The default customization settings for new projects are stored in your master and standards databases. These databases save you from having to redefine your settings for each project you start.

The databases are stored in your customization folders. For companies with more than one user, we recommend that the Customization folder is located on the network. Placing the folder there allows customization to be shared between all users, rather than having to manage customization on each computer individually.

The settings that can be changed are in the Customization section of the pulldown menu and on the DME/DMH/DMP: Customization ribbon. All of the different items that can be customized use similar commands:

• Edit Project List: Sets the values for the project you are currently working on. Use this to make changes to the specific project without affecting other projects.
• Edit Standards / Master List: Sets the values in your standards or master database. These settings will be used when you start a new project. Changes here do not affect any projects already created.
• Copy Project List to Standards / Master: Copies the settings from your current project to the standards or master database. Often, it is simplest to start your first project and customize it as you go. When you are finished, you can use this command to copy the settings for use with future projects.
• Copy Standards / Master List to Project: This command copies the settings from your standards or master database to your project. You can use this to update projects you have already started with new settings you have set in your standards or master.

When you start a project, the settings from the master and standards databases are copied to it. Once you start a project, it is no longer associated with the standards or master database. The project has its own database with its own completely separate customization. Changes to the project do not affect the standards or master, and changes to the standards and master do not affect the project.

There is only one master database. All of the blocks are stored in the master, as well as the various schedules.

When a project is created, all blocks are copied to the project from the master database.

The schedules can all have groups associated with them. You can create different groups for different types of projects. When you start a project, you have the option to pull in a specific group. You can also pull in entire groups or specific items after the project is created.

The standards databases contain settings for options, layers, text styles, and wire sizing. You can have multiple standards databases. When you start a project, you have the choice of which standards database to use. Everything from the standards database is copied to the project and used as the default settings.

The following is a brief description of what settings can be changed in each customization section.

HVAC

Options: Various settings that control both the graphics and the default design parameters in Design Master HVAC.

Diffuser Blocks: The blocks that are available to be used for diffusers.

Layers: The layers used for HVAC entities. This also is where you create layer systems, such as “New,” “Existing,” and “Demo.”

Labels: Settings for the diffuser schedule column labels and the room labels.

Text Styles: Text styles and sizes. See Customizing Text Styles for more information.

Electrical

Options: Various settings that control both the graphics and the default design parameters in Design Master Electrical.

Light Fixture, Receptacle, Equipment, Junction Box, Switch, and Low Voltage Device Blocks: The blocks that are available to be used for each device type.

Distribution Equipment Plan View Blocks: The blocks that are available to be used for distribution equipment when they are inserted on the plan in 2D or 3D.

Distribution Equipment Diagram Blocks: The blocks that are available to be used for distribution equipment when they are inserted on the one-line diagram.

Distribution Equipment Schedule Blocks: The blocks that are available to be used for distribution equipment schedules. See Customizing Panel Schedules for more information.

Layers: The layers used for electrical entities. This also is where you create layer systems, such as “New,” “Existing,” and “Demo.”

Labels: The column labels for all of the schedules.

Text Styles: Text styles and sizes. See Customizing Text Styles for more information.

Wire Sizing: The wire and breaker sizes available in the project.

Plumbing

Options: Various settings that control both the graphics and the default design parameters in Design Master Plumbing.

Layers: The layers used for plumbing entities. This also is where you create layer systems, such as “New,” “Existing,” and “Demo.”

Schedule Labels: The column labels for the pipe symbol schedules.

Text Styles: Text styles and sizes. See Customizing Text Styles for more information.

Pipe Types: The types of pipe that are available to be inserted.

Pipe Graphics: The graphics used for the pipe types.

Pipe Labels: The labels used for each pipe type.

Pipe Linetypes: The linetypes used for each pipe type.

Pipe Flow Categories: The flow categories for each pipe type. Each category is summed separately from the others when pipe flows are calculated.