On the Options Bar or Properties Palette, change the point type from Reference Point to .

Use conditional formulas ( if statements) to constrain maximum and minimum dimensions: Panel_Thickness = if(Base_Width > 2000 mm, 150 mm, 100 mm) Quick Reference Checklist Critical Setting Place points Use Conceptual Environment 2 Make Adaptive Verify sequential numbering ( 1, 2, 3... ) 3 Draw Edges Enable Is Reference Line 4 Build Volume Select all boundaries, click Create Form 5 Parameterize Use Instance Parameters for flexible variation

Once you have mastered the basics, adaptive families become a gateway to advanced parametric design.

| Error Message | Likely Cause | Fix | |---------------|--------------|-----| | “Constraints not satisfied” | Adaptive points not locked to reference lines. | Zoom in, check each padlock icon. | | “Form cannot be created” | You selected points instead of lines. | Delete, then select only reference lines. | | “Component is over-constrained” | You added a standard dimension to an adaptive point. | Replace all dimensions with Reported Parameters. |

Select (or imperial equivalent).

Place four points in a rough square configuration on the default horizontal work plane. Select all four points.

In a Massing environment, select a face and click Divide Surface .

Use Shared Parameters for thickness and material variables if you need to schedule panel quantities or export data to fabrication software.

You can assign a parameter to the "Thickness" to control it in the project. Step 5: Loading into Project Save the family. Click . 4. Applying Adaptive Components in Projects Once loaded, you can apply your component to a mass. Create a mass in your project (e.g., a curved wall). Select a surface and choose Divide Surface .

: Developing custom tiles for divided surfaces in conceptual masses. Step-by-Step Tutorial: Creating a 4-Point Adaptive Panel

Use Reference Lines rather than Model Lines. Reference lines provide planes that geometry can host to, making the family more stable. Testing the "Flex" Select an Adaptive Point in the family editor. Drag it in any direction.

Ensure the numbers read in a consecutive, clockwise or counter-clockwise loop. Consistent numbering order is vital for predictable placement. Step 3: Connect Points with Reference Lines Select Point 1 and Point 2. Click Spline Through Points on the Modify ribbon.

Use the Line tool to connect Adaptive Point 1 to Point 2, and so on.

At the end of this article, you will find a link to download a complete, printer-friendly PDF containing this tutorial plus 5 advanced exercise files (.RFA) and a cheat sheet of formulas.