# Adding a message

Messages represent an abstract definition of the data being transmitted. A message consists of logical parts, each of which is associated with a definition within some type system. WSDL messages are top level objects that can be referenced by an operation's input, output and fault elements (within a port type).

If you want to create a new message for your input, output, or fault element, follow these steps:

1. In the Graph view, right-click your input, output, or fault element and click Set Message.
2. Select the Create a new message radio button.
3. Type the name of the message in dialog. This name should be a unique amongst all messages defined within the enclosing WSDL document. Click OK.
4. The new message will appear in the graph view within the messages section. An line should be visible connecting the input, output or fault with the message.

Note: Messages are referenced within a port type (specifically by an operation's input, output and fault objects). The input, output and fault objects within a binding do not reference messages. Hence you cannot create a new message by right clicking on a input, output, or fault within a binding (these are also known as binding input, binding output and binding faults).

Tip: You can also create a new message for your input, output, or fault element using the Outline view. Under the Port Types folder, right-click your element and click Set Message > Create a new message. Your message will appear in the Outline view under the Messages folder.

If you want to reuse a message for your input, output, or fault element, follow these steps:

1. In the Graph view, right-click your input, output, or fault element and click Set Message.
2. Press the Select an existing message radio button.
3. The existing messages will be listed. Select one and click Finish.

If you want to import an existing message for your input, output, or fault element, follow these steps:

1. In the Graph view, right-click your input, output, or fault element and click Set Message.
2. Select the Import message from a file check box. Click Browse.
3. Select the file that contains the message you want to use. Click OK.
4. The messages in the file will be listed. Select one and click Finish.

You can now add parts to your message. Parts are a flexible mechanism for describing the logical abstract content of a message.

Parent topic: Editing WSDL files

Related concepts
Editing WSDL files with the WSDL Editor

Related tasks
Creating a new WSDL file
Editing WSDL files

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