Variants

All elements in the ARCHLine.XP fits into a clearly defined hierarchy.

Categories - Styles - Variants 

Categories are at the top level of the hierarchy.
Categories are pre-defined within the software.
Model Categories include all elements that comprise the building model such as: Walls, doors, windows, columns, beams, stairs etc. Drafting categories include elements like line, circle, text, dimensions. Interior design categories include elements like objects, lights, cabinets, tiling.

Category items come in various shapes and sizes. The items sharing the same overall look and behavior are called Styles.
Styles are listed in the Style Browser, and you can create instances in the model by, for example, selecting the style name in the Project Browser and dragging it to the drawing area.

However, most elements have many parameters, which would require creating a lot of styles even for small differences. For example, a manufacturer produces one type of window in many sizes and only differ in their main dimensions, such as width or height.
That is why the next level of the hierarchy was created, the variants.
Variants are elements that differ only slightly from similar elements.

Category items branch into two major kinds: the System and the User defined items. The items belonging to the system are built into the software and cannot be manipulated by the user.

However, the system or user items can have many variants. Variants provide a convenient way to record new items in the library by changing a few parameters.