> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.dietrichs.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.dietrichs.com/dietrichs-intelligent-documentation/docs-de-en/composite-elements/create-edit-composite-elements/structure-layout.md).

# Structure, layout

The composite element consists of a composite element file (**\*.ksz**) that describes the entire structure.

* Variable definitions, queries, formulas, etc. are described there.
* In addition, the file also contains references to images, library elements, point symbols, and partial drawings.
* The file is encoded and can only be edited using the dialogs of the function '7-7 Manage composite elements'.

The following elements are not stored in the composite element file; only references to the files are recorded:

* Images: auxiliary images for the composite element and variable query. Also for documentation of the composite element.
* Library elements to be inserted
* Partial drawings to be inserted
* Point symbols to be used.

In the reference, the path, the file, and, if applicable, the relevant element of the file are stored. The part of the path that is recognized as such is replaced by the path variables. If, in project administration '5 - 3 Paths, Settings', the variable **DHPKOL** to '**C:\Dietrichs\KOL**' is set, then a reference '**C:\Dietrichs\KOL\Test\Bild1.bmp**' would be saved as '**%DHPKOL%\Test\Bild1.bmp**' . This has the major advantage that the composite element can also be used in another installation if the image is located only in the 'Test' subdirectory of the path defined there **DHPKOL** .

It is strongly recommended to place all files belonging to a composite element in a subdirectory of **DHPKOL** . This applies to images, libraries, partial drawings, and point symbols. Only in this way can the composite elements also be used without problems in another installation by copying the entire subdirectory into the corresponding **DHPKOL** .

With version 13.01, the paths of elements that are located in the same directory as the composite element file are written into the references of the composite element only as '.\\\\' (dot-backslash). This has the advantage that the composite element, including its linked elements, can be copied to any directory. Attention! If a composite element has been inserted into a structure, it can only be recalculated if it is still located in the directory from which it was inserted. The new option is therefore useful for transferring composite elements to other directories as a basis for new composite elements. A composite element once defined should always be saved in a consistent subdirectory of **%dhpkol%** .

### Composite elements: auxiliary images

Auxiliary images are used to support the selection of the composite element and the query of variables. They also serve to document the composite element, for example when a formula is explained for intermediate values in the auxiliary image. Further information on auxiliary images can be found in the documentation **Variablen\_Ud\*.doc**.

* Possible formats for auxiliary images are: **\*.bmp, \*.png, \*.wmf, \*.emf, \*.jpg**.
* The standard size for auxiliary images is approximately 300 x 300 pixels. If the auxiliary image is larger, it is reduced to this size. To save storage space, larger images (e.g. photos) should therefore be reduced to an appropriate size using suitable software (e.g. IView).
* In the composite element, only the reference to the auxiliary image is stored, not the auxiliary image itself. See the explanations in the previous chapter.