Models

Learn about working with Model in a Modeling database:

• Creating Models
• Displaying Models in the Database
• Merging Models
• Renaming a Model
• Modifying a Model's Comments
• Printing Models
• Deleting a Model
• Viewing Model Topology Map Through Information Window

Note: To copy a model, see Copying Objects.

Creating Models
You can store more than one Model in a Modeling database. You may find it helpful to store multiple
models in the same database because it lets you:
• Keep multiple versions of the same mechanical system in the same file.
• Store models of subsystems in one file that you want to combine and simulate as a whole.
• Compare results between models.

To add a model to the current database:

1. On the Build menu, point to Model, and then select New.
The Create/Modify model dialog box appears.
2. In the Model Name text box, enter the name of the model that you want to create. You can enter
up to 80 alphanumeric characters. You cannot include special characters, such as spaces or
periods.
3. Select whether or not you want to use the same gravity settings as the current model in your
database. Learn about Specifying Gravitational Force.
4. Select the Comments tool on the dialog box and enter comments you want associated with
the model. Learn about Comments.
5. Select OK.
2 Adams/View
Models

Displaying Models in the Database

You can set a View window so it displays a particular Model in the current Modeling database. You will
find this helpful when you want to compare different models or work with different models at the same
time.

To display a different model in a view window:

1. Click the view window in which you want to display the model.
2. On the View menu, select Model.
The Database Navigator appears listing the current models in your modeling database.
3. Select the model you want to display from the Database Navigator.
4. Select OK.
Learn about Setting Part Display.

Merging Models
You can merge one Model in your Modeling database into another model. For example, you can merge a
subsystem, called the source model, which you want to work on separately, into the base destination
model when you are ready to work on them as a whole. Adams/View maintains the source model and
does not change it after the merge operation.
This is helpful for merging two subsystems stored in the same database into a single model. It allows you
to work on each subsystem individually and merge them together when you are ready to work on them
as a whole.
As you merge models, you can:
• Enter a set of translations and rotations that Adams/View applies to the source model.
Adams/View first rotates the model then translates it.
• Specify whether Adams/View merges parts with the same name into one part, or copies and
renames the duplicate objects before merging them into the destination model.
• Place all merged objects into a group. Learn more about Grouping and Ungrouping Objects.

To merge models:
1. On the Tools menu, select Merge Two Models.
The Merge Two Models dialog box appears.
2. In the Base Model Name text box, enter the name of the destination model.
3. In the Model to be merged text box, enter the name of the source model that you want to merge
into the destination model.
Tips on Entering Object Names in Text Boxes.
4. Specify the translations to apply to the source model before merging it with the destination model.
 3
Models

By default, you enter Cartesian (x,y,z) coordinates. You can change the convention for entering
translational positions. Learn more about Coordinate Systems in Adams/View.
5. Specify the angular position of the parts and polylines in the source model.
Adams/View orients the coordinate system starting from the initial coordinate system and
applying three successive rotations. By default, you supply body-fixed 313 Euler angles. You can
change the convention for entering orientation angles.
6. If desired, enter a new or existing group into which Adams/View adds all merged objects.
7. Set the pull-down menu to either merge parts that have the same name (Merge) or rename the
parts before merging the models (Rename).
8. Select OK.

Renaming a Model
Adams/View lets you change the name of a Model.

To rename a model:
1. On the Build menu, point to Model, and then select Rename.
The Database Navigator appears.
2. Select the model you want to rename.
The Rename Object appears.
3. Enter a new name for the model.
4. Select the More button to display the Database Navigator and rename another object in the
database.
5. Select OK.

Modifying a Model's Comments

You can change the comments associated with a model.

To modify a model's comments:

1. On the Edit menu, select Modify. Be sure that no objects are selected. If objects are selected, click
the background of the main window or double-click the Select tool .
The Database Navigator appears.
2. Select the model you want to modify, and then select OK.
The Create/Modify model dialog box appears.
3. Select the Comments tool on the dialog box and enter any comments you want associated
with the model. Learn about Comments.
4. Select OK.
4 Adams/View
Models

Printing Models
Adams/View prints the currently displayed Model as it appears in the currently active View window. You
can set various print options, such as specifying Postscript or HPGL format.
Before printing, be sure to check which view window is the active window and what the magnification
of your model is in the view window. You might also want to check the font that Adams/View is using
for printing text. Learn about Setting Screen and Printer Fonts.

To print the currently displayed model:

1. Select one of the following:
• On the File menu, select Print.
• On the Standard toolbar, select the Print tool .
The Print dialog box appears.
2. Set the printing options as desired, and then select OK.

To print: Do the following:

To a printer Select Printer and, in the Printer text box, enter an operating system
command to execute the print job (for example, lpr -Psp2 or lp -c -Ppd1 ).
Only to a file Select File and enter the location and name of the file to which you want
to print the model in the File text box.
In a different format Select the format. You can select Postscript, HPGL, or Encapsulated
Postscript.
In color or black and white Select either Color or Black and White. If you select Black and White,
Adams/View prints the model in black and white even if you are using a
color printer.
At a different orientation Select the type of orientation: Portrait or Landscape.
On a different size paper Select the size of paper or select Default to accept the current default
paper for the printer.

To cancel printing:
• Select Cancel or press the Esc key.

Deleting a Model
You can remove a Model and all its objects from the Modeling database. When you delete a model,
Adams/View removes the following objects from the modeling database:
• Parts
• Geometry
• Markers
 5
Models

• Joints
• Forces
• Simulation results
• Data elements and System elements
• Design variables

It does not remove plots, interface changes, or design variables that belong to the modeling database.

To delete a model:
1. Do one of the following:
• On the Build menu, point to Model, and then select Delete.
• On the Edit menu, select Delete.
The Database Navigator appears.
2. Select the model you want to delete. Learn about selecting objects.
3. Select OK.
If you selected Delete from the Build menu, Adams/View asks you to confirm the deletion of the
model.
4. Select Delete.

Viewing Model Topology Map Through Information Window

The model topology map displays information about the parts in your Model and determines what
constraints are owned by the model and what parts the constraints connect. The information appears in
the Information Window.
You can view the part connection information in two ways:
• By part - Lists each part in the model, along with the parts it is connected to and what
constraints or forces are affecting it.
• By connections - Displays each constraint and force with the parts they connect and act on. Also
displays any unconnected parts.

Model Topology by Part

You can select to have Adams/View list each part in the model, along with the parts it is connected to and
what constraints or forces are affecting it. If an object is inactive, the text (OFF) appears next to it. The
following shows the information that appears in the Information window or Database Navigator when
you display the connections by parts for a model called model_1.

Topology of model: model_1

Ground Part: ground
6 Adams/View
Models

Part ground
Is connected to:
LINK_1 via JOINT_2 (Revolute Joint)
LINK_6 via JOINT_1 (Revolute Joint)
LINK_1 via FORCE_1 (Single_Component_Force)

Part LINK_1
Is connected to:
LINK_5 via JOINT_3 (Revolute Joint)
ground via JOINT_2 (Revolute Joint)
ground via FORCE_1 (Single_Component_Force)

Part LINK_5
Is connected to:
LINK_1 via JOINT_3 (Revolute Joint)
LINK_6 via JOINT_4 (Revolute Joint)

Part LINK_6
Is connected to:
LINK_5 via JOINT_4 (Revolute Joint)
ground via JOINT_1 (Revolute Joint)

To display model topology by parts, do one of the following:

• From the Tools menu, select Model Topology Map.
• In Adams/View, on the Status bar, from the Information tool stack, select the Model Topology
by Parts tool .

Model Topology by Connections

When you select to display model topology by connection, Adams/View displays each constraint and
force with the parts that they connect and act on. Adams/View also displays any unconnected parts, and
indicates when an object is inactive with the text (OFF). The following sample shows the information
that appears when you select to display topology by connections for a model with three parts, named
model_1.
Topology of model: model_1
Ground Part: ground

JOINT_1 connects LINK_2 with ground (Revolute Joint)

JOINT_2 connects LINK_3 with LINK_4 (Revolute Joint)
JOINT_3 connects LINK_2 with LINK_3 (Revolute Joint)

Unconnected Parts:

LINK_1
 7
Models

To display model topology by connections:

• On the status bar, from the Information tool stack, select the Model Topology by Constraints
tool .

Note: You can also view model topology through the Database Navigator.
8 Adams/View
Modeling Database

Modeling Database
Adams/View stores all your work in Modeling database.
Learn more:
• About the Adams/View Modeling Database
• Creating a Modeling Database
• Opening a Modeling Database
• Saving Modeling Database
• Saving the Current Modeling Database with a New Name

About the Adams/View Modeling Database

The Adams/View Modeling database is a hierarchical database. Each object in the database has an object
that owns it, called its parent, and many objects own other objects, called their children. The top level
objects in the database are models, views, plots, and libraries containing such things as dialog boxes.
The following shows the hierarchy of a database called Database_1 that contains one model and a plot
of the model.

Names of objects in the database use a hierarchical naming structure. For example, a block built on the
ground part is named .model_1.ground.block.

Creating a Modeling Database

When you first start working with Adams/View, it provides you with options for creating a new Modeling
database. You can also create a new modeling database anytime during your Adams/View session. You
can have only one modeling database open at a time, but it can contain multiple models.
Remember that Adams/View saves all your customization changes, such as any new dialog boxes, in the
modeling database. Therefore when you create a new modeling database, the standard Adams/View
 9
Modeling Database

interface appears and you will need to make any changes again in the new database. If, however, you use
the command, Save Settings, on the Settings menu to save any preferences you set, Adams/View reads
these and changes the interface accordingly. Learn about Saving and Restoring Settings.

To create a modeling database:

1. Do one of the following:
• On the File menu, select New Database.
• On the Standard toolbar, select the New Database tool .
When you create a new database, Adams/View automatically closes the current database. If
you did not save your current database, Adams/View asks you if you want to save it before
closing.
2. Select one of the following if you did not save your existing database:
• Yes - Saves and closes the database.
• No - Closes the database without saving it.
• Cancel - Does not save the database.
Adams/View displays the Welcome (Classic Interface) dialog box, which lets you choose how
you want to start your modeling session with the new modeling database.

Opening a Modeling Database

You can open an existing Modeling database. You can only open one database at a time. To load different
types of data into your modeling database, such as geometric data or commands, import the data as
explained in Exchanging Data in Adams.

To open a modeling database:

1. Do one of the following:
• On the File menu, select Open Database.
• On the Standard toolbar, select the Open Database tool .
The File Selection dialog box appears. The File Selection filter is set to display only modeling
database files (those with a .bin extension).
2. In the Directories list box, select the directory in which the file is located.
3. Highlight the file that you want to open in the Files list box, or type the file name in the Selection
text box.
The highlighted file appears in the Selection text box.
4. Select OK.
10 Adams/View
Modeling Database

Saving Modeling Database

You can use the Save Database command to save the current Modeling database as an Adams/View
Binary format file. Saving your modeling database as a binary file saves all modeling information,
including any customization changes you made. To save the model data in another format, export the data
as explained in Exchanging Data in Adams. To save your preferences, see Saving and Restoring Settings.

To save an existing modeling database:

1. Select one of the following:
• On the File menu, select Save Database.
• On the Standard toolbar, select the Save Database tool .
Before saving the file, Adams/View displays a message asking you if you’d like to create a
backup file of the current database file.
2. Select one of the following:
• Yes - Creates a backup file of the existing database file and saves the database. When
Adams/View creates a backup file, it adds a % to the end of the file extension (for example,
model.bin%).
• No - Saves the database without making a backup copy of the existing database file.
• Cancel - Exit the command without saving the database.

Saving the Current Modeling Database with a New Name

You can save the current modeling database to a binary file with a new name. This lets you keep several
versions of your database under different names and reduces the risk of losing your work if you
inadvertently change or delete your model. Saving your modeling database saves all modeling
information, including any customization changes you made. To save the model data in another format,
export the data as explained in Exchanging Data in Adams. To save your preferences, see Saving and
Restoring Settings.

To save a new database or an existing database with a new name:

1. On the File menu, select Save Database As.
The Save Database As dialog box appears.
2. In the File Name text box, enter the name you want to assign to the file.
Tips on Entering File Names in Text Boxes.
3. Select OK.
 11
Database Navigator

Database Navigator
The Database Navigator helps you view, select, and modify objects in your Modeling database.
Learn more:
• About the Database Navigator

Viewing Objects
• Showing, Hiding, and Selecting Objects in the Database Navigator
• Managing the Select List
• Filtering Objects in the Database Navigator
• Sorting Objects in the Database Navigator
• Setting Highlighting in the Database Navigator

Changing Objects
• Setting Appearance of Objects Through the Database Navigator
• Renaming Objects Through the Database Navigator
• Adding Comments Through the Database Navigator

Viewing Information About Your Model

• Viewing Model Topology Through the Database Navigator
• Viewing the Associativity of Objects
• Viewing Object Information Through the Database Navigator

About the Database Navigator

The Database Navigator appears when you do one of the following:
• Select Database Navigator from the Tools menu.
• Execute an editing command, such as Modify, from the Edit menu when no object is currently
selected.
• Request to view information about an object using the Info command on the Edit shortcut menu.
• Browse for the name of an object to enter in a dialog box using the Browse command.

The Database Navigator has several modes in which you can display object information. It can be set to
just let you browse for objects or you can set it to rename objects, view information about the objects,
such as view how the object relates to other objects, and view dependencies.
The Database Navigator only displays the types of objects that are appropriate for the command you are
executing. For example, if you are renaming a model, it only displays models in your database. On the
other hand, if you are searching for any modeling object in the database, it displays all types of modeling
objects. You can also set a filter for the types of objects that the Database Navigator displays.
12 Adams/View
Database Navigator

The Database Navigator shows objects in their database hierarchy. The following figure shows the
Database Navigator with the top-level modeling objects in a small database that contains one model,
model_1 . These objects do not have parents. Double-click the name of a model, in this case model_1, to
find all the objects belonging to that model.

Showing , Hiding, and Selecting Objects in the Database

Navigator
In the Database Navigator Tree list, a plus (+) in front of an object indicates that the object has children
below it but they are hidden. A minus (-) indicates that all objects immediately below the object are
displayed.

To show or hide objects below a single object:

• Double-click an object with a plus or minus by it.

To expand or collapse all objects by one level:

• In the lower right corner of the navigator window, select the + or - button.
 13
Database Navigator

To hide all objects:

• In the lower right corner of the navigator window, select the - button.

You can use the Database Navigator to select any object in the database. You can also select more than
one object to complete a command. You can create a list of selected objects on which to perform options
by choosing Select List from the pull-down menu at the top of the Database Navigator.

To select a single object:

• In the tree list, click the object and select OK. If the Database Navigator is not in multi-select
mode, you can also double-click the object to select it.

To use the mouse to select a continuous set of objects:

1. In the tree list, drag the mouse over the objects you want to select or click on one object, hold
down the Shift key, and click the last object in the set. All objects between the two selected
objects are highlighted.
2. Select OK.

To use the Up and Down arrow keys to select a continuous set of objects:
1. In the tree list, click on the first object, hold down the Shift key, and then use the Up or Down
arrows to select a block of objects.
2. Select OK.

To select a noncontinuous set of objects:

1. In the tree list, click on an object, hold down the Ctrl key, and click on the individual objects you
want to select.
2. Select OK.

To clear any selection in the tree list:

• Hold down the Ctrl key and click the selected object to clear its highlighting.

Managing the Select List

You can use the Database Navigator to view objects you've selected using the procedures explained in
Showing, Hiding, and Selecting Objects in the Database Navigator. The list of objects is called the Select
list. You can also add and remove objects from the Select list.

To view the select list:

• From the pull-down menu, select Select List.
The selected objects appear in the text box to the right.

To add objects to a select list:

1. From the pull-down menu, select Select List.
14 Adams/View
Database Navigator

2. From the tree list or view window, select the objects to be on the select list as explained in the
previous section.
3. Select Add.
4. Select Apply.

To remove objects from the select list:

1. From the pull-down menu, select Select List.
2. From the list that appears on the right, select the objects to be removed.
3. Select Remove.
4. Select Apply.

To clear all objects from the select list:

1. From the pull-down menu, select Select List.
2. Select Clear.
3. Select Apply.

Filtering Objects in the Database Navigator

You can filter the types and names of objects that you want displayed in the Database Navigator Tree list
to narrow the display to exactly what you want or to broaden the display using wildcards. For example,
you can narrow the display to only parts or broaden the display to include all objects that begin with a
particular character, such as an h. Learn about Using Wildcards.

To set the filter of the Database Navigator:

1. In the Filter text box, enter the name of the objects that you want to display. Type any wildcards
that you want to include.
2. From the pull-down menu to the right of the Filter text box, select the type of object or objects
that you want to display in the Database Navigator. To select from all the different object types
in the modeling database, select Browse.
3. To only display active or inactive objects, set the pull-down menu below the Filter objects to
either Active Objects or Inactive Objects. Learn about Activating and Deactivating Objects.
4. Select OK.

Sorting Objects in the Database Navigator

You can sort objects in the Database Navigator by their name or type, such as parts or geometry. You can
also select to not sort the object so the objects appear in the Database Navigator in the order they are
stored in the modeling database.
Note that sorting by name can be slow for objects with very long names. Setting no sorting is the fastest
way to see objects.
 15
Database Navigator

To sort objects in the Database Navigator:

• At the bottom of the Database Navigator, from the Sort by pull-down menu, select how you'd
like the objects sorted.

Setting Highlighting in the Database Navigator

You can set up the Database Navigator so that whenever you select an object in the tree list, it also appears
selected in the main window and the reverse. Highlighting is off by default.

To toggle highlighting:
• Select Highlighting.

Setting Appearance of Objects Through the Database

Navigator
Through the Database Navigator, you can set how individual, types of objects, and children of objects
appear in Adams/View.You can set:
• Visibility of the object and of its name on the screen.
• Color, line style, line width and transparency of the object. For example, you can set the color of
the object’s outline or its name.
• Size of the screen icons that represent the object in your model. Note that these changes take
precedence over the size you specify globally for the modeling database.
• State of the object during a simulation: active or inactive.

You can also set appearance through the Edit -> Appearance command. Learn about Setting Object
Appearance through Edit -> Appearance Command.

To set the appearance of objects:

1. Select an object from the Database Navigator Tree list.
2. Use the options in the dialog box to set the appearance of the object. To inherit an attribute from
a parent of the object, select None from any of the pull-down menus. See Display Attribute dialog
box help.

Tip: For transparency, the higher the value, the more transparent the object is, allowing other
objects to show through. The lower the value, the more opaque the object is, covering
other objects. However, setting the transparency of objects can have a negative impact
on graphical performance if you are using a graphics card without hardware
acceleration for OpenGL. Instead of setting an object’s transparency, consider setting
the object’s render mode to wireframe.

3. To set the scope of the appearance changes, you can select either:
16 Adams/View
Database Navigator

• Object - Only apply to the selected object.

• Siblings - Apply changes to all objects of the same type that are children of the parent of the
selected object.
• All - Apply changes to objects matching the filter you set in the Filter text box.
4. Select Apply.

Renaming Objects Through the Database Navigator

You can use the Database Navigator to rename any object. Also see Renaming Objects Through Menu
Commands.

To rename an object:
1. From the Database Navigator pull-down menu, select Rename.
2. From the Tree list, select the object to rename.
3. In the text box that appears to the right, type a new name for the object.
4. Select Apply.

Adding Comments Through the Database Navigator

You can use the Database Navigator to associate comments with any object in the Modeling database.

To associate comments with an object:

1. From the Database Navigator pull-down menu, select Comments.
2. From the Tree list or View window, select an object.
3. In the text box that appears to the right, type or modify the comments associated with the object.
4. Select Apply.

To save the comments in a file:

• Select Save to File.

Viewing Model Topology Through the Database Navigator

The model topology map displays information about the parts in your model and determines what
constraints are owned by the model and what parts the constraints connect. The information appears in
the window on the right of the Database Navigator.
You can view the part connection information in the following ways:
• By part - Lists each part in the model, along with the parts it is connected to and what
constraints or forces are affecting it.
Learn more about Model Topology by Part.
 17
Database Navigator

• By connections - Displays each constraint and force with the parts they connect and act on. Also
displays any unconnected parts.
Learn more about Model Topology by Connections.
• Graphically - Displays a representation of the selected part and shows its connections to other
parts.
Learn more about Graphically Viewing Model Topology.

Graphically Viewing Model Topology

In graphical topology, the Database Navigator displays a representation of the selected part and shows its
connections to other parts. The connections represent the joints or forces between the parts. Each time
you select a different part in the tree list of the Database Navigator, the graphical display changes to show
the select part at its center. If an object is inactive, the part appears dimmed.
18 Adams/View
Database Navigator

To display model topology of parts and connections:

• From the Database Navigator pull-down menu, select Topology by Parts or Topology by
Constraints.

To graphically view the topology of parts:

1. From the Database Navigator pull-down menu, select Graphical Topology.
2. From the Tree list or view window, select an object.

Viewing the Associativity of Objects

You can use the Database Navigator to display the objects that a selected object uses. For example, you
can select a joint in the tree list to show the I and J markers that the joint uses. You can also select to view
the objects that use the selected object.

To view the associativity of objects:

1. From the Database Navigator pull-down menu, select Associativity.
2. Set the associativity:
• To show the objects that the selected object uses, select Uses
• To show the objects that use the selected object, select Is Used By.
3. From the Tree list or View window, select an object.
The objects associated with the selected object appear in the text box to the right.

To set up automatic navigation of the objects:

• Select Auto Navigate. Learn more About Auto Navigation.

To save the current associativity information to a file:

• Select Save to File.

Viewing Object Information Through Database Navigator

You can use the Database Navigator just as you would the Information Window to display information
about an object.

To display object information:

1. From the Database Navigator pull-down menu, select Information.
2. From the Tree list or View window, select an object.
The information about the object appears in the window to the right.

To save the information to a file:

• Select Save to File.
 19
Database Navigator

To return to the information about a previous object:

• Select .

About Auto Navigation

When you select Auto Navigate, the Database Navigator lets you view the associativity of objects that
you select from the Tree list and any objects listed in the window on the right. For example, if you have
a model with a joint motion, and then select to view the associativity of that motion, you see a joint listed
in the right window, as shown below.
With Auto Navigate selected, you can just select that joint from the right window to view its associativity.
If it were not selected, you would have to select the joint from the tree list to view its associativity. In
addition, when you select the joint in the right window, the Database Navigator also highlights it in the
tree list.
20 Adams/View
Information Window

Information Window
Adams/View uses the Information window to display many different types of information about your
model, Simulation, or motion data. In addition to just viewing information about your model, you can
perform a variety of operations in the Information window. For example, you can display additional
information about the current object's parent or child, print the information, display information about a
different object in the database, and more.
Learn more:

Displaying Information
• Displaying Object Information and Accessing the Information Window
• Displaying Parent and Children Information
• Displaying an Object's Modify Dialog Box

Managing Information
• Clearing the Information Window
• Saving Information in the Information Window
• Displaying a Text File in the Information Window
• Copying Text in the Information Window
• Setting the Information Mode

Displaying Object Information and Accessing Information

Window
You can display information about each object in your Modeling database, including parts, geometry,
motion, and Markers. You can view the information about an object currently on the screen or any object
in the database, including view windows or dialog boxes.
When you display information about the objects in your modeling database, Adams/View displays
information specific to that type of object. For example, when you display information about a rigid body
in your model, Adams/View displays information about its material content, inertial properties, initial
conditions, orientation, velocity, and more. When you display information about a motion, Adams/View
display information about the type of motion it is, its function, and time derivative.

To display information about a modeling object displayed on the screen:

• Right-click the object on the screen, and then select Info.

Tip: You may want to zoom in on the object on the screen to more easily place the cursor
over just that object.

Information about the object appears in the Information window.

 21
Information Window

To use the Database Navigator to display information about objects in the Information
window:
1. On the Status bar, select the Info tool from the Information tool stack.
The Database Navigator appears.
2. Select the object about which you want to display information. Learn about selecting objects.
3. Select OK.
The information window appears.

To display object information once you've displayed the Information window, do one of
the following:
• In the text box at the top of the Information window, enter the name of the object, and then select
Apply.
• If the object name already appears in the Information window, place the text cursor in the name
of the object, and then select Apply.

Displaying Parent and Children Information

Each object in the database has an object that owns it, called its parent, and many objects own other
objects, called their children. The top-level objects in the database are models, plots, and interface
objects, called gui objects. These objects do not have parents. You can display information about the
parent or children of the object currently displayed in the Information window.
If an object has a parent, the type of parent it has appears in the Information window under the heading
Parent Type and the name of the parent is placed in front of the name of the object in the Object Name
heading. For example, for the part LINK_2, its parent type and name appear in the Information window,
as shown below:

To display an object's children:

• In the Information window, select Children. Learn about accessing the Information window.

To display an object's parent, do one of the following:

• In the Information window, select Parent.
• In the Information window, place the text cursor in the name of the parent and select Apply.
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Information Window

Displaying an Object's Modify Dialog Box from the Information

Window
When information about an object is displayed in the Information window, you can access that object's
modify dialog box so you can modify the object.

To access an object's modify dialog box from the Information window:

• In the Information window, place the text cursor in the name of the object and select Modify.
Learn about accessing the Information window.
• Learn about other ways of Accessing Modify Dialog Boxes.

Clearing the Information Window

Each time you request information in the Information window, Adams/View adds the information to the
bottom of the Information window without removing the current information. You can remove all current
information.

To clear the Information window:

• In the Information window, select Clear.

Saving Information in the Information Window

You can save the contents of the Information window to a text file.

To save the contents of the information to a text file:

1. In the Information window, select Save to File.
The Select File dialog box appears.
2. Select the directory in which you want to place the file.
3. In the File Name text box, enter the file name.
4. Select Open.

Displaying a Text File in the Information Window

You can display any text file in the Information window. You will find this helpful if you want to display
an information file that you saved or you are creating a demonstration of your model using an
Adams/View command file and you want to display information about a particular object or aspect of the
demonstration.

To display a text file when the Information window is already displayed:

1. In the Information window, select Read from File.
The File Selection dialog box appears.
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Information Window

2. Select the directory in which you want to place the file.

3. Highlight the file that you want to open in the list, or type the file name in the File Name text box.
4. Select Open.

To display a text file when the Information window is not displayed:

1. On the Tools menu, select Show File.
The Info Window Read dialog box appears.
2. In the File Name text box, you can either:
• Enter the name of the file.
• Browse for a file: right-click the File Name text box, and then select Browse to display the
File Selection dialog box.
3. Select OK.
The Information window appears with the text of the file as its content.

Copying Text in the Information Window

You can copy any text in the Information window for use in another window, dialog box, or application.
You cannot paste or delete any text in the window.

To copy text in the Information window:

1. Highlight the text that you want to copy.
2. Right-click the Information window and select Copy.

Setting the Information Mode

By default, the Information window displays only a part's parent and type. To display more information
about the part, you can turn on verbose mode. When you turn on verbose mode, the Information window
displays the children of the object, its geometry, whether or not comments are associated with it, and its
attributes, such as its color and visibility.

To turn on verbose mode:

• Select the Verbose check box.