The Define command will create a new database element that corresponds to a shape and link the shape to that database element. In case an element with the same name already exists in the DB, the application will issue an error message and create a new unnamed element. The Define command is available on the Home Tab > Object > Define, and on the right click menu for shapes in the drawing.

For piping and HVAC branches, there is also a Define Branch command that will create a new branch element under the current pipe-/HVAC-line and define all in-line fittings in the branch in one go.

The Undefine command will break the link between the shape and the corresponding database element. The database element will not be deleted.

During normal drafting of diagrams by dragging and dropping shapes from a stencil and connecting together in the drawing, the Define operation will be handled automatically by the application. The manual define/undefined only has to be used in special situations. For example, if a number of inline fitting shapes (a branch or part of a branch) are copied and pasted, they will not automatically be defined, so the user will have to first select a current Pipe-/HVAC-line and then issue the Define command. The Define command can also be used in conjunction with data migration procedures (refer to Getting Started).

It is possible to disable the automatic Define mechanism by setting the Define shape on drop to False.

As a visual feedback to the user, it is possible to set up a default colour that is automatically assigned to shapes when they are defined. This is done by the Colour setting for each kind of item under Element Options in Diagrams Options in Chapter Getting Started. Using the default application settings from the installation, this means that Equipment and Pipework shapes will turn blue as they are defined, HVAC ducting and fittings will turn green etc. In case the colour does not change on drop/connect, the user will see that the shape could not be defined.