We’re all familiar with shortcuts to improve workflow. Some are widely known, such as Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V to quickly copy and paste text or images (or components/models in Dymola). Others are not, but that doesn’t make them less handy. Here are 3 simple Dymola shortcuts and tricks that can be incorporated into your daily work.
Ctrl + Left click on Modelica Paths
Every component used within a model features the path declaration within the text layer. Often, I want to open a component from the declaration for a multitude of reasons. One method to avoid having to go and hunt down the component in the package browser is to right click the Modelica path, then select “open in a new tab” from the resulting menu.
While effective, I find this method clunky. The same workflow action can be initiated by simply holding Ctrl and left clicking on the Modelica path of the component you wish to open in a new tab. Done!
Showing component variables in the variable browser
Navigating through the model diagram in the Simulation tab provides a useful way of isolating specific results to plot. Previously, when you have found the component featuring the variable you desired to plot, you had to right click on the icon of the component, before selecting find variables. This opens the list in the variable browser.
In Dymola 2020, the workflow is streamlined. All you need to do is to click on the component and the same action automatically occurs within the variable window. Nice!
Positioning the simulation log window
Early on in using Dymola 2020, users will have noticed that the Simulation Log, the small window which pops up when any model is translated or simulated, has undergone a change. In previous versions of Dymola, this was a free-standing window, able to be moved around the screen where desired. Whilst this was handy on multi-monitor setups, it was not optimal when using a single screen. So, in Dymola 2020 and onward, it is a dock-able element of the user interface.
What’s more, the window can be moved around the simulation window into your desired position. It can be completely undocked from the interface too. To re-dock it, simply double click the task bar at the top of the log window. Immediately, it will redock in the location where it was last docked.
Conclusion
I often come across these little ‘gems’ when working with various people… sometimes during training courses and sometimes with Dassault Systemes employees. Anyway, these were a few recent additions, and I hope they help you get just a little more efficient in your Dymola modelling.
Nate Horn – Vice President
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