ArcGIS Pro 2.5: The “build parcel fabric” tool has no drop-down menu for the “record name” box,

[JamalNUMAN]

ArcGIS Pro 2.5: The “build parcel fabric” tool has no drop-down menu for the “record name” box,

I couldn’t figure out why the “build parcel fabric” tool has no drop-down menu for the “record name” box

Is this by design?

[AmirBar-Maor]

Yes - this is by design.

With all geoprocessing tools, you can hover over the 'i' icon to get an explanation or on the help icon

This optional parameter can be used to automate a workflow where you only want to build a specific record  - for example - only the lines that were copied from a DWG file.

Build Parcel Fabric—Help | Documentation 

Looping Christine Leslie‌

[JamalNUMAN]

Thanks Amir.

Is the “build parcel fabric” tool equivalent to “build extent”?

[AmirBar-Maor]

No.

If you have all the required geometries in the active record (lines), you can use 'Build Active'.

For a 'bounds' land description, I would use Build Extent. 

You can learn more here: Build parcels from lines—ArcGIS Pro | Documentation