report Seed	Sets the spreadsheet file used as a report template for the Area Validation tool.
BB_AUTOANNOTATION	DV Auto Annotation	Refreshes annotations on drawings and sheets when they are initially created, opened, or referenced. When set to `MANUAL`, you must select the Refresh Automatic Annotations to run the utility. When set to `AUTO`, the utility runs automatically when drawings and sheets are opened or referenced. When set to `USER` (default), you must toggle the associated menu item (Building Designer > Enable Auto Annotations) to run the utility automatically or manually. Tip: If you are not using dynamic views, set this variable to zero (0) to disable it.
BB_AUTOANNOTATION_ONCREATE	DV Auto Annotation on Create	Specifies whether or not a refresh of annotations is done for drawings and sheets when they are initially created, opened, or referenced. When set to `1` (default), refresh occurs automatically upon opening a newly created dynamic view, regardless of the value set for BB_AUTOANNOTATION. Tip: If you are not using dynamic views, set this variable to zero (0) to disable it.
BB_CATALOGORGDIR	DG Catalog Organization Location	Location of XML settings files used by the Catalog Organization utility in placement tools such as Place Wall, Place Slab, and Place Steel Column.
BB_CEILINGS_FIXTURELIBRARY	Ceilings Fixture Cell Library	Specifies the location and the name of the cell library file used for ceiling fixtures.
BB_CEILINGS_PATTERNLIBRARY	Ceiling Pattern Cell Library	Specifies the location and the name of the cell library file used for patterned ceilings.
BB_CELL_SYMBOL_PATH	Cell Symbol Substitution Path	Allows setting a search path for cell symbol substitution with supported DV rules. It can be prepended or appended. The highest priority path will be used.
BB_DATASET_ORGANIZATION_FILTER	Destination Filter for Organization Dataset	Sets the location of the Primary, Organization, shared or centralized dataset, to be used in destination filtering in the DataGroup System.
BB_DATASET_WORKSPACE_FILTER	Destination Filter for WorkSpace Dataset	Specifies the location of the Workspace Dataset, to be used in destination filtering in the DataGroup System.
BB_DATASET_ORGANIZATION_FILTER	Destination Filter for Organization Dataset	Sets the location of the Primary, Organization, shared or centralized dataset, to be used in destination filtering in the DataGroup System.
BB_DATASET_WORKSET_FILTER	Destination Filter for WorkSet Dataset	Specifies the location of the Workset Dataset, to be used in destination filtering in the DataGroup System.
BB_DATASET_WORKSPACE_FILTER	Destination Filter for WorkSpace Dataset	Specifies the location of the Workspace Dataset, to be used in destination filtering in the DataGroup System.
BB_DISCIPLINE	Building Designer Discipline	Specifies Building Designer Discipline. Used in the command line to define which Application Mode to run.
BB_DSIMAGEGEN_THUMBNAILSEED	BB_DSIMAGEGEN_THUMBNAILSEED	Sets the location of the seed file used to create thumbnail images of catalogs in a cut plan view for the placement tool.
BB_DVDATASETELEMENTDISABLE	Disable DV Dataset Element	If set to `0` or undefined (default), specifies that certain dataset linestyles, patterns and levels will be added to the file if necessary to support Dynamic Views. If set to `1`, no such elements are added, resulting in degraded Dynamic View display. Note: If BB_DVDATASETELEMENTDISABLE is set to `1` and BB_DVLEVELSDISABLE is undefined, then DV Levels will be disabled just as if BB_DVLEVELSDISABLE were also set to `1`.
BB_DVDRAWINGSYMBOLSVIEWDEPENDENT	DV Plan Symbol View Dependence	If set to `0` or left undefined (default), the default plan symbol in a compound cell is interpreted as view independent. If set to `1`, the plan symbol in a compound cell is interpreted as view dependent.
BB_DVLEVELCOMPRESSONFILECLOSE	Compress DV Levels on File Close	If set to `1`, specifies that dataset levels automatically added to the file to support Dynamic Views but never actually used for DV or by persistent elements, are deleted on file close. If set to `0` or undefined (default), no such level compression is performed.
BB_DVLEVELSDISABLE	Disable DV Levels	If set to `0` or undefined (default), specifies that certain dataset levels will be added to the file if necessary to support Dynamic Views; in addition, these levels' DV usage is tracked. If set to `1`, DV Levels are neither created nor tracked, resulting in degraded Dynamic View display.
BB_EAM_MAPPINGFILE	Energy Analysis Model's mapping file	Sets the path for the Mechanical Building Designer Energy Analysis Model's mapping file, with the default name EnergyAnalysisMappings.xml.
BB_ECQUERY_PATH	EC Query Results file path	Enables setting a search path for specifying the *.ecquery.xml, used in dynamic view rules based on Results of a Saved Query. It can be prepended or appended. The highest priority path is used.
BB_FLOORMASTER_DGN	Floor Management Master DGN File	Specifies the location of the Master Floor File (BB_FloorMaster.dgnlib) used to store floor definitions.
BB_FLOORSELECTOR_DISPLAY_REL_ELEVATION	Elevation display option in the Floor Selector	Determines which elevation information the Floor Selector toolbox displays in its in-line elevation field. If set to `0` or `undefined` (default), the Floor Selector toolbar displays, in the in-line display, the actual floor elevation. If set to `1`, the Floor Selector toolbar displays, in the in-line display, the relative floor elevation.
BB_GBXML_OUT	GBXML Out Folder	Mechanical Discipline GBXML out folder. Specifies the location of the resulting XML file after the energy analysis of the model.
BB_HUDACCURACYUSEACTIVE	Use Accuracy Defined By Working Units	Specifies the HUD (Heads Up Display) accuracy. When defined (default = `1`), HUD accuracy is defined by the working units. When undefined, HUD accuracy is defined by the dimension style.
BB_ITEMBROWSER_FASTLOADING	Open Item Browser	Shortens the time it takes to open the item browser (Enabled = `1` (default), Disabled = `0`)
BB_MRU_MAX_SIZE	MRU list size for DG dialogs	Specifies MRU list size for DG Dialogs.
BB_NOSURVEYUNITWARNING	Survey Feet Units Warning	Controls displaying warning dialog for use of Survey units. When set to 0 or undefined (default), a warning dialog will be presented regarding the use of Survey units in the product. When set to 1 or the option to "Don't show this warning again" is selected, then the dialog will be suppressed, however informational warnings will continue to be presented in the message center.
BB_PERFORATE_SLAB_SIDES	Should sides of slab-free or smooth-form be penetrated by perforators	Sets behavior of perforators acting on the sides of slab-free or smooth-form components. When set to `0` or Undefined (default), the behavior is not enabled. When set to anything else, the behavior is enabled.
BB_PUBLISH_SMOOTH_REFERENCE_CURVES	i model reference geometry create	Sets behavior that creates exact reference geometry in imodels (arc not linestring). (Enabled = 1, Disabled = 0 (default)) When set to `1`, the behavior is enabled. When set to `0` or Undefined (default), the behavior is disabled.
BB_RAILING_BALUSTER_CELLLIST	Parametric Balusters from Cell Library	Specifies default cell library that contains parametric cells for Balusters for Railing Tool.
BB_RAILING_CELLLIST	Handrail Post and Baluster Cell Library	Specifies default cell library that contains cells for Posts and Balusters.
BB_RAILING_END_CELLLIST	Handrail Ends Cell Library	Specifies default cell library that contains cells for Handrail Ends
BB_RAILING_PANEL_CELLLIST	Baluster Panel Cell Library	Specifies default cell library that contains parametric cells for Baluster Panels.
BB_RAILING_PROFILE_CELLLIST	Handrail Profile Cell Library	Specifies default cell library that contains cells for Handrail Profile.
BB_RFA_ORGANIZATION _SETTINGS	Location of RFA wizard setting for Organization Dataset	Specifies the location of the RFA wizard setting for the Organization Dataset.
BB_RFA_WORKSPACE_SETTINGS	Location of RFA wizard setting for Workspace Dataset	Specifies the location of the RFA wizard setting for the Workset Dataset.
BB_RFA_WORKSET_SETTINGS	Location of RFA wizard setting for Workset Dataset	Specifies the location of the RFA wizard setting for the Workspace Dataset.
BB_STAIRASSEMBLY	Stair XML File	Specifies the location and the name of default XML file used by the Stair tool.
BB_STAIRCONSTRAINTPATH	Stair Constraints XML File	Specifies the location and the name of the default constraints XML file used by the Stair tool.
BB_STAIRCONSTRAINTS	Stair Constraints Default xml file	Specifies the name of the file used to check constraints.
BB_STAIRTREADPROFILE	Stair tread profile default directory	Specifies the default directory where stair profiles are saved.
BB_SUPPRESS_TOOLBOX_AUTOINIT	Suppress Auto Open of Tool Boxes	By default, certain tool boxes are open when the application is first initialized. After initialization, all toolbox open states are managed by the User Preference File (upf). If defined, automatic opening of application toolboxes will be suppressed.
BB_SWA_VALIDATION_SCALE	Solids Working Area Validation Scale	If defined, this variable allows for the Solids Working Area Validation tool to scale the validation volume up to three times the original SWA cube. Working a little outside the Solids Working Area will typically not result in visible floating point accuracy issues. If undefined, or set outside the range of 1.0 - 3.0, the SWA scale factor will default to the original SWA design cube.
BB_TERMINATOR_CELLLIB	DataGroup Annotation Terminator Cell Library	Specifies the name of the DataGroup Annotation tool terminator cell library file.
BB_UNIFICATION_METHOD	DV Unification Glue	Provides superlative dynamic view unification performance and enables greater tolerance control between touching and connected geometry. When set to `GLUE` (default), unification glue is enabled. When set to `MERGE`, unification glue is disabled.
BB_UNIFICATION_MT	DV Unification Glue Processors	Specifies the manner by which the Unification Glue is processed. When set to `0`, all unification is performed internally by OpenBuildings Station Designer. When set to `1`, large unifications are distributed to separate processes (tfunifiers.exe), while standard unifications are handled by OpenBuildings Station Designer. When set to `2` (default), all unifications are distributed to separate processes (tfunifiers.exe). Tip: You should have 8 GB of RAM or more, in order for this to be efficient.
BB_UNIFICATION_TOLERANCE_MM	DV Unification Glue Tolerance	Specifies the gap or overlap of unification between touching or connected forms. The default is `7` (7mm).
BB_VISIBILITY_THRESHOLD	Visibility Threshold	(Undefined by default) Some elements in a drawing may not be seen by the Visibility Calculator if the threshold is too high. Adjusting this setting may allow the elements to be seen in the drawing. Allowable values are between `0` and `1`. Default value is `1.0e-8`.
TFANNOTATION_CELL_LIBFILE	Annotation Tool Cell Library	Specifies the location and the name of the cell library file used for the Annotation tools.
TFANNOTATION_CODEDNOTECELL_LIBFILE	Annotation Tool Coded Note Callout Cell Library	Specifies the location and the name of the cell library file used for the Coded Note Annotation tool.
TFANNOTATION_CODEDNOTETERMCELL_LIBFILE	Annotation Tool Coded Note Terminator Cell Library	Specifies the location and name of the terminators cell library file used for the Coded Note Annotation tool.
TFANNOTATION_OVERRIDES	Annotation Tool Settings	Specifies the location of the annotation settings file.
TFANNOTATION_PREFS	Annotation Tool Pref File Location	Specifies the location of the annotation tool user preferences file.
TFANNOTATION_SCALECELL_LIBFILE	Annotation Tool Scale Cell Library	Specifies the location and the name of the cell library file used for scale display in the Annotation tools.
TFBREP_COMPRESSCACHE	Compress *.tfb files	Reduces the size of *.tfb files through compression. Note: If TFBREP_NOTFILLCACHE is set to `1`, this variable is not applicable.
TFBREP_NOTFILLCACHE	Prevent creation of *.tfb	Prevents the creation of *.tfb files. When set to `1` (default), creation of .tfb files is prevented. When set to `0`, creation of .tfb files is allowed.
TFCELL_EXTENSION	Cell Library File Extensions.	Specifies the file extensions that are recognized as cell libraries.
TFDATASET_COMP_NOAUTOLOAD	AutoLoad Components	Avoids loading of components at startup.
TFDATASET_CPART_NOAUTOLOAD	AutoLoad Compound Parts	Avoids loading of Compound Parts at startup.
TFDATASET_SHOWDUPLICATEFAMILIES	Show Duplicate Families	Enables family and part concatenation; the first part defined is the one that is used. Default is `1` ("on" or "yes").
TFDIR	Dataset Root	Specifies the location of the root dataset. Tip: You can set TFDIR in any other configuration file, including the Workset Configuration File (*.cfg).
TFDIR_ASSEMBLIES	Location of Assemblies	Specifies the location of required dynamic link libraries (dll's).
TFDIR_BAK	Backup Files	Specifies the location where backup files are saved.
TFDIR_CELL	Compound Cell Libraries	Specifies the location of compound cell libraries.
TFDIR_COMP	Component Libraries	Specifies the location of component libraries.
TFDIR_CPART	Compound Part Libraries	Specifies the location of compound part libraries.
TFDIR_DATA	Data Files	Specifies the location of miscellaneous data files, including the structural section files.
TFDIR_FRAME	Frame Settings Files	Specifies the location of frame recipe files used by the Parametric Frame Builder tool.
TFDIR_MACRO	Specification Macro Files	Specifies the location of macros for generating specification books from text documents using the Quantify tool.
TFDIR_PART	Parts Libraries	Specifies the location of OpenBuildings Station Designer parts libraries.
TFDIR_PREFS	TriForma Preference File Location	Specifies the location of the OpenBuildings Station Designer preferences file.
TFDIR_SEED	TriForma Model Seed File Location	Specifies the location of the OpenBuildings Station Designer model seed files.
TFDIR_SETTING	Settings Files	Specifies the location of miscellaneous settings files, used by Frame Builder, Truss Builder, etc.
TFDIR_TEXT	Specification Text Files	Specifies the location of specification text files used by the Quantify utility.
TFDIR_VBA	VBA Files	Specifies the location of Visual Basic for application files.
TFDIR_XLS	Quantify Excel File Seed Location	Specifies the location of the Microsoft Excel seed file, used when the Quantify report is in Excel format.
TFKEY_DIR	Keynote Settings	Specifies the location of keynote settings cells and files used by the Keynotes tools.
TFPART_RENDER	Enable Rendering By Part	Indicates whether or not render-by-part features are enabled; `0`=no, `1`=yes.
TFPW_LOADED	PW Environment	Set to `1` if running in ProjectWise environment.
TFVBAPROJECTS_LOADONSTARTUP	MVBA Startup Projects	Controls MVBA projects launch on startup.
TF_ANNOTATE_DOOR_ID_XPATH	ID Property in the Door schema	Used to define the XPath to the Property ID, used to store the value that is used by the Door Annotation tool.
TF_ANNOTATE_WINDOW_ID_XPATH	ID Property in the Window schema	Used to define the XPath to the Property ID, used to store the value that is used by the Window Annotation tool.
TF_BYPASS_VALIDATION	Define this to skip DS validation	Define with an integer (defaults to `1`) to skip the validation process when starting Building applications.
TF_DATASETNAME	DataSet Name	Specifies the active dataset.
TF_DATASETS	DataSet Location	Specifies the location where dataset folders are stored.
TF_DONOT_PRESERVE_SYMBOLOGY	Updates the symbology of 2D components	Used to update the symbology of 2D symbols if they have parts assigned to subcomponents. Default is 1 ("on" or "yes").
TF_PRESERVE_2DSYMBOLOGY	Preserve 2D Symbols symbology	Specifies whether 2D plan symbol symbology is updated when generating drawing views.
TF_RESOLVE_NONEXISTENTLEVEL	Nonexistent Level Resolution	Sets behavior when creating a form, where the part determines the level but the level does not exist. When set to `CREATE` or nothing (default), the required levels are created. When set to anything else, the forms are generated on levels whose name matches the value of this variable. Note: So if it is set to `Unresolved`, then a level "Unresolved" is created, and the forms are generated on that level.
TF_UNIFY_CELL_CHILDREN	DV Unification of Cell Children	Enhances unification to include the children of normal/compound/adf cells, at some performance penalty. (Enabled = `1`, Disabled = `0` (default))
TF_USE2DSYMFORMASK	Use 2d Symbols for masking	Specifies whether or not shapes can be used in 2D symbols for forward and reflected view masking. If set to `1` (default), the behavior is enabled. If set to `0`, the behavior is disabled.
TF_USE_UNIFIER_FOR_CENTERLINE_SYMBOLOGY	Use unifier for centerline symbology	Sets the drawing symbology part unifier for center line symbology. When set to `0`, the part unifier is not used. When set to `1`, the part unifier is used (if it exists).

Uncategorized Building Configurations

List of user configuration variables that generally apply to all Building applications which are listed in the Configuration dialog's All (Alphabetical) category.

Variable	Description
BB_CONSTRAINTS	Defines usage of constraints settings for stair placement. When defined, constraints are used.
BB_GRID_TEMPLATE_DGNLIB	Specifies search paths for Grid and Elevation Element Templates.
BB_SMARTFEATURE	Default value set to `1`.
TF_CHILDAPPS	Designates required icon lock and ACS planes variables.
TF_ECAPPS_AUTOLOAD	Specifies the file name(s) of ECAPPS loaded at startup.
TF_NOCOMPATIBILITYWARNING	Specifies whether or not a backward compatibility warning is displayed at startup. When set to `0` (default), the warning is displayed. When set to any other value or undefined, the warning is suppressed.
TFANNOTATION_LABELCOORDTERM_LIBFILE	Name of the terminator cell library file used by the Label Coordinate tool.
TFAPP	Displays the currently loaded Building application.
TFDIR_MDLAPPS	Specifies the location where MDL applications are stored.

Unlisted Building configurations

Lists user configuration variables that generally apply to all Building disciplines which do not appear in the Configuration dialog.

Variable	Description
BB_TASKDOCKINGPREF	Specifies the location where the Task Based Intece docking preference file is stored.
BB_TASKXMLDIR	Specifies the location where the Task Based Interface files are stored.
BD_HIDERFAWIZARD	Specifies whether or not the RFA Wizard is available in the UI. When set to `0` or undefined (default), the RFA Wizard available in the UI. When set to `1`, the RFA Wizard is hidden.
TF_CACHEDIR	Specifies the location of .tfb and .hst files. Note: If TFBREP_NOTFILLCACHE is set to `1`, this variable is not applicable.
TFMODEL_ALLOWSYNCDRAWING	Controls behavior when issuing the key-in command `TFMODEL SYNCHDRAWING`. If set to `1` (default), the command is enabled allowing a recalculation of the Drawing model base on the contents of the Master model. If set to any other value or not defined, then the command will not perform any action.
TFPART_CACHE_RENDER	Controls whether part materials are cached between rendering updates. If set to `0` (default), then part rendering cache is disabled. If set to `1`, then part rendering cache is enabled.
_USTN_SUPRESS_NEWTEMPLATEDEFAULTS	If defined (to any value), suppresses auto population of new templates with general tab and default symbology properties.