Models and interfaces are created using a variety of objects: building blocks (to create model structure), graphs and tables (to view output), annotations (to help make the model easier to understand and more attractive), knobs and sliders (to allow input on the interface), and buttons (to control the interface). Most of these objects have a variety of properties, some that are unique to a particular object, and some that are shared by different types of objects.
This section covers the different types of objects available, and the properties of these objects. Almost all object properties are set using the properties panel, and we'll discuss the panel contents specific to each object in that object's section. For properties that are shared by different objects, there's a separate section on shared properties. The overall settings for the model are also specified using the properties panel, and they're included here as well.
The panels shown in the documentation will typically be for a single selected object. If you select multiple objects, the properties common to those objects will be selected. For example, when working on a model and selecting building blocks the Array Tab, Scales and Ranges Tab, Documentation Tab, and Styles Tab for Building Blocks will be available. If you have two graphs selected only the Styles Tab for Building Blocks will be shown. On the interface selecting multiple sliders will show both the Slider (Interface) properties (allowing you to set minimums and maximums) and the Styles Tab, allowing you to set color, font and size. If you add a Knob (Interface) to the selection only the Styles Tab will be available.
Which properties can be changed depends on which objects are selected. Not only do the tabs available change when selecting multiple objects, the content of the tabs also changes as each is restricted to things that are common between objects. In some cases there may be no common properties, and the panel will appear blank. Simply change your selection to return to the more complete panel.