Using the Properties Panel

Use the tabs of the Properties panel to define and edit properties for your model's objects.

When you place or select a building block in Edit mode, the tabs display options relevant to that building block so that you can define, view, or edit its properties.

The tabs available depend on what object you've selected.

Click a tab to view it:

• – Equation tab – Use this tab to specify the equation or initial value for the selected building block. You can also use the Equation tab to assign units to a building block, and to select options and parameters that affect the building block's equation.
• – Graphical Function tab – Use this tab to define a converter or flow as a graphical function.
• – Array tab – Use this tab to transform the selected variable into an arrayed variable and to edit array dimensions and elements available in the current model.
• – Scales and Ranges tab – Use this tab to define global scale and range properties for the selected variable. This allows you to set the scale for the variable for all graphs in the model that use that variable.
• – Message tab – Use this tab to define thresholds and messages for the selected stock, flow, or converter. When a threshold for the variable is crossed during the model's simulation run, the message you defined for the threshold will be posted.
• – Module Properties tab – Use this tab to set module properties.
• – Documentation tab – Use this tab to add notes or comments about the selected variable.
• – Styles tab – Use this tab to select colors and styles of text and objects.

The image below shows the Equation tab, with the stock named "Stock 2" selected.

The icon for the currently selected tab ( ) and the icon and name for the currently selected object ("Stock_2") appear at the top of the Equation tab.

To View Object Properties

1. In the Stella window, click the object you want to view. You can also drag a box around one or more objects to select them.

   The last tab you viewed appears, if appropriate, for the selected object; otherwise, the default tab for the object will be displayed:

   • In Model view, the Equation tab appears by default.
   • In Map view, the Documentation tab appears by default.
   • If the selected object is defined as a graphical function, the Graphical Function tab appears by default.
   • If you select multiple objects, only properties affecting the entire selection are available for you to change.

   Note: If you hid the Properties panel with the button, click the button to show it.

2. Click the tab that contains the properties you want to view or edit. For information about the options on a specific tab, see the documentation for that tab.

To Edit Building Block Properties on a Panel

1. On the model diagram, select the building block whose properties you want to edit.

2. Select the panel for the properties you want to view or edit. For information about the options on a specific panel, see the documentation for that panel.

   Tip: To select the default field on the currently displayed panel automatically, double-click the building block.

3. Use the options on the panels to make the edits you want.
4. When you're finished making changes, apply your edits.

For more information about building blocks, see Working with Building Blocks.

To Apply Edits Made on Panels

In general, changes you make on panels are applied to the selected variable as soon as you make the change.

Use the following procedure to apply all changes made on all panels for the variable, and to have the software check for errors in the variable's equation and other properties.

• Click in the bottom-right corner of the panels.

  The software will apply any changes that aren't applied yet and check for errors.

To Undo or Revert Edits Made on Panels

• To revert all changes made to the variable's properties since the last time you applied changes, click .
• To undo only the last change you made, choose Undo from the Edit menu (or use Ctrl+Z [Windows] or ⌘+Z [Mac]).

See Also