The first step to make an object variable is to inherit from the Variable Object Metaclass. The Variable Object metaclass is an abstract metaclass; it is not possible to create an instance from it. But, any concrete metaclasses inheriting from it becomes variable.

For example, the Application metaclass inherits from Variable Object.

The inheritance link is performed either tracing the link in a metamodel diagram or adding the Variable Object metaclass in the superMetaClass relationship of the concerned concept.

 

Inheriting from Variable Object will add a General/Variations tab in the property pages of the extended concept. This tab shows information related to the variation lineage.

Furthermore, a New / Variant command is also added in the popup menu of the variable concept so that variant can be created.

For varied object, a Variant Of folder will be displayed in the navigation trees showing the variable concept instances.