# How to apply 'dummy' blocks for more advanced restrictions Any option block that supports conditional logic (restrictions) can also be hidden. In other words, when you add an option set such as a thumbnail, material, numeral, and so on, you can choose to hide it in the configurator’s front end and use it solely for internal logic. This is especially useful in certain logic scenarios, particularly when working with more complex configurators. #### Using the “Dummy” Block for Option Restrictions When configuring relationships between options, it’s important to understand when a “dummy” block is required and when it isn’t. *** **Direct Restrictions Between Options** If your configurator includes both options you want to connect, you can create a restriction directly between them, **no dummy block is needed**. **Example:**\ If your configurator includes both **Window Type** and **Handle Position**, you can create a direct restriction link between these two options. *** **When to Use a “Dummy” Block** If one of the options you want to restrict **does not exist** in the configurator, you can use a **“dummy” block** to act as a hidden placeholder. **Example:**\ If your configurator includes only **Handle Position** and no **Window Type** option, you can create a **dummy block** to represent the missing second option. This hidden option allows the system to establish the restriction link. As a result, when users select a **Handle Position**, the system can still apply the intended restriction logic or trigger the corresponding behavior, even though the second option is not visible in the interface. *** **Summary** * **If both options exist:** Use a **direct restriction link**. * **If one option is 'missing' (no direct link between 2 option blocks):** Use a **dummy block** as a hidden second option to maintain configuration logic consistency. #### Here’s an example of a restriction that uses a “dummy” block Below is a configurator logic example where an option block is hidden and used as a 'dummy'. First, create a configurator. In this example, I’ll name it *'Store Shelving'*, but you can adapt the tutorial to your own logic if it better fits your needs. In this example, I have a 3D store shelf with three shelves. I want to allow customers to select the number of shelves: 1, 2, 3 or none. Here’s how my configurator looks before adding any option blocks:

In the 'Create Options' tab, add your first option block. In this example, I’ll use a **dropdown** (but you can choose a different type). This **dropdown** will let users select the number of shelves.

Next, define each variant within the dropdown option block by adding 0, 1, 2, and 3 shelves.

Define each variant without selecting a 3D model, 3D part, or material. Assign **only** a **title** and **variant name** to each variant.

Repeat this process to add variants for 1, 2, and 3 shelves.

Now, click the 'Save' button at the lower-right corner of the screen, and then add your first selection block.

Now, click 'Preview' to see the results.

The dropdown shows 0 shelves by default and lets you choose 1, 2, or 3, but it won’t work until restrictions are applied. In this situation, its best to add another dropdown which will be hidden, to be used as a 'dummy' block to create restriction. {% hint style="warning" %} **In Simplio3D, hiding or showing 3D models or parts usually requires at least two option blocks linked by a restriction. In some cases, your configurator may only need one block, with the second serving only as a 'dummy'.** {% endhint %} I create another dropdown block called 'Dummy block'.

For this 'dummy' block, make sure the 'Hide Option' is set to 'Yes'. When adding variants, select the 3D parts that should be hidden. Refer to the general restriction diagram below to understand how each variant will be affected once the restriction is applied.

I created the first variant titled '0' and selected the 3D model along with all three shelves found in '3D Parts', which will be hidden when '0' is selected. This rule will work after we add the restrictions.

Click 'Save' to add the first variant.

Next, add another variant titled '1'. This variant will ensure that when the user selects 1, only one shelf is displayed. In 3D parts we leave the one shelf unselected and the other 2 shelfs selected. Again, this will only work on the front end after adding the restriction, but first we need to create the variant.

Click 'Save' to add the second variant.

Click the 'Add Variant' button to create the next variant titled '2', which will display two shelves. Here, we select only one shelf in '3D Parts'.

Click 'Save' to add the new variant.

Finally, add the last variant titled '3'. In this case, do not select any 3D parts, as all shelves will be visible once the restriction is applied.

Click 'Save' button to add the last variant.

You can either click 'Save' to save the option block first or directly click the 'chain' button on each variant to apply the restriction. The restriction will link to the previously created dropdown, matching corresponding values—for example, 1 shelf to 1 shelf. See below the restriction for '0' variant:

Repeat this for all variants inside the 'Dummy' block with '1', '2' and '3' shelfs.

After adding a restriction to each variant, click 'Save' to update the 'dummy' block. Click 'Preview' and see how it works.

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