How to: Add a Complex Type Property to an Entity (Entity Data Model Tools)

The procedures in this topic describe how to use the ADO.NET Entity Data Model Designer (Entity Designer) to add a complex type property to an entity. For information about using complex types, see Complex Type Objects (Entity Framework).

The following procedures assume that you have an .edmx file open in the Entity Designer.

Add an Existing Complex Type to an Entity

Right-click an entity, point to Add, and select Complex Property.

A complex type property with a default name is added to the entity. A default type (chosen from the existing complex types) is assigned to the property.

Assign the desired type to the property in the Properties window.

Note
After adding a complex type property to an entity, you must map its properties to table columns. For more information, see How to: Map Complex Type Properties to Table Columns (Entity Data Model Tools).

On the Entity Designer surface, select one or more properties (excluding navigation properties) of an entity, then right-click and select Refactor into New Complex Type.

A new complex type with the selected properties is added to the Model Browser. The complex type is given a default name. For information about renaming a complex type, see How to: Create and Modify Complex Types (Entity Data Model Tools).

A complex property of the newly created type replaces the selected properties. All property mappings are preserved.