---
title: "Creating a Model"
canonical: "https://help.innovyze.com/space/xps/19661315/Creating%20a%20Model"
format: markdown
---
**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.

![image](media://8541a400-e9e9-440d-b446-21d11cbc2cec)

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](https://help-innovyze.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/xps/pages/19663072/The+Configuration+Menu#TheConfigurationMenu-Units).
  2. Use the [Setup Wizard](https://help-innovyze.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/xps/pages/19661299) to create a new database. Wizard allows selection of units and model defaults.
  3. Create a new database from a**[ ](https://help-innovyze.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/xps/pages/19663514/File+Menu#FileMenu-FileNew)**[template](https://help-innovyze.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/xps/pages/19663514/File+Menu#FileMenu-FileNew). The new file inherits all data and properties in the template.
2. Navigate (browse) to an existing database and open.