# How to customize numbering rules for framing elements?

## Introduction

<figure><img src="/files/yD4BnGfZsWo8bGK7hmDs" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To schedule and sort the **Structural Framing** and **Structural Connection** family elements, use the **Number Elements** command.

This will automatically input sorting data in **FM SortMark** and other **instance** parameters. As a result, your elements will be **scheduled** and **sorted:**

<figure><img src="/files/2FBqp4IM8QMsx6D0KHv1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**FM SortMark** - a default instance parameter in Structural Framing and Structural Connections families that is used for sorting elements.

## How to customize numbering rules?

### 1. Choose the default rule as a starting point

When you start using the **Number Elements** command, the data inputs are automated using **default** numbering rules. To change these rules, **follow the guide** below:

1. Go to **Number Elements** > **Numbering Configuration**

<figure><img src="/files/a7zTQA619KXQcMkQkp98" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/Lpi1DuS6qcg9UsI0c1mF" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**: in the **Numbering Setup** tab, there are two columns with its own **Sort Mark Configuration**:

* **SortMark Structural Framings** (left) - studs and tracks
* **SortMark Structural Connections** (right) - anchor bolts, angles, screws and other connections
  {% endhint %}

**Sort Mark Configuration** columns contain **Sort Mark** rules that automate inputs in the chosen instance parameters:

2. To customize **framing element** data inputs, click on the ⚙️**settings** icon on the **left** side:

<figure><img src="/files/Gcm9yyNbaRHlag5hkYl4" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. Choose one of the default **FM SortMark** configurations as a **starting point**:

* **FM SortMark by Frame Host and Member Mark** - suitable if stud and track labeling varies only by **length**, **volume** or **position**

{% hint style="info" %}
*For example, Bottom plates (BP) will have different numbers (BP-**1** and BP-**2**) because the **length** or **volume** is different. If the element length and volume is the same, then elements get the same number (VS-**1**):*
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/6GlNutcg2vGAz2Fum6Sg" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **FM SortMark by Frame Host Mark and Element ID** - suitable if every stud and track in a frame needs a **unique** labeling

{% hint style="info" %}
*For example, all elements have a **unique** label regardless of their length, volume or other parameter values*
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/RnEr14B5UDopocwIUCwb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 2. Customize the FM SortMark output

In this guide, we'll use **FM SortMark by Frame Host and Member Mark** configuration as a starting point.

1. Open the **Sort Mark** tab:

<figure><img src="/files/sIf3DLVHNtSjggNOqeOa" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**: the output from the "**FM SortMark=**" table is written in the **FM SortMark** parameter:
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/XgCSVfk8Xg1GvU5jRQJt" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Calculated: Sort mark Number**: numeric (or alphanumeric) value given to an element based on the settings made in the previous tabs (Grouping, Numbering, Sorting, etc)

This parameter **cannot be removed**.
{% endhint %}

2. Click **Show all parameters**:

<figure><img src="/files/yak4btQEgZQiXVVZfgiP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. Customize the "**FM SortMark=**" table by adding/removing parameters, inserting prefixes/sufixes, etc.

<figure><img src="/files/WGZNWZ96TcfxCSpcL54g" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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