It is possible to copy and paste models (or fragments of them) within a single vensim mdl file. It then asks for some pre- or postfix, and it nicely adjusts all formulas etc. So far, so good.
But: we could not figure out how to copy and paste model fragments from one vensim mdl file to another.
What are we missing?
Copy and paste models across vensim files?
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Re: Copy and paste models across vensim files?
Make sure you have both models open and you should be able to copy/paste. Check Tools->Options->Settings (or preferences->Settings) and make sure "Close active model on open/new" is not ticked. That will allow you to have both models open and copy/paste between them.
Or you could use the new sub-models capability and link the models together.......
Or you could use the new sub-models capability and link the models together.......
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Units are important!
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Re: Copy and paste models across vensim files?
Did you try this?
I am running Vensim DSS, Version 8.0.4 Double Precision x64.
I open two separate mdl files in two separate windows.
I create a stock ("level"), and add an inflow ("rate") in one file.
I select it all, copy it (CTRL-C).
I switch over to the other window.
And - nothing!
CTRL-V does nothing, and in the "Edit" menu, the "Paste" option is greyed out.
Can you do all these steps and actually paste the piece into the new file?
I am running Vensim DSS, Version 8.0.4 Double Precision x64.
I open two separate mdl files in two separate windows.
I create a stock ("level"), and add an inflow ("rate") in one file.
I select it all, copy it (CTRL-C).
I switch over to the other window.
And - nothing!
CTRL-V does nothing, and in the "Edit" menu, the "Paste" option is greyed out.
Can you do all these steps and actually paste the piece into the new file?
Re: Copy and paste models across vensim files?
When you say, "in two separate windows," it sounds like you have two distinct instances of Vensim running.
What you want is a single instance of Vensim with two models open. That's why you need the "Close Active Model" setting unchecked.
Open Model A any way you want, then use File>Open to open Model B into the same Vensim instance. Then you can use the Build window icon in the toolbar to toggle between them, and copy-paste works.
At present you need to be using the old gui for this to work, it appears. (Tools>Switch to Old Sketch, though I don't think it's relevant in your version.)
What you want is a single instance of Vensim with two models open. That's why you need the "Close Active Model" setting unchecked.
Open Model A any way you want, then use File>Open to open Model B into the same Vensim instance. Then you can use the Build window icon in the toolbar to toggle between them, and copy-paste works.
At present you need to be using the old gui for this to work, it appears. (Tools>Switch to Old Sketch, though I don't think it's relevant in your version.)
/*
Advice to posters (it really helps us to help you)
http://www.ventanasystems.co.uk/forum/v ... f=2&t=4391
Blog: http://blog.metasd.com
Model library: http://models.metasd.com
Bookmarks: http://delicious.com/tomfid/SystemDynamics
*/
Advice to posters (it really helps us to help you)
http://www.ventanasystems.co.uk/forum/v ... f=2&t=4391
Blog: http://blog.metasd.com
Model library: http://models.metasd.com
Bookmarks: http://delicious.com/tomfid/SystemDynamics
*/
Re: Copy and paste models across vensim files?
Wow, Tom! You just made my day!
That is definitely not obvious or evident. I will make sure to share this with all my desperate colleagues!
Thanks a lot - case solved.
That is definitely not obvious or evident. I will make sure to share this with all my desperate colleagues!
Thanks a lot - case solved.
Re: Copy and paste models across vensim files?
Great. I guess we need to make it clearer in the Help.
/*
Advice to posters (it really helps us to help you)
http://www.ventanasystems.co.uk/forum/v ... f=2&t=4391
Blog: http://blog.metasd.com
Model library: http://models.metasd.com
Bookmarks: http://delicious.com/tomfid/SystemDynamics
*/
Advice to posters (it really helps us to help you)
http://www.ventanasystems.co.uk/forum/v ... f=2&t=4391
Blog: http://blog.metasd.com
Model library: http://models.metasd.com
Bookmarks: http://delicious.com/tomfid/SystemDynamics
*/
Re: Copy and paste models across vensim files?
That's one way to look at it, Tom.
As a programmer, I often have the choice between coercing the user to adapt to what I programmed, or to improve my code and adapt it to what the user expects.
In this case, I have a hard time understanding why it wouldn't be possible to improve the clipboard management in a way that elements could be transferred across Vensim instances...
Any insights would be interesting, because I run across many quirks in Vensim where I wonder why this wouldn't be made more user-friendly.
As a programmer, I often have the choice between coercing the user to adapt to what I programmed, or to improve my code and adapt it to what the user expects.
In this case, I have a hard time understanding why it wouldn't be possible to improve the clipboard management in a way that elements could be transferred across Vensim instances...
Any insights would be interesting, because I run across many quirks in Vensim where I wonder why this wouldn't be made more user-friendly.