Create derived templates

All templates you create are derived templates. A derived template inherits attributes and behaviors from the parent template. You cannot change the attributes in a base template.

After you create a derived template, you can customize and modify its attributes. If you change locked attributes in the parent template, the changes propagate to the derived template.

After you create derived templates, you can customize them, derive other templates from them, and create instances of them. You can change and modify unlocked attributes in the instances, making adjustments to meet the needs of the specific object you are modeling.

For example, your plant processes can use several models of a pump made by a single vendor. Each model has unique characteristics that map to different attribute values of the DiscreteDevice base template.

To derive a template from another template

1. In the Template folder or Derivation view pane, select the template to use as the parent template

2. On the Home ribbon, in the Create area, select Template. A derived template is created in the same folder as its parent and placed in name edit mode. The default name is the same as the parent template followed by a numeric sequence.

3. Rename the derived template, if needed. Template names can be up to 128 alphanumeric or special characters, including the required $ as the first character. The second character cannot be $ and the name must include at least one letter. Template names cannot contain spaces.

   Note: WinPlatform template names are restricted to 127 characters.

   Note: The following reserved names cannot be used as template names: Me, MyContainer, MyArea, MyHost, MyPlatform, MyEngine and System.

4. You are ready to customize your new template. For more information, see Edit objects.