# Special Parameters
Smart Connections can read information from Host or connected element parameters and write them into inserted elements. Also you can read distance from insert point to connected element.
For that you can use parameters in your Families with some special rules.
1. **To read information from Host element, use #.**
Example:
A. To insert plate at the bottom of the column, use simple configuration to place plate Family at the center of bottomface of column.
B. So that the plate automatically adjusts to the size of the column, you need to read column size parameters and usethem in your connection plate.
In the Family that you want to insert with Smart Connections, create a parameter following rules like these:
**Use the "#"** **symbol** in front of the parameter name.\
**Name, Discipline and Type of Parameter** - should be exactly the same as it is in the Host element.\
**Instance** - it must be Instance parameter.\
**Group parameter under** - it is necessary to group it under ***Model Properties***
This parameter can be used to define element position, offsets, size, used in formulas of other parameters, etc.
Executing Insert, Update, Modify, Update Parameters commands will copy information from Hosts parameter to inserted element's parameter.
2For example, size of plate is automatically changed based on the size of the column:
2. **To read information from connected element, use ##.**
Example:
A. Insert connection element only at the positions of Virtual intersection of Structural Framing and Wall. To do that inSmart Connections configuration, use Adjust Layout rule:
B. Move connection element to the side of Structural Framing automatically. To do that, in connection Family createparameter using rules like these:
**Use the "##" symbols** in front of parameter name.\
**Name, Discipline and Type of Parameter** - should be exactly the same as is in the Host element.\
**Instance** - it must be Instance parameter\
**Group parameter under** - it is necessary to group it under ***Construction***.
In this case **##bf parameter** is created and used to offset connection element from insert point.
3. **To read distance to virtually intersected element, use 'Distance To'.**
Example:
A. To insert supporting elements on a wall, use simple configuration to insert them, but also use Adjust Layout distanceand search for the Floor, so your Distance To parameter would get the correct value.
B. Length of support elements should automatically be updated based on the distance to the Floor.
**Distance To** - add parameter with exact name to your insert Family\
**Instance** - it must be Instance parameter
