The first step in schematic capture is to place the appropriate components on the workspace.

You can use the following methods to locate a component:

  • Browse through the component groups using the Components toolbar.
  • Place virtual components using the Virtual toolbar. This is an education-specific feature.
  • Search for a specific component in the database.

The first of these methods is normally used. Each button on the Components toolbar corresponds to a group of components with similar functionality. Click one of these buttons to open the component browser (the Select a Component dialog box) with the contents of that button's group displayed.

Multisim includes virtual components. Virtual components have a symbol and a model, but no package and hence are not “real” in the sense that they cannot be purchased. They are included for simulation flexibility. Virtual component families are color coded green in the Select a Component dialog box.