Create a Custom Step Type in TestStand From a Built-in Step Type

TestStand provides a set of built-in step types located in the Types Palette and are denoted by their respective .ini file such as NI_Types.ini and NI_FlowControl.ini. Sometimes, you may need to create a custom step type based on one of these built-in types and modify it to suit your test requirements. 

This article explains how to copy a built-in step type, customize it, and save it to your own Types Palette .ini file (e.g. MyTypes.ini). 

The steps below outline the process users will need to follow to create a custom step copied from a built-in step. For the purpose of this article, the "Pass/Fail Test" and "For" step types will be used as our example step types. However, you can do this with any other built-in type. 

1. Open the Type Palette Window
   • Navigate to View » Types 
   • In the Type Pallete select NI_Types.ini.
      
2. Copy the Built-In Step Type
   • Locate the PassFailTest step type.
   • Right-click on PassFailTest and select Copy.
      
3. Paste the Copy Within the Same File
   • *Note* This step is especially important so that TestStand may paste a uniquely named copy of the type. (This prevents potential type conflicts from occurring.)
   • Right-click on and select Paste.
   • TestStand creates a new type named PassFailTest_2.
      
4. Move the New Type to Your Custom Palette
   • Right-click on PassFailTest_2 and select Cut.
   • In the Type Palettes view, select your custom type palette file (e.g., MyTypes.ini).
   • Right-click in the right pane and select Paste.
      
5. Edit the Step Type
   • You can now modify the copied step type to implement your custom changes.
      
   • Repeat this process for any other NI Step Types that you would like to modify. 

Once completed the custom step will now appear in your Step Types view of the Insertion Palette in the corresponding section from which they were copied, e.g. A customized "Pass/Fail Test" will show up under "Tests" in the Insertion Palette, whereas a customized "For" step will show up under Flow Control in the Insertion Palette.