When a model is first created the database is minimal.

You have to use Build the Tables in the Data Design form below. This creates all the tables and queries that are need for a data rich model.

Build the tables

Update the database tables to the design. The entire design is updated, for all classes.

List Changes

Shows differences between the tables and the current design, so if you add or change fields these are listed.

If there are no changes but ControlDraw said there might be at some point this will also clear that message.

Note

When there is a reference model the Data design form is disabled - an Allow edits checkbox makes it possible to change the classes - for example if you want to try a change before making it in the reference model. Also in Data Views when showing the classes you cannot edit them if there is a reference model

If you add fields directly in Access then they will be deleted if you select remove surplus fields. If you have added such fields then it is best to add them into the ControlDraw Data Designer too.

Fields

Here is where you can set up the data that you want to record with each class of object.

You can add or delete fields, and you can set the data types for each field.

If the Apply to instance checkbox is set then the field is stored in the Class Instance table, otherwise it is stored in the class Object table.

SpecNo sets the order the fields are shown in

TS - Test Sheet        Determines if a fields is shown on a test spec generated from the model

Apply to Instance        If set the field is added to the instance table for the class.

Otherwise it is in the instance table for the class

Add to all classes        This prompts and also provides the choice of adding just to classes that share the same S88 Type.

You can copy a selection of fields with the Copy button. And then, for example in another class or model you can paste them in.  Use Ctrl+Click to select multiple rows. When you do, ControlDraw check that the data can be pasted and if it can advises how many fields (rows) will be pasted.

If you confirm to proceed then after adding them it tells you how many were added or updated.

You can also copy into a spreadsheet and then edit them there and then past back.

If you want to copy some fields from one class to another then select and copy them  in the source class and then paste them into the destination class. If you want to copy some fields from several classes then in the All Class fields tab select and copy them, then use Paste Fields in the other model, again in the All Class fields tab.

If the class name, in column 1 of the list does not exist in the destination model then the fields are not added -  you are informed by a message.

If you copy into Excel, say, note that only the first 6 columns - up to Default Value, are important, the rest are not imported as they are automatic

Also the Validation text field properties are no longer shown.

Field Types

Test Sheet Table Types:

These work with the Reviewers Class Test Sheet options to add fields (eg Signed by) that are for paper only and whose values are not stored in the model:

       Class Test Sheet Table Row

Class Test Sheet Table Col

       This field type is printed on the test sheet but does not add a field to the class tables. Used for example for signature fields.

Test Table for Objects

Standard Access Field types:

Boolean, Byte, Integer, Long, Currency, Single, Double, Date, Text, LongBinary, Memo

Numbering and Rules

This tab is where you determine the way a class is used in a model.

Behaviour

Controls how the object behaves in SFC diagrams

Number Root

IncludeInTables

If not set the class (and any descended objects) is disregarded when building the objects and instances

Can Acquire

Make the class appear in acquire Special Object dialogs.

Default Signal

Sets the signal type created by dragging from an object of the selected class.

Link Master

Makes the Descended Object Linker appear when right clicking an object

Include in Streams

Generally this is superceded by Reviewer developments. But it can still be used to make a sub set of the instances based on the parent hierarchy.

See also Tagging and Numbering and Object Tags