GridAssigner - Automatic grid assignment

GridAssigner helps write grid information into model parameters to improve traceability and element readability. It is especially useful when teams need a fast link between elements and grids without filling that data manually.

General Description

The add-in detects the closest grids for each element, generates configurable grid text, and writes it into a selected target parameter. It also supports manual grid classification, optional distance output, and automatic synchronization when elements change.

Key Features

• Target parameter: Writes the result into a user-selected text parameter.
• Configurable formatting: Axis prefix, separators for both the main and the perpendicular axis group, and group separator.
• Linear element tolerances: Snap proximity (m) and angle tolerance (°) for walls, beams, and similar elements.
• Optional distance output: Include the distance to the nearest axis, with units, decimals, and an enclosure character.
• Manual grid classification: Override which grids count as longitudinal vs. transverse for curved walls and radial layouts, or clear it to fall back to automatic angle-based detection.
• Auto Sync: Auto-assigns the parameter whenever elements in the chosen categories are created or moved.
• Live preview of the generated grid text before assigning.

Requirements

• The target parameter must be a text parameter that exists and is writable on the elements you're assigning to.
• At least one grid must exist in the document.

Usage Procedure

1. Open GridAssigner from the Model panel on the Frata ribbon tab.
2. Under Target Parameter, select the text parameter that will receive the axis information.
3. Under Axis Format, set the axis prefix and separators; enable Include perpendicular axis group if you want both axis directions represented.
4. Under Linear Element Tolerances, adjust Snap proximity and Angle tolerance for walls/beams if the defaults don't match your model's grid spacing.
5. Optionally enable Include distance to nearest axis under Distance to Axis, and set units, decimals, and an enclosure character. Check the Preview to confirm the format before assigning.
6. For elements on curved walls or radial layouts where automatic detection isn't reliable, use Classify Grids to manually move grids between Longitudinal and Transverse, or Clear (Use Auto) to fall back to angle-based detection.
7. Select elements in the model and press Assign to Selection, or select the categories to synchronize and press Enable Auto Sync to keep the parameter updated automatically as elements are created or moved.
8. Press Save Settings to keep this configuration for next time.

Recommendations

• Run a manual Assign to Selection pass first to confirm the format and tolerances look right before turning on Auto Sync for a whole category.
• Elements that can't be assigned are reported separately ("{0} of {1} element(s) need review") rather than silently skipped — check those individually rather than assuming a full pass succeeded.
• Use Classify Grids only where automatic detection actually gets it wrong (typically curved or radial layouts) — for standard orthogonal grids, automatic detection is usually enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

I got the message "No elements selected. Select elements in the model first." Why? You pressed Assign to Selection without selecting any elements. Select elements in the model, then run the command again.

I got the message "Parameter not found in the document." Why? The parameter set as the Target Parameter doesn't exist on the current document (it may have been removed, or you're in a different project than where it was configured). Pick a parameter that exists here.

I got the message "No grids found in the current document." Why? GridAssigner needs at least one Grid element in the model to compute proximity — add grids or check you're in the right view/model.

Some elements show "need review" after assigning. What does that mean? Each unassigned element has a specific reason: no valid reference points were found, no grid label could be generated, the target parameter is missing or read-only on that element, or the write failed. Review those elements individually — the tool won't guess a value it isn't confident about.

When should I use Classify Grids instead of leaving it on Auto? Use it when an element sits on a curved wall or in a radial grid layout, where "closest by angle" doesn't reliably match which grids should count as longitudinal vs. transverse. For straight, orthogonal layouts, Auto is normally correct.