# Set global object defaults

When you copy and paste or drag and drop a global object onto a standard graphic display, the resulting reference object has several new properties called Link properties.

The Link properties are given default values when the reference object is created. You can change the default values that are assigned to a new reference object by setting the global object defaults.

## To change the default values for Link properties

1. In the Graphics editor, select Global Object Defaults from the Edit menu.
2. In the Global Object Defaults dialog box, specify the new default values.
3. Press Apply or OK.

The new default values will be applied to all new reference objects, as they are created. The values of the properties can be changed at the reference object if required.

## Options

- LinkAnimation default

  The LinkAnimation property determines whether or not the animation assigned to a base object will be used by the reference object, and if the animation is used, whether or not the expressions assigned to the base object are used. The initial default value of this property is Link without expressions.

  The number of tags used by the reference object's expressions will count toward the 1000 tag limit for the display that the reference object is on.

  - Do not link

    When the default value is Do not link, all animation settings for the reference object can be edited. Changes to the base object's animation will not be reflected in the reference object.

  - Link with expressions

    When the default value is Link with expressions, the animation for the reference object cannot be edited and the items on the Animation menu will be unavailable. Changes to the base object's animation will be reflected in the reference object.

  - Link without expressions

    When the default value is Link without expressions, the expressions and the expression range settings used by animation for the reference object can be edited. Changes to the reference object's expressions will not be reflected in the base object.

    All other settings for animation of the reference object (for example, color settings in color animation) will not be editable, and any changes to these settings in the base object will be reflected in the reference object.

- LinkConnections default

  The LinkConnections property determines whether the connections assigned to the base object will be used by the reference object. The initial default value of this property is False.

  The number of tags used by the reference object's expressions will count toward the 1000 tag limit for the display that the reference object is on.

  - True

    When the default value is set to True, the reference object's connections cannot be edited, and the reference object will use the base object's connection assignments.

  - False

    When the default value is set to False, the reference object's connections will be read/write and can be edited. Changes to the connections on the reference object will not be reflected in the base object, and changes made to the connections on the base objects will not be reflected on the reference object.

- LinkSize default

  The LinkSize property determines whether the values assigned to the Height and Width properties of base objects will be used by the reference object. The initial default value of this property is True.

  - True

    When the default value is set to True, the reference object's Height and Width properties will be read-only, and the base object's values for these properties will be used. If you resize the object using its handles, it will snap back to its original size.

  - False

    When the default value is set to False, the reference objects Height and Width properties can be edited. Changes made to these properties on the base object will not be reflected on the reference object.

    Tip: | If the default LinkAnimation property is changed from Do not link to Link with expressions, any settings that were assigned for the reference object will be overwritten by the base object settings. If the LinkAnimation property is changed from Do not link to Link without expressions, any expressions assigned to the reference object will continue to be used, but any other settings will be overwritten by the base object settings. To restore these settings, use the Undo option. If the default LinkAnimation property is changed from Link with expressions to Link without expressions, the expressions assigned to the base object's animation will continue to be used by the reference object until the expressions on the reference object are edited. If the default LinkAnimation property is changed from Link without expressions to Link with expressions, the expressions assigned to the reference object will be overwritten by the base object settings. To restore these settings, use the Undo option. If the default LinkSize property is set from False to True, values assigned on the reference object will be overwritten by the base object settings. To restore these settings, use the Undo option. When a reference object's LinkBaseObject property points to a base object that no longer exists, the reference object is replaced by a red X on a white background.

## See also

Create global objects

Reference object properties

Global object parameters