button on the right side. This menu will usually display different options for each transformer parameter. The most common parameters are described below.
Most transformer parameters are now integrated so that the options can be easily configured with other elements in the workspace.
This means that the parameters can be set, changed, published or unpublished, set to an attribute value, or linked to another parameter. More advanced functions, such as an advanced editor and an arithmetic editor, are also available in some transformers.
It's important to remember that you can still use a transformer with its default values, as long as there are no required parameters (red-shaded fields). The parameter menu allows easy access more advanced settings.
The options that will appear for a transformer depend on the type of transformer that you are using. If the transformer supports it, the menu displays after you open the transformer properties and click the parameter menu button on the right side. This menu will usually display different options for each transformer parameter. The most common parameters are described below.
These menu choices are available in most transformers:
| Menu Choice | Available | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
|
For all parameters except transformer name and new attribute names |
This will set the value of the parameter to a user or system parameter. There are three ways you can set to a parameter: If the transformer is connected, you can select an existing user parameter from the list. Create a user parameter by selecting Create New User Parameter. This will open the Add/Edit Parameter dialog. Select a system parameter. These are built-in parameters that FME always defines. For more detail on each system parameter see System Parameters. |
|
|
Always |
Clears all values and returns the parameter to an empty state. For choice parameters, Clear Value will take you back to the drop-down list. |
|
|
If the parameter can take the value of an existing attribute from the input feature |
Set a parameter value to the value of an existing attribute. Even if the parameter takes only a simple Yes/No value, you might want to ensure that you carry this value through to other transformer parameters without having to explicitly set them. |
Some parameter menu choices that appear depend on the transformer parameter type. Because each transformer parameter is unique, the associated parameter menu is also unique.
The table below lists some of the more common transformer parameters:
| Menu Choice | Description |
|---|---|
|
|
Opens a dialog that allows you to choose multiple list items. For example, all transformer Group By parameters display this menu choice. |
|
|
Select an attribute from the list. |
|
|
In transformers that include font definitions, this menu choice displays the font chooser dialog. |
| Opens a dialog that allows you to input an arithmetic equation, such as “1+2”, that will be evaluated at runtime. | |
| Opens the basic or advanced text editor, depending on the settings in FME Options. | |
|
|
For any parameters that accept color definitions, this menu choice opens the color picker. |
|
|
For any parameters that accept coordinate system definitions, this menu choice opens the Coordinate System Gallery. |
|
|
Opens a directory/file browser in transformer parameters that require directories or files as input. |
| Select Format | Allows you to select the format of a reader or writer. |
|
Select FME Workspace |
Opens a file browser when selected in transformers that work with FME Server. |
|
Select Raster |
Opens a dialog that allows you to select raster bands and palettes. |
|
|
Opens a file browser when selected in transformers that work with XML files. |
|
Opens a dialog that allows you to define geometry. |
Link to Parameter 
Clear Value
Set To Attribute Value
Change Selection
Select Attribute
Choose Font
Open Arithmetic Editor
Open Editor
Select Color
Select Coordinate System
Select Directory/Source Filename/Dataset File
Select XML Input