This section describes the general philosophy behind the graphical XP environment and outlines the basic design features of the XPSWMM modeling package. It is a good starting point for any new users of any of the XP series of programs.

The first step after launching XPSWMM is to either open or create a database. The primary file that is opened (existing) or created (new) is a database with a .XP extension, which signifies that it is for XPSWMM.

The user may select one of the following options:

1. Open a new database:
   1. Create a new (blank) database. A subsequent step allows the selection of the modelling units.
   2. Use the Setup Wizard to create a new database. Wizard allows selection of units and model defaults.
   3. Create a new database from a template. The new file inherits all data and properties in the template.
      
      
2. Navigate (browse) to an existing database and open.