Capturing the Logical System Design

A placed Module

Summary

A Module is a rectangular object that can be placed on a multi-board Design document to represent a child PCB project design. The connectivity between PCB projects that make up a multi-board system design is established by placing modules on the schematic and connecting their exposed connectors (Module Entries) together using virtual connections, such as Wires.

Availability

Modules are available for placement in the multi-board schematic editor as follows:

• Choose the Place » Module command from the main menus.
• Click the  button on the Active Bar located at the top of the design space.
• Right-click in the drawing design space then select Place » Module from the context menu.

Placement

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and the editor will enter Module placement mode. Placement is made by performing the following sequence of actions:

1. Click to anchor the first corner of the Module shape.
2. Move the cursor to adjust the size of the Module rectangle and click again to complete placement.
3. Continue placing further Modules or right-click or press Esc to exit the placement mode.

Graphical Editing

This method of editing allows a placed Module object to be selected in the design space and graphically edit its size, shape or location.

Select a Module by clicking on its fill or outline. Once selected, editing handles/nodes are available at each corner vertex.

A selected Module

• Click and drag a node to reposition it and alter the size of the Module rectangle.
• Click and drag the Module object to reposition it in the schematic.

Non-Graphical Editing

Properties page: Module Properties

The non-graphical method of editing a Module is available in the multi-board Properties panel, which provides editable property fields for the item that is currently selected in the design space.

The Properties panel when a Module object is selected.

To open the Properties panel and access the properties of a placed Module:

• After selecting the Module object, select the Properties panel from the Panels button at the bottom right of the design space or select View » Panels » Properties from the main menus.
• Double-click on the Module object.
• Right-click on the Module then select Item Properties from the context menu.

If the Properties panel is already active, click on the Module to access its properties in the panel.

Editing Multiple Objects

The Properties panel supports multiple object editing where the property settings that are identical in all currently selected objects may be modified. When multiples of the same object type are selected, a Properties panel field entry can be edited for all selected objects. If values of a property are different for objects in the selection, the appropriate field will be shown as an asterisk (*); a new property value will be applied to all selected objects.

Right-click Commands

A range of commands are available for quick access in the Design sub-menu when right-clicking on a Module. Note that some commands in the context menu can be accessed when a Module is not selected. 

• RunERC – perform an Electrical Rules Check (ERC) on the Multi-board project design and its sources.
• Import From Child Projects – propagate the design data from all source (child) PCB projects into their specified Modules.
• Import From Selected Child Projects – propagate the design data from the corresponding source (child) PCB projects for the currently selected Module(s).
• Update Child Projects – perform an Engineering Change Order (ECO) to edit the source projects to match (synchronize to) any related changes in the Multi-board document. For example, a change to the pinout configuration of a system interconnection header/plug part.
• Update Selected Child Projects – perform an ECO to edit the source project to match any related changes in the currently selected Module.
• Update Assembly Projects – perform an ECO to edit the Multi-board PCB Assembly document to match any related changes in the Multi-board Schematic document.
• Crossprobe to PCB/Multi-board – cross probe to (open and zoom to) the selected Module’s corresponding the board layout design.
• Crossprobe to Schematic – cross probe to the selected Module’s corresponding schematic document sheet.
• Crossprobe to MBA board – cross probe to the selected Module’s corresponding board layout in the Multi-board Assembly document.
• Connection Manager – open the multi-board editor’s Connection Manager dialog.

Multi-board object properties are definable options that specify the visual style, content and behavior of the placed object. The property settings for each type of object are defined in two different ways:

• Pre-placement settings – most Module object properties, or those that can logically be pre-defined, are available as editable default settings on the Multi-board Schematic - Defaults page of the Preferences dialog (access from the  button at the top-right of the design space). Select the object in the Primitive List to reveal its options on the right.
• Post-placement settings – all Module object properties are available for editing in the Properties panel when a placed Module is selected in the design space. 

The Module object default settings in the Preferences dialog, and the Module mode of the Properties panel

Properties

• Designator – specifies the schematic identifier for this Module.
  • - use to toggle the designator visibility in the schematic and the button to toggle the value's ability to be edited.
  • Font link - select to open Font Settings to edit the Designator's font, size, color, and special attributes, such as bold. 
  • Other - click the link to set auto-positioning (Designator at the top-left of the Module rectangle).
• Title – specifies the Module's title string.
  • Use the button to toggle its visibility in the schematic and the button to toggle the value's ability to be edited.
  • Select the font link to access and edit the Title's font settings, attributes and color. Select the Other link to set auto-positioning (Title at the bottom-left), and the visibility of the parameter name ('Title').

Source (Properties panel only)

This section defines the source PCB design project to which the Module is linked. Click the button to the right of the Source field to open the Choose Project dialog, from where you can choose the required PCB project - either a local project or a project managed within your connected Workspace. Once chosen, click Open - the panel will refresh with the fields applicable to that type of project:

• Local
  • Source – the PCB project.
  • Assembly/Board – the board design within that source project. If there are multiple PCB documents, select the desired board from the drop-down menu.
• Managed
  • Project – the chosen source PCB project, resident within your connected Workspace.
  • Revision – select the required revision of the assembly of the source managed project that will apply to the multi-board Module. By default, the latest release will be selected.
  • Assembly/Board – the board design within that source managed project. If there are multiple PCB documents, select the desired board from the drop-down menu.

Entries (Properties panel only)

The Entries section is a tabular list of the connectors registered with the selected Module and the connectors to which they are mated on other Modules. The list is populated when a connector Entry has been added to the Module – see Multi-board Schematic design for more information.

• Entry column – sets the visual attributes of the Entry on the schematic. Use the button to toggle its visibility and the button to toggle its connector type – male/female.
• Part column – the Designator and Name of the Entry connector in the source PCB design. This can be edited for convenience – the naming is local to the Multi-board system design and does not affect the source Child Projects.
• Mated part column – the name of the part, such as a header, on a Module to which the Entry is connected by a Wire or Direct Connection, etc.

Use the buttons in the the lower area of the region to manage and edit the Entries in the list.

• – unites previously split Entries back into their single Entry version – see below.
• – divides the selected connection in the list into two related Module Entries where the Pins/Nets to be separated off into the new Entry are nominated in the Split Entry dialog. See Split Connections for more information.
• – adds a new undefined Entry to the Module and list.
• – remove the selected Entry in the list from the Module.

A Module Entry on a placed Module.

Summary

A Module Entry is a graphical object that is automatically or manually placed on Module in a Multi-board Design document to represent a connection point (such as a header or plug/socket) of a child PCB project design. Module Entries are connected to entries on other Modules using virtual connections, such as Wires. A Module Entry can also represent a terminating connector of a cable or harness connection that mates to a board connector.

Availability

Module Entries are available for placement in the multi-board schematic editor as follows:

• Choose the Place » Entry command from the main menu.
• Click the  button on the Active Bar located at the top of the design space.
• Right-click in the drawing design space then select Place » Entry from the context menu.

Placement

After launching the command, the Module Entry graphic will be attached to the cursor, ready for placement. Then:

1. Hover the cursor over the target Module to locate a suitable position and click to complete placement.
2. Continue placing further Entries or right-click or press Esc to exit the placement mode.

Graphical Editing

This method of editing allows a placed Module Entry object to be selected in the design space and graphically edit its location.

Select a Module by clicking on its graphic then drag the Entry around the Module's perimeter to a suitable location. Note that the Entry name can be independently dragged to a different position.

A selected Module Entry

You can move a group of module entries by selecting more than one entry and then dragging the group to the desired location, as shown in the video below.

Non-Graphical Editing

Properties page: Module Entry Properties

The non-graphical method of editing a Module Entry is available in the Multi-board Properties panel, which provides editable property fields for the item that is currently selected in the design space.

The Properties panel when a Module Entry object is selected.

To open the Properties panel and access the properties of a placed Module Entry:

• After selecting the Module Entry object, select the Properties panel from the Panels button at the bottom right of the design space or select View » Panels » Properties from the main menus.
• Double-click on the Module Entry object.
• Right-click on the Module Entry then select Item Properties from the context menu.

If the Properties panel is already active, click on the Module Entry to access its properties in the panel.

Editing Multiple Objects

The Properties panel supports multiple object editing where the property settings that are identical in all currently selected objects may be modified. When multiples of the same object type are selected, a Properties panel field entry can be edited for all selected objects. If values of a property are different for objects in the selection, the appropriate field will be shown as an asterisk (*); a new property value will be applied to all selected objects.

Multi-board object properties are definable options that specify the visual style, content and behavior of the placed object. The property settings for each type of object are defined in two different ways:

• Pre-placement settings – most Module Entry object properties, or those that can logically be pre-defined, are available as editable default settings on the Multi-board Schematic - Defaults page of the Preferences dialog (access from the  button at the top-right of the design space). Select the object in the Primitive List to reveal its options on the right.
• Post-placement settings – all Module Entry object properties are available for editing in the Properties panel panel when a placed Module Entry is selected in the design space.

The Entry object default settings in the Preferences dialog, and the Entry mode of the Properties panel.

Properties

• Designator – specifies the schematic identifier for this Module Entry.
  • Use the button to toggle its visibility in the schematic and the button to toggle the value's ability to be edited.
  • Select the font link (e.g., Times New Roman...) to access and edit the Designator's font settings, attributes and color. Select the Other option to set auto-positioning (Designator immediately inside the parent Module).
• Type – use the drop-down menu to choose the type of Module Entry (male/female) that matches the connector in the source design.
• Part (Properties panel only) – the Item-Revision/Design Item ID of the component represented by the Module Entry. For a Module Entry representing a terminating connector of a cable or harness connection, use the  button at the right of the field to select the part.
• Number of Pins (Properties panel only) – reports the number of pins in the Entry connector.

• System Entry – select to denote the Entry as a system-level connection that is not wired to another Module, for example, an Entry that represents a power input socket.

  The System Entry option can be used for harness connectors to make connections between multiple multi-board projects that are in a nested configuration. An example is shown below.

  ❯ ❮ Javascript

  A child Multi-board project has a harness connector whose entry has the System Entry option enabled.   When changes are imported to the parent Multi-board project, this harness connector will be added as a module entry of the child project's module.

• Entry Number (Properties panel only) – the identifier number assigned to this Entry in the parent Module.
• Lifecycle and revision states (Properties panel only) – these entries are shown for a Module Entry representing a terminating connector of a cable or harness connection:

  • Revision state – this field displays the current lifecycle state of the selected component revision (or if it has been deleted), with the color icon and name of the revision state.

    When connected to an Altium 365 Workspace, note that configuration and use of lifecycle definitions is not supported with the Altium Designer Standard Subscription. As such, the revision state will not be shown with this level of access to Altium 365.

  • Revision status – if the selected component revision is in an applicable state (allowed for use in designs) the entry will either reflect that the revision is the latest (Up to date) or not (Out of date). If the revision is in an inapplicable state (not allowed for use in designs) the entry will display Not applicable. Click the button to update the component to the latest revision.

    When clicking the button and not all parts of an out-of-date multipart component are selected, you will be prompted to update all parts of this component. Click Yes in the Confirm dialog that opens to continue.

  • Component issues (Properties panel only) – if a selected component sourced from the connected Altium 365 Workspace has any health issues, an indication of this will be presented by the (for errors) or (for fatal errors) icon. The number at the right of the icon indicates the number of found issues. Click the down arrow at the right of the number to see the short descriptions of the issues.

    Your Workspace library health can be explored in more detail through the Library Health dashboard page accessible from the Altium 365 Workspace browser interface. See Library Health Dashboard to learn more.
  • Supply Chain Data (Properties panel only) – this field displays the supply chain information from related Part Choice:
    • Median unit price. This entry will be displayed in red text if there are no prices, or the price = 0.
    • Stock. This entry displays the total sum of the stock available from the suppliers enabled as part of the Altium Parts Provider source for your Workspace.
    • Manufacturer Lifecycle Bar. Hover over the bar for an informative tool-tip. This can appear in one of four states:
      • White/Gray = Default, unknown or no information
      • Green = New or Volume Production states
      • Orange = Not Recommended for New Design
      • Red = Obsolete or EOL

      The manufaturer lifecycle status is designed to be used as an indicator, for a number of reasons:

      • Altium maintains a database of many millions of components, produced by thousands of component manufacturers. Since there is no single, consistent method used by those manufacturers to reflect a component's lifecycle state, the status is based on information aggregated from manufacturers, global distributors and global sales analysis.
      • A part is only reported as EOL or Obsolete when there is at least one authorized distributor or manufacturer that has confirmed this status.
      • Determining the Not Recommended for New Design status is more complex. Manufacturers sometimes just report if a part is active or not, and may not give advance warning that a part is to be discontinued or replaced. Therefore this lifecycle status does not always concur with the status provided by the manufacturer. The status algorithm uses various information, including real time and historical stock availability from all distributors, to try to determine the availability of the part. Parts which have consistently poor availability (when they have been generally available in the past), or cannot be sourced over a period of time after having previously having good availability, will eventually be flagged as Not Recommended for New Design (if they are not already EOL or Obsolete).
      • The idea of the lifecycle status indicator is to provide simple-to-understand information that helps you to make more informed decisions about a part, by highlighting those parts which may be problematic. However, due to the sheer volume of data and number of components that are managed, there is always a chance that the Altium status lags behind the instantaneous manufacturer status, and is therefore not up-to-date. It is not possible for Altium to guarantee the accuracy of the lifecycle status, it is recommended that if there is any doubt that you double-check with the manufacturer for authorized lifecycle information.

Mated Parts/Pins (Properties panel only)

The Mated Parts/Pins region lists the physical part represented by the Entry and connection to which it mates, such as a Wire. Select the symbol to expand the list for access to part's Pin to connector wire/pin mapping.

• Part column – in expanded view, a list of the individual pins in the connector part and their associated net.
• Mated part column – the corresponding list of the Connector entries to which each Part pin is connected, such as an individual wire.

Addresses tab (Properties panel only)

Provides a tabular listing of the connection paths and nets for the selected Module Entry.

• From Name column – the part, pin and net name of the source connection in the Entry's Module.
• To Name column – the part, pin and net name of the terminating connection in the 'target' Module.
• Net Name column – the net name for the connection as either a single name or as an aggregated net name (target_net/source_net).

Parameters tab (Properties panel only)

Parameters that are associated with a Module Entry are accessed under the Parameters tab of the Properties panel. All other properties are accessed under the default General tab.

• Name – the Parameter Name of the listed parameter entry.
• Value – the Parameter Value associated with the listed parameter Name.
• Options
  • Use the button to toggle a Parameter's visibility in the schematic and the button to toggle its ability to be edited.
  • Select the font link (e.g., Times New Roman...) to access and edit the Parameter's font settings, attributes and color. Select the Other option to set auto-positioning (Parameter at the bottom of the Module Entry rectangle) and the visibility of the Parameter Name.
• Add/Delete – click to add a new default Parameter entry to the list. Click to remove the selected Parameter from the list.

Two placed Arcs; the one on the left is in edit mode.

Summary

An Arc is a graphic object that can be placed on a multi-board Design schematic document and set to the desired arc angle, radius and line style. An Arc can be placed using a center or three-point method.

Availability

An arc can be placed in the multi-board schematic editor in the following ways:

• Choose the Place » Arc (By Center) or Place » Arc (3 Points) command from the main menu.
• Click the  or  button in the graphic objects drop-down on the Active Bar located at the top of the design space. Click and hold an Active Bar button to access other related commands. Once a command has been used, it will become the topmost item on that section of the Active Bar.
• Right-click in the drawing design space then select Place » Arc (By Center) or Place » Arc (3 Points) from the context menu.

Placement

After launching either command, the cursor changes to a cross-hair indicating Arc placement mode.

Arc by Center placement steps:

1. Click to set the center point of the arc.
2. Move the cursor to adjust the radius and starting point of the arc then click to confirm.
3. Move the cursor to set the end point (and total angle) of the arc then click to confirm.
4. Continue placing further arcs or right-click or press Esc to exit arc placement mode.

Arc in 3 Points placement steps:

1. Click to set the starting point of the arc (point #1).
2. Move the cursor to set the end point of the arc then click to confirm (point #2).
3. Move the cursor to set the radius of the arc then click to confirm (point #3).
4. Continue placing further arcs or right-click or press Esc to exit arc placement mode.

Graphical Editing

This method of editing allows a placed Arc object to be selected in the design space and then graphically edit its location, radius and start/end points.

Select an Arc by clicking on its outline. Once selected, editing handles/nodes are available at its center, perimeter and start/end points:

The ways in which Arc nodes may be manipulated.

• Click and drag the arc's center node to reposition it on the drawing document.
• Click and drag a start or end point node to alter the arc angle.
• Click and drag the perimeter node to change the radius of the arc.

Advanced manipulation of an Arc is available by pressing the Ctrl key while moving an editing node:

• Click and drag a start or end point node to alter its location while retaining the arc angle.
• Click and drag the perimeter node to alter the size of the arc while retaining its start and end points.

Non-Graphical Editing

Properties page: Arc Properties

The non-graphical method of editing an Arc is available in the Properties panel, which provides editable property fields for the item that is currently selected in the design space.

The Properties panel when an Arc object is selected.

To open the Properties panel and access the properties of a placed Arc:

• After selecting the Arc object, select the Properties panel from the Panels button at the bottom right of the design space or select View » Panels » Properties from the main menus.
• Double-click on the Arc's perimeter.
• Right-click on the Arc perimeter then select Item Properties from the context menu.

If the Properties panel is already active, click on the Arc's perimeter to access its properties in the panel.

Editing Multiple Objects

The Properties panel supports multiple object editing where the property settings that are identical in all currently selected objects may be modified. When multiples of the same object type are selected, a Properties panel field entry can be edited for all selected objects. If values of a property are different for objects in the selection, the appropriate field will be shown as an asterisk (*); a new property value will be applied to all selected objects.

Multi-board object properties are definable options that specify the visual style, content and behavior of the placed object. The property settings for each type of object are defined in two different ways:

• Pre-placement settings – most Arc object properties, or those that can logically be pre-defined, are available as editable default settings on the Multi-board Schematic - Defaults page of the Preferences dialog (access from the  button at the top-right of the design space). Select the object in the Primitive List to reveal its options on the right.
• Post-placement settings – all Arc object properties are available for editing in the Properties panel when a placed Arc is selected in the design space.

The Arc object default settings in the Preferences dialog and the Arc mode of the Properties panel.

Geometry (Properties panel only)

• (X/Y) – the X-axis and Y-axis values of the arc's center point relative to the document origin.
• Radius – the radius (center to perimeter distance) of the selected Arc.
• Start Angle – the angle of the Arc start point relative to the arc center in the X-axis.
• End Angle – the angle of the Arc end point relative to the arc center in the X-axis.

Graphical

• Line  – displays the Arc's current outline weight/style/color.
  • Line weight – use to define the line thickness. Use the drop-down to choose from a range of line weight presets.
  • Line pattern – use to define the pattern style applied to line. Use the drop-down to choose from a range of line style presets.
  • Line color ( ) – click to open the line color selector, which includes options for preset colors, HEX/RGB color values, the graphic selection of color shades, and variable color opacity.

A placed Circle

Summary

A Circle is a graphic object that can be placed on a Multi-board Design schematic document and filled with a specified solid color.

Availability

Circles are available for placement in the multi-board schematic editor as follows:

• Choose the Place » Circle command from the main menu.
• Click the  button in the graphic objects drop-down on the Active Bar located at the top of the design space. Click and hold an Active Bar button to access other related commands. Once a command has been used, it will become the topmost item on that section of the Active Bar.
• Right-click in the drawing design space then select Place » Circle from the context menu.

Placement

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and the editor will enter circle placement mode. Placement is made by performing the following actions:

1. Click to define the center position of the circle.
2. Move the cursor to adjust the radius of the circle then click again to complete placement.
3. Continue placing further circles or right-click or press Esc to exit the placement mode.

Graphical Editing

This method of editing allows a placed circle object to be selected in the design space and graphically edit its radius or location.

Select a Circle by clicking on its fill or outline. Once selected, editing handles/nodes are available at its center and perimeter.

A selected Circle

• Click and drag the Circle's center node to reposition it on the drawing document.
• Click and drag a perimeter node to alter the Circle radius.

Non-Graphical Editing

Properties page: Circle Properties

The non-graphical method of editing a Circle is available in the Multi-board Properties panel, which provides editable property fields for the item that is currently selected in the design space.

The Properties panel when a Circle object is selected.

To open the Properties panel and access the properties of a placed Circle:

• After selecting the Circle object, select the Properties panel from the Panels button at the bottom right of the design space or select View » Panels » Properties from the main menus.
• Double-click on the Circle object.
• Right-click on the Circle then select Item Properties from the context menu.

If the Properties panel is already active, click on the Circle to access its properties in the panel.

Editing Multiple Objects

The Properties panel supports multiple object editing where the property settings that are identical in all currently selected objects may be modified. When multiples of the same object type are selected, a Properties panel field entry can be edited for all selected objects. If values of a property are different for objects in the selection, the appropriate field will be shown as an asterisk (*); a new property value will be applied to all selected objects.

Multi-board object properties are definable options that specify the visual style, content and behavior of the placed object. The property settings for each type of object are defined in two different ways:

• Pre-placement settings – most Circle object properties, or those that can logically be pre-defined, are available as editable default settings on the Multi-board Schematic - Defaults page of the Preferences dialog (access from the  button at the top-right of the design space). Select the object in the Primitive List to reveal its options on the right.
• Post-placement settings – all Circle object properties are available for editing in the Properties panel when a placed Circle is selected in the design space.

The Circle object default settings in the Preferences dialog and the Circle mode of the Properties panel

Location (Properties panel only)

• (X/Y) – the X-axis and Y-axis values of the circle's center point.
• Radius – the radius (center to perimeter distance) of the selected circle.

Graphical

• Line – displays and sets the outline weight/style/color.
  • Line weight – the line thickness of the circle outline. Use the drop-down to choose from a range of line weight presets.
  • Line pattern – the pattern line style of the circle outline. Use the drop-down to choose from a range of line style presets.
  • Line color ( ) – click to open the outline color selector drop-down, which includes options for preset colors, HEX/RGB color values and the graphic selection of color shades.
• Fill ( ) – click to open the fill color selector drop-down, which includes options for preset colors, HEX/RGB color values and the graphic selection of color shades.

A placed Line

Summary

A Line is a graphic object that can be placed on a multi-board Design schematic document.

Availability

Lines are available for placement in the multi-board schematic editor as follows:

• Choose the Place » Line command from the main menu.
• Click the  button in the graphic objects drop-down on the Active Bar located at the top of the design space. Click and hold an Active Bar button to access other related commands. Once a command has been used, it will become the topmost item on that section of the Active Bar.
• Right-click in the drawing design space then select Place » Line from the context menu.

Placement

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and the editor will enter Line placement mode. Placement is made by performing the following actions:

1. Click to define the starting position of the Line.
2. Move the cursor to set the length and angle the Line then click again to complete placement.
3. Continue placing further Lines or right-click or press Esc to exit the placement mode.

Graphical Editing

The graphical method of editing allows a placed Line object to be selected in the design space and moved or its start/end point locations changed.

When a Line object is selected, editing handles/nodes become available at its start and end points.

A selected Line. Click and drag the Line to reposition it on the drawing document.

• Click and drag a start or finish point node to alter the Line's position, angle or length.

Non-Graphical Editing

Properties page: Line Properties

The non-graphical method of editing a Line is available in the Multi-board Properties panel, which provides editable property fields for the item that is currently selected in the design space.

The Properties panel when a Line object is selected.

To open the Properties panel and access the properties of a placed Line:

• After selecting the Line object, select the Properties panel from the Panels button at the bottom right of the design space or select View » Panels » Properties from the main menus.
• Double-click on the Line object.
• Right-click on the Line then select Item Properties from the context menu.

If the Properties panel is already active, click on the Line to access its properties in the panel.

Editing Multiple Objects

The Properties panel supports multiple object editing where the property settings that are identical in all currently selected objects may be modified. When multiples of the same object type are selected, a Properties panel field entry can be edited for all selected objects. If values of a property are different for objects in the selection, the appropriate field will be shown as an asterisk (*); a new property value will be applied to all selected objects.

Multi-board object properties are definable options that specify the visual style, content and behavior of the placed object. The property settings for each type of object are defined in two different ways:

• Pre-placement settings – most Line object properties, or those that can logically be pre-defined, are available as editable default settings on the Multi-board Schematic - Defaults page of the Preferences dialog (access from the  button at the top-right of the design space). Select the object in the Primitive List to reveal its options on the right.
• Post-placement settings – all Line object properties are available for editing in the Properties panel when a placed Line is selected in the design space.

The Line object default settings in the Preferences dialog, and the Line mode of the Properties panel

Location (Properties panel only)

• Start (X/Y) – the X-axis and Y-axis values of the Line's start point (the first point placed).
• End (X/Y) – the X-axis and Y-axis values of the Line's end point.

Graphical

• Line – displays and sets the Line graphic's weight/style/color
  • Line weight – the line thickness. Use the drop-down menu to choose from a range of line weight presets.
  • Line pattern – the pattern style applied to Line. Use the drop-down menu to choose from a range of line style presets.
  • Line color ( ) – click to open the Line color selector drop-down, which includes options for preset colors, HEX/RGB color values and the graphic selection of color shades.

A placed and selected Picture box object

Summary

A Picture object is an image container that can be placed on a multi-board Design schematic document and populated with a standard image file (*.png, *.jpeg, *.jpg, *.jpe, *.jfif, *.gif, *.bmp).

Availability

An Image container object is available for placement in the multi-board schematic editor as follows:

• Choose the Place » Graphic command from the main menu.
• Click the  button in the graphic objects drop-down on the Active Bar located at the top of the design space. Click and hold an Active Bar button to access other related commands. Once a command has been used, it will become the topmost item on that section of the Active Bar.
• Right-click in the drawing design space then select Place » Graphic from the context menu.

Placement

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and the editor will enter the Picture container placement mode. Placement is made by performing the following sequence of actions:

1. Click to define the first corner position of the Picture box.
2. Move the cursor to adjust the size of the box (and opposite corner position) then click again to complete placement.
3. Select a suitable image from the file browser.

Graphical Editing

This method of editing allows a placed Picture object to be selected in the design space and then graphically edit its size or location.

When a Picture object is selected, editing handles/nodes are available at each corner.

A selected Picture object is resized by dragging an editing node. If the aspect ratio is not locked, the image can be distorted to any shape.

• Click and drag on any part of the graphic object to reposition it on the document.
• Click and drag a node to alter the size of the picture container – the displayed image will automatically resize to fit. If the Maintain Aspect Ratio option is unchecked in the Properties panel, the container size can be set to dimensions that do not match the image file aspect ratio.

Non-Graphical Editing

Properties page: Picture Properties

The non-graphical method of editing a Picture container object is available in the multi-board Properties panel, which provides editable property fields for the item that is currently selected in the design space.

The Properties panel when a Picture object is selected.

To open the Properties panel and access the properties of a placed Picture object:

• After selecting the Picture object, select the Properties panel from the Panels button at the bottom right of the design space or select View » Panels » Properties from the main menus.
• Double-click on the Picture object.
• Right-click on the Picture object then select Item Properties from the context menu.

If the Properties panel is already active, click on the Picture object to access its properties in the panel.

Editing Multiple Objects

The Properties panel supports multiple object editing where the property settings that are identical in all currently selected objects may be modified. When multiples of the same object type are selected, a Properties panel field entry can be edited for all selected objects. If values of a property are different for objects in the selection, the appropriate field will be shown as an asterisk (*); a new property value will be applied to all selected objects.

Multi-board object properties are definable options that specify the visual style, content and behavior of the placed object. The property settings for each type of object are defined in two different ways:

• Pre-placement settings – most Picture object properties, or those that can logically be pre-defined, are available as editable default settings on the Multi-board Schematic - Defaults page of the Preferences dialog (access from the  button at the top-right of the design space). Select the object in the Primitive List to reveal its options on the right.
• Post-placement settings – all Picture object properties are available for editing in the Properties panel when a placed Picture object is selected in the design space.

The Picture object default settings in the Preferences dialog and the Picture mode of the Properties panel

Location (Properties panel only)

• (X/Y) – the X-axis and Y-axis values of the Picture container's reference location (bottom-left corner position).
• Width – the (X-axis) width of the selected Picture object.
• Height – the (Y-axis) height of the selected Picture object. This is determined by the aspect ratio of the contained image file when the Maintain aspect ratio option is enabled (see below).
• Rotation – the horizontal/vertical orientation of the Picture box. Use the drop-down to select from: 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, 270 degrees.

Layout

• Maintain aspect ratio – when checked, the X/Y dimensions of the Picture container will scale in proportion to the aspect ratio of the source image. The source image will always fill the Picture container.

A placed Rectangle

Summary

A Rectangle is a graphic object that can be placed on a multi-board Design schematic document and filled with a specified solid color.

Availability

Rectangles are available for placement in the Multi-board schematic editor as follows:

• Choose the Place » Rectangle command from the main menus.
• Click the  button in the graphic objects drop-down on the Active Bar located at the top of the design space. Click and hold an Active Bar button to access other related commands. Once a command has been used, it will become the topmost item on that section of the Active Bar.
• Right-click in the drawing design space then select Place » Rectangle from the context menu.

Placement

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and the editor will enter Rectangle placement mode. Placement is made by performing the following actions:

1. Click to anchor the first corner of the rectangle.
2. Move the cursor to adjust the size of the rectangle and click again to complete placement.
3. Continue placing further Rectangles or right-click or press Esc to exit the placement mode.

Graphical Editing

This method of editing allows a placed Rectangle object to be selected in the design space and graphically edit its size, shape or location.

Select a Rectangle by clicking on its fill or outline. Once selected, editing handles/nodes are available at its center and perimeter.

A selected Rectangle

• Click and drag a node to reposition it and alter the size of the Rectangle.
• Click and drag the rectangle object to reposition the rectangle in the schematic.

Non-Graphical Editing

Properties page: Rectangle Properties

The non-graphical method of editing a Rectangle is available in the Multi-board Properties panel, which provides editable property fields for the item that is currently selected in the design space.

The Properties panel when a Rectangle object is selected.

To open the Properties panel and access the properties of a placed Rectangle:

• After selecting the Rectangle object, select the Properties panel from the Panels button at the bottom right of the design space or select View » Panels » Properties from the main menus.
• Double-click on the Rectangle object.
• Right-click on the Rectangle then select Item Properties from the context menu.

If the Properties panel is already active, click on the Rectangle to access its properties in the panel.

Editing Multiple Objects

The Properties panel supports multiple object editing where the property settings that are identical in all currently selected objects may be modified. When multiples of the same object type are selected, a Properties panel field entry can be edited for all selected objects. If values of a property are different for objects in the selection, the appropriate field will be shown as an asterisk (*); a new property value will be applied to all selected objects.

Multi-board object properties are definable options that specify the visual style, content and behavior of the placed object. The property settings for each type of object are defined in two different ways:

• Pre-placement settings – most Rectangle object properties, or those that can logically be pre-defined, are available as editable default settings on the Multi-board Schematic - Defaults page of the Preferences dialog (access from the  button at the top-right of the design space). Select the object in the Primitive List to reveal its options on the right.
• Post-placement settings – all Rectangle object properties are available for editing in the Properties panel when a placed Rectangle is selected in the design space.

The Rectangle object default settings in the Preferences dialog, and the Rectangle mode of the Properties panel

Location (Properties panel only)

• (X/Y) – the X-axis and Y-axis values of the Rectangle's reference location (bottom-left corner position).
• Width – the (X-axis) width of the selected Rectangle.
• Height – the (Y-axis) height of the selected Rectangle.

Graphical

• Line – displays and sets the outline weight/style/color.
  • Line Weight – the line thickness of the Rectangle outline. Use the drop-down to choose from a range of line weight presets.
  • Line pattern – the pattern line style of the Rectangle outline. Use the drop-down to choose from a range of line style presets.
  • Line color ( ) – click to open the outline color selector drop-down, which includes options for preset colors, HEX/RGB color values and the graphic selection of color shades.
• Fill ( ) – click to open the fill color selector drop-down, which includes options for preset colors, HEX/RGB color values and the graphic selection of color shades.

A placed Region

Summary

A Region is a closed shape object that can be placed on a Multi-board Design document to indicate a specific area in the schematic. The Region object shape can include angle-based curved lines.

Availability

Regions are available for placement in the multi-board schematic editor as follows:

• Choose the Place » Region command from the main menu.
• Click the  button in the graphic objects drop-down on the Active Bar located at the top of the design space. Click and hold an Active Bar button to access other related commands. Once a command has been used, it will become the topmost item on that section of the Active Bar.
• Right-click in the drawing design space then select Place » Region from the context menu.

Placement

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and the editor will enter Region placement mode. Placement is made by performing the following sequence of actions:

1. Click to place the first vertex of the Region shape.
2. Move the cursor and click to place the second vertex of the Region shape.
3. Continue to place further region vertices to complete the Region shape.
4. After the final vertex is placed, right-click or press Esc to complete the Region shape back to the first-placed vertex.

Straight lines will be drawn between each vertex as they are placed, however the Shift+Spacebar shortcut can be used to cycle through other line options such as a 90° corner, 45° corner, curved 90° corner or curved 45° corner – this applies to the line segment between the cursor and the previously placed vertex. Once an option is selected, use the Spacebar to toggle the direction of the corner.

Graphical Editing

This method of editing allows a placed Region object to be selected in the design space and graphically edit its size, shape or location.

Select a Region by clicking on its fill or outline. Once selected, editing handles/nodes are available at each of the shape's verticess.

A selected Region shape is edited by dragging line or vertex nodes.

• Drag (click+hold+move) any part of the Region, but not a node, to reposition it on the document.
• Drag the center mark of a line segment to move that line in the perpendicular (maintaining its angle) to a new location.
• Drag a corner vertex node to move it to a new location and alter the Region shape.
• Ctrl+drag on a line, but not its center mark, to add a new node.
• Press Delete while dragging a node to delete it from the shape.

Non-Graphical Editing

Properties page: Region Properties

The non-graphical method of editing a Region is available in the multi-board Properties panel, which provides editable property fields for the item that is currently selected in the design space.

The Properties panel when a Region object is selected.

To open the Properties panel and access the properties of a placed Region:

• After selecting the Region object, select the Properties panel from the Panels button at the bottom right of the design space or select View » Panels » Properties from the main menus.
• Double-click on the Region object.
• Right-click on the Region then select Item Properties from the context menu.

If the Properties panel is already active, click on the Region to access its properties in the panel.

Editing Multiple Objects

The Properties panel supports multiple object editing where the property settings that are identical in all currently selected objects may be modified. When multiples of the same object type are selected, a Properties panel field entry can be edited for all selected objects. If values of a property are different for objects in the selection, the appropriate field will be shown as an asterisk (*); a new property value will be applied to all selected objects.

Multi-board object properties are definable options that specify the visual style, content and behavior of the placed object. The property settings for each type of object are defined in two different ways:

• Pre-placement settings – most Region object properties, or those that can logically be pre-defined, are available as editable default settings on the Multi-board Schematic - Defaults page of the Preferences dialog (access from the  button at the top-right of the design space). Select the object in the Primitive List to reveal its options on the right.
• Post-placement settings – all Region object properties are available for editing in the Properties panel when a placed Region is selected in the design space.

The Region object default settings in the Preferences dialog, and the Region mode of the Properties panel

Geometry (Properties panel only)

• Geometry – a tabular list of each vertex (node) in the Region shape in their placed order including their (X/Y) locations and associated line arc angles. Each entry may be manually edited to update the rendered Region shape. The table's Arc Angle column (if applicable) defines the curve radius of the vertex connection line from that node to the next. When edited, the resulting curve shape corresponds to the arc segment of an equivalent circle through the specified angle. Enter a negative angle to invert the arc curve.
• Add – click to duplicate the selected vertex entry. A new vertex will be inserted (in the same location) into the Region shape.
•  – click to remove the selected vertex from the Region shape.

Graphical

• Line – displays and sets the outline weight/style/color.
  • Line weight – the line thickness of the Region outline. Use the drop-down menu to choose from a range of line weight presets.
  • Line pattern – the pattern line style of the Region outline. Use the drop-down menu to choose from a range of line style presets.
  • Line color ( ) – click to open the outline color selector drop-down, which includes options for preset colors, HEX/RGB color values and the graphic selection of color shades.
• Fill ( ) – click to open the fill color selector drop-down, which includes options for preset colors, HEX/RGB color values and the graphic selection of color shades.

A placed and selected Text box object

Summary

A Text object is a text container object that can be placed on a multi-board Design schematic document. The text string that will be displayed in the object is entered through the Properties panel.

Availability

A Text container box is available for placement in the multi-board schematic editor as follows:

• Choose the Place » Text command from the main menu.
• Click the  button in the graphic objects drop-down on the Active Bar located at the top of the design space. Click and hold an Active Bar button to access other related commands. Once a command has been used, it will become the topmost item on that section of the Active Bar.
• Right-click in the drawing design space then select Place » Text from the context menu.

Placement

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and the editor will enter text box placement mode. Placement is made by performing the following actions:

1. Click to define the first corner position of the Text box.
2. Move the cursor to adjust the size of the box (and opposite corner position) and then click again to complete placement.
3. Continue placing further text boxes, or right-click or press Esc to exit the placement mode.

Graphical Editing

This method of editing allows a placed Text object to be selected in the design space and graphically edit its size, shape or location.

Select a Text box object by clicking on its constituent text. Once selected, editing handles/nodes are available at its perimeter.

A selected Text box being resized.

• Click and drag a node to reposition it and alter the size of the Text. The text lines will automatically wrap to remain contained by the box if the Clip to Bounds option is checked in the Properties panel.
• Click and drag the text within the Text box object to reposition the box in the schematic.

Non-Graphical Editing

Properties page: Text Properties

The non-graphical method of editing a Text box and its constituent text string is available in the Multi-board Properties panel, which provides editable property fields for the item that is currently selected in the design space.

The Properties panel when a Text object is selected.

To open the Properties panel and access the properties of a placed Text box:

• After selecting the Text object, select the Properties panel from the Panels button at the bottom right of the design space or select View » Panels » Properties from the main menus.
• Double-click on the text in the Text object box.
• Right-click on the Text object then select Item Properties from the context menu.

If the Properties panel is already active, click on the text in the Text box to access its properties in the panel.

Editing Multiple Objects

The Properties panel supports multiple object editing where the property settings that are identical in all currently selected objects may be modified. When multiples of the same object type are selected, a Properties panel field entry can be edited for all selected objects. If values of a property are different for objects in the selection, the appropriate field will be shown as an asterisk (*); a new property value will be applied to all selected objects.

Multi-board object properties are definable options that specify the visual style, content and behavior of the placed object. The property settings for each type of object are defined in two different ways:

• Pre-placement settings – most Text object properties, or those that can logically be pre-defined, are available as editable default settings on the Multi-board Schematic - Defaults page of the Preferences dialog (access from the  button at the top-right of the design space). Select the object in the Primitive List to reveal its options on the right.
• Post-placement settings – all Text object properties are available for editing in the Properties panel when a placed Text object is selected in the design space.

The Text object default settings in the Preferences dialog and the Text mode of the Properties panel

Location (Properties panel only)

• (X/Y) – the X-axis and Y-axis values of the Text box reference location (bottom-left corner position).
• Width – the (X-axis) width of the selected Text box.
• Height – the (Y-axis) height of the selected Text box.
• Rotation – the horizontal/vertical orientation of the Text box. Use the drop-down menu to select from: 0 Degrees, 90 Degrees, 180 Degrees, 270 Degrees.

Layout

• Horizontal Alignment – use the drop-down menu options (Left, Center and Right) to set the horizontal text alignment and positioning within the Text box.
• Vertical Alignment – use the drop-down menu options (Top, Center and Bottom) to set the vertical text alignment and positioning within the Text box.

Text

• Text (Properties panel only) – the target field for the text string(s) that will appear in the displayed Text box object. Press Shift+Enter to add a new line.
• Use document font – when selected, the font style used in the Text box is that defined by the document options. See the Document Font entry in General section of the Properties panel when in Document Options mode (no schematic objects selected).
  When the Use document font option is not selected (unchecked), the font used in the Text box is determined by the object font style settings. These are accessed by clicking the font style link (e.g., Times New Roman, 14) and choosing the desired font type, size, color, and text attributes from the drop-down options window.
• Font link - click this link to access the Font Settings, where you may choose the desired font type, size, and color. You may also bolden, italicize, underline, and strike-out the text. All options selected will be reflected in the font link.
• Clip to bounds – when selected, the text strings will be wrapped automatically to remain constrained within the Text box perimeter.