A part can represent any level of abstraction, different kinds of system components, or a physical component. A system is modeled as a composite part, and its part usages may themselves have further composite structure. A part definition defines a class of part objects, and a part usage is a usage of part or item definitions. Parts may have attributes, ports, and other elements, as well as perform actions or exhibit states. 

Creating part usage and definition elements

Creating part usage and definition elements via the Textual Editor

To create part usage and definition elements via the Textual Editor

  1. In the Textual Editor, place the cursor where you want to create the element and declare the keyword: 

    1.  part def for a part definition.

    2.  part for a part usage.
  2. Specify the element name.
  3. (Optional) Specify the part's features in the element body.
  4. Click the Synchronize button.

part def FlashlightParts;
part flashlightSwitch : FlashlightParts;

Creating part usage and definition elements via the Create Element command

To create part usage and definition elements via the Create Element command

  1. In the Containment tree, right-click an element, and in the shortcut menu, click Create Element.

  2. In the Create Element dialog, select one of the following:
    1. part def to create a part definition element.
    2. part to create a part usage element.
  3. Name the element.
  4. (Optional) Specify the part's features.

Creating part usage and definition elements via the view palette

To create part usage and definition elements via the view palette

  1. In the view palette, under the Items/Ports/Attributes group, click one of the following:
    1. The part def button to create a part definition element.
    2. The part button to create a part usage element.

      If the needed button is not displayed, click the down-facing arrow next to either the part or the part def button and select the needed button in the dropdown menu.

  2. Click in the view pane where you want to create the part symbol.
  3. (Optional) Specify the part's features.

Creating part usage elements via the symbol compartment in a view

For more information, see the Compartments page.

To create part usage elements via the symbol compartment in a view 

  • Do one of the following:
    • Select an element symbol and click the Create Element button on it. In the dropdown menu, click the part element.
    • Select an element symbol and on the right side of the parts compartment, click the Create part button.
      The new element is created and displayed in the parts compartment.

Creating part usage elements via the Specification panel

To create part usage elements via the Specification panel

  1. Open the Specification panel.
  2. Do one of the following:
    1. In the Properties section bar, click the Create Element button. The shortcut menu appears. Click the part element in the shortcut menu.
    2. In the parts compartment section's bar, click the Create part button.
      The element is created in the parts compartment.

Auto-creating part definition elements via the Extract Definition command

To auto-create part definition elements via the Extract Definition command