Use projects to group together LabVIEW files and files not specific to LabVIEW, create build specifications, and deploy or download files to targets.

You must use a project to build applications and shared libraries. You also must use a project to work with a Windows Embedded Standard, RT, or FPGA target. The LabVIEW Real-Time and FPGA Modules add functionality to the LabVIEW development system. The LabVIEW Real-Time and FPGA Modules are purchased separately from LabVIEW.

To create a project in LabVIEW, complete the following steps.

  1. Select File » Create Project.
    the Create Project dialog box appears. Create Project includes a list of templates and sample projects you can use to ensure that the project you create uses reliable designs and programming practices.
  2. Search for the template or sample project that supports the goal you want the project to accomplish.
    Use the following features to search for templates and sample projects:
    • Filters: Selectable items in the left pane of the window. Displays only results of a certain type, such as templates or sample projects for a specific target.
    • Additional Search: Text field at the bottom left of the window. Searches the keywords, titles, and descriptions of the filtered results.
    • More Information: Linked documentation after the description of each template or sample project. Opens the help file for the item. Use the help to ensure that the template or sample project supports your objectives.
  3. Click the Next or Finish button to configure details of the project, including how LabVIEW saves the project.
    After you finish configuring the project, LabVIEW saves the project. The Project Explorer window opens.
  4. Use the Project Explorer window to modify the project.

    You can also bring up the Project Explorer window by opening an existing project with File » Open Project... and selecting the project to open.

    Refer to the comments on the block diagrams of project VIs for information about how to modify the project. Also refer to the Project Documentation folder in the Project Explorer window for more information about how to modify the project.

You also can use the Project:New method to create a blank new project programmatically.

Note You can build your own custom templates and sample projects to develop LabVIEW projects. Refer to the KnowledgeBase for more information on how to make custom templates and sample projects accessible from the Create Project dialog box.