Copying and Pasting 3D Objects and Properties

Overview

This topic will explain the basics of how to copy and paste objects. It will also discuss how to use the Edit Selected Objects tool for more advanced copying. The Edit Selected tool makes it possible to copy properties from one object to several other objects at the same time.

Additionally, this topic will discuss how to create custom object libraries. Custom object libraries are useful if you have customized the properties of a particular object and you'd like to be able to easily add copies of this custom object directly from the Library.

Basic Copying and Editing

The simplest way to copy and edit an object is to click it, press Ctrl+C to copy that object to the clipboard, then press Ctrl+V to paste that object in the model.

As an alternative to using these keyboard shortcuts:

  1. Right-click the object to open a menu. From the menu, point to Edit, then select Copy to copy that object to the clipboard.
  2. To paste the object, right-click a blank area in the model to open a menu. From the menu, point to Edit, then select Paste.

Copying Properties to Multiple Objects

You can use two different methods to copy properties to multiple objects, as explained in the following sections. Be aware that the objects should all be the same kind of object. For example, they should all be processors.

Using Quick Properties

You can use Quick Properties to change the properties of all selected objects at the same time:

  1. Press Shift+click the objects onto which you want to copy the properties. A red box will appear around them to indicate they are selected. See Selecting 3D Objects for more tips on selecting multiple objects.
  2. Click one of the selected objects to highlight it.
  3. In Quick Properties, edit the property you want to change. When you are finished editing the property, the property will update to be the same for all the selected objects.

Using the Edit Selected Objects Tool

You can use the Edit Selected Objects tool to quickly copy properties from one object to several objects at the same time. Be aware that you need to copy properties from objects that are the same kind. For example, you can only copy properties from one processor to another processor.

To copy an object's properties to several other objects:

  1. Press Shift+click the objects onto which you want to copy the properties. A red box will appear around them to indicate they are selected. See Selecting 3D Objects for more tips on selecting multiple objects.
  2. Click the object from which you want to copy the properties. A yellow box will appear around it to indicate it is highlighted.
  3. On the main FlexSim toolbar, open the View menu and select Edit Selected Objects to open the Edit Selected Objects tool in the Quick Properties pane.
  4. In the Edit Selected Objects Tool under the Copy From Highlighted group, click the All Variables button to copy all the variables and properties from the highlighted object to the selected objects.

Creating Custom Object Libraries

Consider using a custom object library if you have customized the properties of a particular object and you'd like to be able to easily add copies of this custom object directly from the Library. See Creating Custom Object Libraries for more information.