# Setting a port type

A port type is a named set of abstract operations and the abstract messages involved. Each operation refers to an input message and output messages. A port type is referenced by a binding object. Each binding references exactly one port type. Since each port refers to exactly one binding, each port has exactly one port type.

You can create a port type by right clicking in any blank space in the Design view and selecting Add PortType. As a convenience you can also add a port type via a binding. This allows you to create a port type and modify the binding to reference the new port type in one action. You can either create a new port type for your binding, re-use an existing one, or import one.

## Create a new port type for a binding

If you want to create a new port type for your binding, complete the following steps:

1. In the Design view, right-click on a binding object (note that port must reference a binding) and click Set PortType > New PortType.
2. Type the name of the port type in the Name field and click OK. The name should be unique name among all port types defined within in the enclosing WSDL document. To select the new port type, click the port type object.
3. In the Properties view, type any information about the port type you wish the user to read in the Documentation pane.

Tip: You can also create a new port type for your binding using the Outline view.

Once you have created a port type, you can add operations to it, which can send and receive messages.

## Reuse a port type for a binding

If you want to reuse a port type for your binding, complete the following steps:

1. In the Design view, right-click on a binding object (note that port must reference a binding) and click Set Port Type > Existing PortType.
2. Optional: In the Name field, type a search string to filter the list or leave the field blank to view all.
3. You can change the scope of the list by selecting one of the following options:
   - Workspace: lists the port types available in your workspace.
   - Enclosing Project: lists the port types available in the project that contains your file.
   - Current Resource: lists the port types available in your current file.
   - Working Sets: lists the port types available in a specified set of files. To specify a working set, click Choose. You can select files from an existing working set or create a new working set. Once you have selected the files, click OK.
4. The existing port types will be listed. Select one and click OK.

## Import a port type for a binding

If you want to import an existing port type for your binding, complete the following steps:

1. In the Design view, right-click on a binding object (note that port must reference a binding) and click Set Port Type > Existing PortType.
2. Optional: In the Name field, type a search string to filter the list or leave the field blank to view all.
3. You can import a port type by selecting one of the following options:
   - Workspace: lists the port types available in your workspace.
   - Enclosing Project: lists the port types available in the project that contains your file.
   - Working Sets: lists the port types available in a specified set of files. To specify a working set, click Choose. You can select files from an existing working set or create a new working set. Once you have selected the files, click OK.
4. The port types will be listed. Select one and click OK. In the Design view, click the port type object.
5. In the Properties view, type any information about the port type you wish the user to read in the Documentation pane.

Related concepts
Editing WSDL files with the WSDL Editor
Related tasks
Creating a new WSDL file
Editing WSDL files