Creating Type Definitions and Strict Type Definitions

A type definition or a strict type definition is a custom control or indicator linked to the saved file for that custom control or indicator. When you save a custom control or indicator as a type definition, any data type changes you make to the type definition affect all instances of the type definition in all the VIs that use it. When you save a custom control or indicator as a strict type definition, any data type and cosmetic changes you make to the strict type definition affect all front panel instances of the strict type definition. However, if you change a strict type definition, instances placed on block diagrams as constants act as if the link is not strict, and LabVIEW updates the constant only with data type changes.

Complete the following steps to create a type definition or a strict type definition.

1. Right-click a front panel control or indicator you want to customize and select Advanced»Customize from the shortcut menu to display the Control Editor window.
2. Select Type Def. or Strict Type Def. from the Control Type pull-down menu on the toolbar.
3. Make the changes you want to the control or indicator. You can change the size, color, and relative position of the elements of a control or indicator and import images into the control or indicator.
4. Select File»Apply Changes to apply the changes to the control or indicator. The Apply Changes menu item is available only after you make changes to the control or indicator. If you make changes to a control or indicator and try to close the Control Editor window without selecting File»Apply Changes, LabVIEW displays a message asking if you want to replace the original control or indicator with the custom control or indicator.
5. Select File»Save to save the custom control or indicator as a type definition or a strict type definition. You can save the type definition or strict type definition in a directory or in an LLB.