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Get Started
New to Twin Activate? Learn the basics here.
Model File Basics
Learn how to access, annotate, display, select objects, navigate, add property information, and search in models.
Create, Open and Import Models
Learn the basics about creating, opening and importing files.

Welcome
What's New
Discover new features and enhancements.
Get Started
New to Twin Activate? Learn the basics here.
- System Requirements
  Operating system, hardware, software and memory requirements.
- Setting Preferences
  Define a variety of options for display, shortcuts, paths, and client behavior.
- Invoke Altair Twin Activate
  Run Twin Activate on Windows or Linux.
- Model File Basics
  Learn how to access, annotate, display, select objects, navigate, add property information, and search in models.
  - Create, Open and Import Models
    Learn the basics about creating, opening and importing files.
  - Access Demo and Tutorial Models
    The software installation includes demo models and completed tutorial models that you build while working through the Twin Activate tutorials. You can access the models from the Demo Browser or installation directories.
  - Navigate in Models
    Navigate inside your model hierarchy and between multiple diagrams.
  - Display Multiple Models
    The software supports the concurrent loading and displaying of multiple models in a session.
  - Adjust the View
    Zoom and pan the view of models.
  - Screen Capture
    Record a video or take a snapshot of the screen.
  - Add Property Information
    Provide archival information for a model including a description and creator name.
  - Annotate Models
    Add descriptive text and graphical information for a model.
  - Search in Models
    The Filter and Search tools help you locate objects in models.
  - Select Objects in Models
    Select and edit objects in a diagram using the mouse and keyboard shortcuts.
- Workspace
  The application workspace includes a combination of tools, browsers and palettes of predefined and programmable blocks to help you easily construct and simulate dynamical system models.
- Architecture
  The workflow between the Twin Activate client and engine facilitates the modeling of reactive systems.
- Online and Local Help
  Access help topics online or from your local installation.
- Online Learning
  Altair offers a host of resources for learning and maximizing the power of Twin Activate.
Tutorials
Start using Twin Activate with our interactive tutorials.
User Guide
Learn about the features and functionality available in Twin Activate.
Reference Guides
Explore the Extended Definitions, OML Guides, Block Library, API Guide and Glossary.
Frequently Asked Questions
You've got questions? We've got answers!

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.

On the ribbon, click the Files tool:
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.

From the menu bar, select File > Import.
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

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

Table 1. Twin 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 Twin Activate block libraries.