When a model contains unsaved changes, an asterisk is appended to its name in the Browser. You can save a model or all the models in the workspace.
When you save a model or a multi-model report, PowerDesigner automatically assigns to the file a unique identifying number called GUID (Global Unique ID), and creates a backup copy of your file with the same identifying number. The GUID is used to identify documents in the Repository and during model generation.
The following formats are available when you save a model:
- XML - [default] Is larger and somewhat slower to load than binary, but the model file can be edited in a text editor outside of PowerDesigner. Recommended for small to medium-sized models.
- Binary - Is smaller and faster to load than XML, but cannot be edited outside of PowerDesigner. Recommended for large models.
To save your model, do one of the following:
- To perform a standard save - select , click the Save tool, or right-click the model entry in the Browser and select Save from the contextual menu. If you did not define a file name when you created the new model, the Save As dialog box asks you to indicate a name and a path for the file of the new model.
- To save the model as a new model with the same GUID - select , or right-click the model node in the Browser and select Save As. This allows you to create a backup version of a model with the same GUID as the original.
- To save the model as a new model with a new GUID - select , or right-click the model node in the Browser and select Save As New Model. This allows you to develop two separate models in parallel, starting from the same set of model objects. Note that if you check the new model into the Repository, the Update mode will not be available. External shortcuts located in the new model may also not work properly since the identity of the model has changed.
- To save the workspace and all the model it contains - select , or click the Save All tool.