What it does
PTC Creo is parametric 3D CAD for parts, assemblies, surfaces and connected engineering work. Family Tables describe related models through shared construction and selected dimensions, parameters or features. The online Creo Design Essentials offer is an annual subscription with support and maintenance included.
A Family Table starts from a generic parent model. Open Tools > Family Table and insert an instance row. Give the new instance a unique name of no more than 31 characters. Open Family Items, choose the dimensions or other supported items that should vary, then enter the instance values and confirm the table. Each row describes a named variation; the columns identify what can change.
An asterisk retains the generic dimension value, while features can be included or omitted with Y or N. Properties not listed in the table remain inherited. Change the generic model itself to alter its parent values: its table row cannot be edited directly. Assembly-member and user-defined-feature tables depend on the relevant modules, so a basic part table does not establish every family-management capability.
Creo Design Essentials supplies the base CAD licence. Generative design, additional simulation and other extensions can be bought separately or through suites. The online Essentials offer is an annual subscription with support and maintenance included.
A locked licence is tied to its installed computer. Floating licences allow one concurrent user per available licence on the server. The online Essentials terms restrict operation to the country of purchase; organisations needing global use must arrange that licensing separately.
Strengths
- Table rows keep named model variants tied to selected, explicit differences.
- Unlisted attributes inherit from the generic model rather than being recreated for every variant.
Watch out for
- The generic row must be changed through the model, rather than edited directly in the table.
- Advanced extensions and some family-table functions depend on additional entitlements.
Best for
- Mechanical product families with repeatable dimensional variants
- Engineering teams managing related models and controlled option differences
Sources
- PTC Creo | Parametric Product Design Family (Oct 28, 2026)
- Creo | Packages, Extensions and Seat Types (Oct 28, 2026)
- Creo Design Essentials | Annual Access and Country Restriction (Oct 28, 2026)
- Creo r13 | Add an Instance to a Family Table (Oct 28, 2026)
- Creo r13 | Family Inheritance, Table Structure and Module Limits (Oct 28, 2026)
- PTC Store | Current Creo Purchase Cards (Oct 28, 2026)