Component Objects can be customized in several ways. First, when using the Object Toolbar to place components into the Layout, certain components will present the user with a pop-up Initialization Properties window of configuration options. Several pre-defined configuration (input/output) options may be available for the component, as well as a 'custom' selection that allows the user to more specifically configure the component. Some components (such as Auto Mixers) allow activation of additional features (such as Logic Inputs & Direct Outputs). Multiple channels of Level, Invert, & Mute may be 'ganged' onto a single control. Multi-channel Invert and Mute Buttons may be set for 'horizontal alignment' and/or 'no labeling' when minimized as a user control. The configuration of certain components can be further edited, even after they have been placed in the Layout and the design has been compiled (see Placing Component Objects). Line Objects (wires) can have identifying text added (see Line Property Sheet ).
Actual component settings can be customized through Control Dialog Boxes (see Component Object Properties). Control Dialog Boxes for certain Combiners, Dynamics, Controls, Meters, & Telephone Interface components can be minimized to create customized control surfaces (room combiners, meters, level controls, mute buttons, preset buttons, telephone dialers, etc.). These control surfaces can then be made user accessible, with other system components hidden on Layers which are invisible to the user, and which are Password protected. (See Software User Interface.)
Individual or multiple Component Objects can be customized, connected, and then saved as new Component Objects in the Processing Library. This can be done by selecting the desired object(s) in the Layout, then pressing the Alt key and dragging the object(s) into an appropriate category in the Processing Library. The Alt key can also be used to drag object(s) between design (.NEX) files, and to copy objects within the same Layout. Right-clicking over objects (to Copy) and then right-clicking over a Processing Library category (to Paste), can also be used.
Multiple component objects may be merged together using the Custom Blocks menu. Custom Blocks can then be copied to the Processing Library as mentioned above. Custom Blocks can simplify the design process by integrating frequently used component combinations, and can provide password protection for intellectual property such as unique processing and component settings.
Right-clicking over the Processing Library will also allow new category files (.APL) to be created, for quick access to specialized or often-used components. Existing category files (.APL) can be closed, to customize the Processing Library. All available category files (.APL) can be viewed and opened from the Processing Library Menu and from the Open dialog box. When Processing Library changes are made, the affected category files (.APL) are automatically saved (under Shared Documents).