Variables on a component can be hidden from instances using the Hide from Instances right-click option. When a variable is hidden, it no longer appears in the Variables tab when selecting an instance of that component. The variable remains fully functional on the component definition itself - it is only hidden from instances.
Rotation variable hidden from instances of the BlueComponent
Hiding variables is useful for:
Simplifying the Variables tab on instances by removing variables that are never changed per-instance
Preventing accidental changes to variables that could break a component's layout or behavior, such as Children Layout on a container that relies on a specific stacking mode
The Hide from Instances option is also available on screens. Since screens cannot be instanced in the tool, this only affects runtime code generation.
Hiding a Variable
To hide a variable from instances:
Select the component definition (not an instance)
Right-click the variable in the Variables tab
Select Hide from Instances
The variable displays "Hidden from instances" text beneath it to indicate its status.
Hidden from instances label under a hidden variable
Showing a Hidden Variable
To make a hidden variable visible on instances again:
Select the component or screen definition
Right-click the hidden variable
Select Show on Instances
Inheritance
Hidden variable settings are inherited. If a base component hides a variable, all components that derive from it also hide that variable on their instances. A derived component does not need to re-hide variables that are already hidden by a base type.
