Attaching Extensions to a Model

Extensions can be in independent *.xem files that are attached to models or can be embedded in model files. Independent extension files can be referenced by multiple models, and any changes made to such a file are shared by all models that attach it. Changes made to extensions embedded in a model file affect only that model.

Note: You should never modify the original extensions shipped with PowerDesigner. To create a copy of the file to modify, open the List of Extensions, click the New tool, specify a name for the new file, and then select the .xem that you want to modify in the Copy from field.

You can attach an extension file (.xem) to your model at the creation of the model by clicking the Select Extensions button on the New Model dialog. You can subsequently attach an extension file to your model at any time from the List of Extensions.

Select Model > Extensions to open the List of Extensions.
Click the Attach an Extension tool to open the Select Extensions dialog.
Review the different sorts of extensions available by clicking the sub-tabs and select one or more to attach to your model.

By default, PowerDesigner creates a link in the model to the specified file. To copy the contents of the extension file and save it in your model file, click the Embed Resource in Model button in the toolbar. Embedding a file in this way enables you to make changes specific to your model without affecting any other models that reference the shared resource.
Click OK to return to the List of Extensions.

Extension files listed in grey are attached to the model, while those in black are embedded in the model.

Note: If you embed an extension file in the model, the name and code of the extension may be modified in order to make it respect the naming conventions of the Other Objects category in the Model Options dialog.