Family Tables (Creo)
The Pro/E heritage feature for representing a family of parts — generic part + instance rows controlling dimensions, parameters, suppression, and component substitution.
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Definition
A family table is an Excel-like table inside a part or assembly file. Each row is an instance (e.g., M6 x 25 vs. M6 x 30 vs. M6 x 40). Columns specify dimensions, parameters, feature suppression, materials, custom properties. Instances are addressed by name in BOMs and drawings.
Nested family tables allow instances to have their own sub-tables.
Why it matters
Family tables are the canonical way to represent product families in Creo — fasteners, brackets, gears, plates of varying thickness. Done well, one .prt represents thousands of variants.
Common pitfalls
- Family tables without naming conventions — instance names become opaque.
- Missing dependencies — instance generates wrong geometry because a referenced dimension isn't in the table.
- Excessive instances (10k+) — file becomes unmanageable.
Creo Parametric Ecosystem Context
This concept is a core structural element of the Creo Parametric drafting and engineering environment developed by PTC. PTC's parametric MCAD — the descendant of Pro/ENGINEER, strong on top-down design, MBD, and integration with Windchill PLM.
Relevant Creo Parametric FAQs
❓ Is Creo the same as Pro/ENGINEER?
Yes, in lineage. PTC rebranded Pro/E as Creo in 2010 and introduced the Creo Apps architecture. Functionality has continued to evolve since; modern Creo is significantly different from late Pro/E in UI and direct-modelling tools, but the parametric core is the same.
❓ What's the difference between Creo Parametric and Creo+?
Creo+ is the cloud-connected variant — design data managed in PTC's Atlas cloud platform with collaboration features. The Creo Parametric authoring engine is the same. Creo+ targets distributed teams; Creo Parametric remains the file-based / Windchill-based standard.
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🎓 Recommended Practice Lessons
Step-by-step practical exercises and certification-aligned paths chosen by our editors to master this concept:
Creo Parametric Advanced Part Design (PTC University)
🌳 Semantic Crossroads & Navigation Pathways
Trunk-Branch-Leaf ModelExplore cross-referenced learning lanes. Connect this specific method back to macro CAD coordinate foundations, parent software environments, and sibling parameters in our shared taxonomy map.
Global Foundations
Core glossary, interactive graph, and domain-wide concept index.
Ecosystem Integration
Parent design environments and platforms implementing this method natively.
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