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Visual Query Builder

The Visual Query Builder (VQB) is a professional-grade low-code engine designed to generate high-performance Revit filtering logic without writing a single line of C#. It transforms element selection from a manual coding task into a surgical, visual workflow.

High-Performance Logic Generation​

Unlike standard iteration, the VQB generates optimized C# code that leverages the Revit API's native ElementParameterFilter and FilteredElementCollector. This ensures that even queries targeting tens of thousands of elements execute with near-zero overhead.

Key Capabilities:​

  • Hierarchical AND/OR Logic: Nest multiple conditions into complex logical trees.
  • Prefix-Aware Naming: Automatically aliases parameters (e.g., RoomName, WallMark) to ensure unique C# properties and error-free compilation.
  • Strict Nullability: Generated parameters are nullable (double?, string?), allowing the engine to safely skip empty UI values and prevent "matching empty string" errors.
  • BIM Precision: Preserves trailing zeros (e.g., 6.00) across the entire pipeline to maintain Revit's numerical accuracy.

The Entry Point: New Script Modal​

The New Script Modal is your gateway to the Visual Query Builder. It's designed to streamline the creation of high-performance tools by providing two distinct paths:

New Script Modal (VQB)

  1. Generate with Builder: The primary low-code path. Define your categories, filters, and columns visually, and Paracore will generate the optimized C# logic for you.
  2. Starting Templates: Alternatively, you can select an existing template to use as a starting point. This is ideal for quickly bootstrapping a script that you intend to further customize in VS Code.

Building a Pro-Grade Query​

  1. Launch the Modal: Click the New Script button in the Script Gallery.
  2. Open the Builder: Ensure the "Builder" tab is active.
  3. Context Selection: Choose between Project Scope or Active Selection to define where your query starts.
  4. Category Targeting: Select your primary Revit category (e.g., Rooms, Mechanical Equipment).
  5. Add Filter Rules: Create rules based on any Revit parameter. The UI provides dynamic dropdowns for Operators and Units (mm, m, in, etc.).
  6. Select Reporting Columns: Choose which data fields you want to see in your results table.

The VQB is integrated with a Template Gallery that allows you to reuse proven logic:

  • Save as Template: Paracore automatically saves your query graph inside the generated .cs file as a // __PARACORE_QUERY_DATA__ metadata block.
  • One-Click Loading: When creating a new script, use the Template Selector dropdown to start from an existing query.
  • Surgical Replacement: Use the "Replace Code" feature on any script to open its original graph, tweak the values, and redeploy instantly.

The Visual Query Builder isn't just a filter; it's a way to visually program the Revit API.