Flattening a Layout Instance

To flatten an existing layout instance:

1. In the Navigator assistant or canvas, right-click the instance to be flattened and choose the Hierarchy – Flatten command.
   • Alternatively, you can use the Edit – Hierarchy – Flatten command.
   • When used in Layout XL, the Flatten command provides some additional features that are useful in improving the XL compliance of the design.
     
     
   The Flatten form opens.
2. Choose the appropriate flattening options and click OK.
   
   The Flatten form does not display any Layout XL-specific options when opened in Layout XL. This is unlike the MakeCell form, which has additional Layout XL-only options.
3. (Optional) Choose the flattening options, as required.
   If you enable the Preserve Pins option on the Flatten form, the pin labels might get flattened, if the figure is a pinFig. By default, labels are not flattened.
   For information about the various flattening options, see Flatten Form in the Virtuoso Layout Suite XL: Basic Editing User Guide.
4. Click OK.
   The selected instance is flattened and displays a hierarchical name in the Navigator assistant. The nets local to the flattened instance also display a hierarchical name, as displayed. The CPH window displays a force descend on the flattened instance.
   
   

Related Topics

Make Cell Form

Generating Master Variants

Staying XL-Compliant by Manipulating the Layout Hierarchy - Part 2 (Using the Flatten Command) (video)

Working with the Binder to stay XL-compliant (RAK)

Hierarchy Manipulation. Staying XL connectivity compliant when using Flatten, Make Cell and Transparent Instances (RAK)