Getting Started Tutorials - MechDesigner > Elements, Symbols, Dialogs, and Parameters

Elements

When you do commands, you add elements to the graphics-area and the Assembly-Tree.

Elements in the Assembly-Tree

The Assembly-Tree compiles the elements into a hierarchical and chronological list.

•Element-Name + number

Each element has a unique name and number.

The first element of a type that you add to the model does not have a number. When you add more elements of the same type, a number is the last character of the element's name.

E.g. As you add Parts, the names of the elements in the Assembly-Tree are Part, Part2, Part3, .... .

You can rename all elements - see rename elements

•Element Icon

There is an icon to the left of the element-name.

The icon is similar to the icon in the menu and toolbar for the command that you use to add the element.

You cannot change the icon.

Example Assembly-Tree

Example Assemble-Tree
Element Icons and Names

There are two Parts and one Coupler!

But, you can see that the Coupler element is also a Part because the icon to its left identifies it as a Part element.

Hence, one Part has been renamed to Coupler.

Note:

The Assembly-Tree also indicates with an icon the kinematic-state of each Part

The kinematic-state (kinematically-defined or not) of each Part is important.