The DoubleCAD™ XT Pro Parametric Parts Manager allows you to create and consume parts that remain parametrically controlled even after insertion in the drawing. They are a bit like a 3D dynamic block, an AutoCAD® dynamic block, or a SketchUp™ dynamic component.

The key difference is that parametric parts (.PPM files) may be defined using a text description (script). The script defines the structure, editable properties, and outputs that result in a parametrically editable part.

In version 3 of DoubleCAD XT Pro there is now a method to draw variably constrained parts and convert them to parametric parts using a wizard. This dramatically simplifies creating simple .PPM objects that don’t need the full power of all the functions available in scripted parts.

Documentation for the Parametric Parts Manager has been greatly enhanced in version 3, with excellent support for creating and using parts on the a href="http://forums.doublecad.com">DoubleCAD Community Forums.

Because the parts can be saved individually, like a symbol, libraries of .PPM objects can be created, shared, and reused from project to project.

Simple examples could be to create a dynamic picket fence, or balustrade. Designing furniture of different lengths or seating configurations: chairs with or without arms, couches or tables of 6’ or 8’ lengths, bookshelves with different configurations. Mechanical parts that come in differing sizes and configurations may also be easy to design.

Another use for .PPM objects is to create 2D symbols. Imagine in landscape architecture if you had plants with a different appearance for different seasons, or for different growth sizes at 1 year, 5 years, and 15 years size. The uses are endless.