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OpenMusic 6 – User ManualVisual Programming > Basic Visual Programming > Boxes Morphology
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Boxes Morphology

This section deals with function boxes and factory boxes1. A factory box represents a class of objects in a program, such as notes, sounds, rhythms. A function box refers to a function that is designed to perform an operation upon objects.

Main Layout

Kernel, Inlet(s), Outlet(s)

All boxes have :

  • a kernel or "body" represented by an icon, 
  • at least one inlet – a few rare functions have no inlet – which takes data,
  • at least one outlet , which returns the data computed by the box,

Inlets and outlets are used for connecting boxes. They are represented by small blue balls and located on the upper and lower parts of the box. Each of them is assigned a specific parameter that characterizes the function2 or the class3 the box refers to.

Several functions or factory boxes belonging to a same category of operators often share the same icon.

Factory boxes are often characterized by a blue-green background layer.

Function boxes and factory boxes belonging to the "combinatorial" and "score" categories.
Function boxes and factory boxes belonging to the "combinatorial" and "score" categories.
Function Types : Lisp Functions and OM Functions
Boxes Names

The name of factory boxes is not displayed by default. A number of simple functions – such as om+, om-, om/ ... show no name.

Specific Graphic Features of Factory Boxes : Displaying Names

Additional Characteristics

Evaluation Mode Label

  A small label located on the upper left corner of the box can show the possible evaluation4 mode of a box. Evaluation modes are used for controlling the transmission of resulting data in a program, or for performing specific tasks .

Boxes on lock mode : computed values can't be changed.
Boxes on lock mode : computed values can't be changed.
Evaluation Modes of a Box :
Resizing Area

All boxes have an invisible square resizing area in their bottom-right corner.

Manipulating Objects in a Patch Editor

Changing Boxes Appearance

The default size and font of boxes can be modified via the General Preferences tab via the OM 6.x.x / Preferences menu.

  • To change the default size, select a resizing rate in the Boxes Size pop up menu.
  • To change the name font, click on Name Font, choose a font in the pop up window.

Press Apply and/or OK to validate the modifications.

  1. Factory Box

    A box used for creating an instance, or exemplar, of a given class within a visual program.

  2. Function

    A  portion of code within a larger program, which performs a specific task. Operates upon 0 or more parameters and returns a value.

  3. Class

    A category of objects sharing common properties – characteristics and behaviour. A class specifies the internal structure and behaviour of an object. In OM, it is represented in a patch by a factory box that can produce an instance of a class.

    See also : Object, Instance

  4. Evaluation

    Triggers the calculus that will determine the value of an expression. Applies to functions and objects.

    ⤷ Click and press v or Cmd click on an outlet.

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