1. In a computer automated design system having a display, memory and multiple software tools for operating on data files representing a design, a method of managing design data for ease of manipulation by a user, the method comprising the following steps: providing in memory a design object type that includes a fileset definition of multiple data files representing related but distinct aspects of the design object type; creating an instance of the design object type, the data files of the instance each containing design data on a related aspect of a particular design represented by the instance; providing on the display a symbol visible to a user which represents the instance; associating with the design object type a software tool that is invoked upon opening of the instance; and in response to an opening of the instance, opening all of the data files in the fileset corresponding to the instance and combining the data of the data files to provide the particular design and invoking the associated software tool for communication with the data files.
1. In a computer automated design system having a display, memory and multiple software tools for operating on data files representing a design, a method of managing design data for ease of manipulation by a user, the method comprising the following steps: providing in memory a design object type that includes a fileset definition of multiple data files representing related but distinct aspects of the design object type; creating an instance of the design object type, the data files of the instance each containing design data on a related aspect of a particular design represented by the instance; providing on the display a symbol visible to a user which represents the instance; associating with the design object type a software tool that is invoked upon opening of the instance; and in response to an opening of the instance, opening all of the data files in the fileset corresponding to the instance and combining the data of the data files to provide the particular design and invoking the associated software tool for communication with the data files. 9. The method of claim 1 including attaching properties to the design object type.