Branches

Create junction points to design complex harness routing

Last updated: November 16, 2025

What are Branches?

Branches are junction points in your wiring harness where multiple wire bundles split or merge. They're essential for creating complex harness layouts with multiple paths and destinations.

Quick Navigation

Overview Creating Branches Managing Branches Best Practices

Overview

Branches allow you to create junction points where wire paths split or combine. Think of them as nodes in your harness routing that represent physical locations where wires diverge or converge.

Common Use Cases

Creating harnesses that split to multiple ECU connectors
Routing to sensors or actuators in different locations
Organizing wires that run to different areas of a vehicle
Creating sub-harnesses within a main harness assembly

Branch example showing junction point A with connections to 1B (160mm), ECUA (220mm), and 1A (190mm)

Example of a branch point "A" connecting to multiple destinations with different lengths

Branches are optional. Simple point-to-point harnesses don't need branches - you can connect connectors directly using lengths. Use branches when you need to model more complex routing. Remember: a connector can only have one length assigned to it. If your harness only has two connectors, you do not have to add a branch point.

Branching at a Connector

If you need to branch at a connector location, create a branch point with a similar name to the connector and add a very short length of 10 millimetres or one quarter of an inch between the connector and the branch point. This allows you to connect to multiple other connectors from that branch point.

Creating Branches

Step-by-step guide to adding branches to your harness

1
Navigate to Branches Page
From your wiring harness view, click the "Branches" menu item in the navigation tabs.
2
Enter Branch Name
In the "Add New Branch" card, enter a descriptive name for your branch. Common naming conventions include letters (A, B, C) or descriptive names (Engine, Firewall, Dashboard).
Tip: Use short, clear names. You'll reference these when creating lengths and viewing your cut list.
3
Create the Branch
Press Enter or click "Create Branch". The branch will appear in the list below and be available for creating lengths.
4
Repeat as Needed
The input field automatically focuses after creating a branch, allowing you to quickly add multiple branches by typing and pressing Enter repeatedly.

Keyboard Shortcuts

EnterCreate branch and focus input

TabNavigate to Create button

Managing Branches

Edit and delete branches as your design evolves

Viewing Branches

All created branches appear in the list on the Branches page. Each branch card displays its name and provides options for editing and deletion.

Editing Branch Names

Click the edit icon next to a branch name to modify it. Changes are saved immediately and will update throughout your harness documentation.

Deleting Branches

Click the delete icon to remove a branch. You'll be prompted to confirm before deletion.

Warning: Deleting a branch that has lengths connected to it will also delete those lengths. Make sure to review your lengths before deleting branches.

Best Practices

Recommended approaches for using branches effectively

Naming Conventions

Alphabetical System

Use letters (A, B, C, etc.) for simple harnesses. This works well when branches don't have specific functional meanings and you just need to track routing.

Example: A, B, C, D

Descriptive Names

Use location or function-based names for complex harnesses. This makes documentation more readable and helps identify where branches are physically located.

Example: Engine, Firewall, Dashboard, LeftDoor, RightDoor

Design Tips

Plan Your Routing First
Before creating branches, sketch out your harness routing. Identify natural junction points where wires split to different destinations.
Keep It Simple
Don't overuse branches. If wires run together for most of their length, you might not need a branch. Use them when paths genuinely diverge. Remember: if your harness only has two connectors, you do not need a branch point - simply connect them directly with a length.
Consider Physical Location
Place branches where wires will physically split in your installation. This helps when creating accurate length measurements.
Document Branch Locations
Keep external notes about where branches are physically located in your harness. This helps during manufacturing and installation.

Next Steps

After creating branches, proceed to the Lengths page to define the distances between your connectors and branches. This is where your harness routing takes shape!

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