Create, Open and Import Models

Learn the basics about creating, opening and importing files.

Create a New Model File

Start the assembly of a new model.

On the ribbon, click the Files tool or from the menu bar, select File > New.


A new modeling window opens for you to create a model.

Open a Model

Open an existing .scm model file.

  1. On the ribbon, click the Files tool:


  2. In the Open File dialog, navigate to your working directory and select a .scm model file.
    The model file opens in a new window.

Save a Model

Save a current model.

Do one of the following:
  • On the ribbon, click the Files tool.
  • From the menu bar, select File > Save.
  • Right-click the model in the Project Browser, and then select Save.


The current model is saved with the .scm extension. This is a text file that contains the entire model definition. If the model has not been saved before, the Save As dialog opens for you to name and save the model to your working directory.

Unsaved Model Changes

Identify models with unsaved changes.

When a model that is currently open in the workspace has unsaved changes, the model's icon changes color to red in the Project Browser.

Import a Block

Load a block into a current model as an inlined .scb file that does not reference a library or source definition.

The import option inlines a block .scb file so that the file does not point to nor depend on a block definition from a library source. The block icon is not displayed for this operation.
  1. From the menu bar, select File > Import.
  2. From the Import File dialog, navigate to the block file you want to import, and select Open.
    The imported block is inserted into the current model .scm file.

File Formats and Extensions

Activate native files include the .scm file for models and .scb file for blocks.

Table 1. Activate Native File Format
File Format Extension Description

Model (XML)

 .scm

The .scm file stores the entire model definition including the topology of diagrams and super blocks, blocks and block parameters, links, annotations and simulation parameters.

The model data includes references to blocks whose definitions are stored in .scb files associated with the block libraries.

Block (XML)

 .scb

The .scb file contains the block definition including port type and configuration, parameters, simulation functions and graphical information for the block display. Block files populate the Activate block libraries.