# Importing Another Model into the Current Model

It is possible to import and merge another Archi model into the currently selected model. You can then maintain the imported model as a reference model that you can update separately and re-import as required.

Some things to consider when importing another model:

- Model objects are uniquely referenced by their type and identifier. When importing a model, these are used to match the imported objects to the target objects.
- All User Properties for an object are replaced when importing, there is no merging at this level.
- Some changes in the imported model might affect connections in Views if relationships are changed or deleted. These are reported in the status dialog after import.
- Existing target objects and folders will not be deleted even if these are deleted from the imported model.

## Importing another Archi model

To import another Archi model into the currently selected model select "Import an Archi model into the currently selected model" from the main "File" menu. The following dialog will appear:

Importing another model

### Import Options

Update existing objects and folders
If this is selected then any existing target objects and folders will be updated when importing.

Update model information and top-level folders
If this is selected then if there are any changes to the model node (Name, Documentation, Properties) these will be updated. If there are changes to any top-level folders (Documentation, Properties) these will also be updated.

Show Status Dialog after importing
If this is selected then a status dialog is shown after importing a model. This will list what was updated or changed.