> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.diracinc.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.diracinc.com/how-to-be-successful-in-buildos/concepts/steps.md). # Steps This will cover the various types of steps and how to use them. ## What is a step? Steps are the heart of every work instruction, and represent the individual pieces of instruction an operator will perform. Steps are sequential, and every step builds upon those completed before it. Steps show the visuals for the assembly. Steps can show the installation of one or more parts, or they can be procedural (inspection, testing, etc.). Each step can have [annotations](https://dirac-inc.gitbook.io/dirac/how-to-be-successful-in-buildos/concepts/annotations) as well as [requirements](/how-to-be-successful-in-buildos/concepts/requirements.md). Your instruction's steps are shown in the "Instructions" view. This is where you will see each individual step which will be shown to the operator following the instruction you generate. This structure is directly related to what is shown in "Model" view depending on the type of steps you have in your instruction. *** ## Creating steps In BuildOS, we create basic and advanced steps which match your upload. From there you can create and modify existing steps to match your desired structure. *** ## Types of steps There are many different types of steps, and they all serve different purposes: ### Simple step These install a single part onto the main assembly. This is the step all instructions start with upon upload. ### Phantom step

These are used to install a phantom onto the main assembly. When you identify something as a phantom, the instructions for building the phantom are shown first, and the phantom is then shown being installed into the main assembly once it is complete. We recommend creating phantoms for any group of parts you would put together before bringing it to the main assembly. ### Subassembly step

These are used to install a subassembly which has its own work instruction. Unlike a phantom, the steps for building a subassembly are not shown in this instruction — the subassembly is shown being installed as a completed unit, and its build steps live in its own instruction. Use these for the parts of your product which are built, reviewed, and approved separately. You can learn more about phantoms and subassemblies [here](/how-to-be-successful-in-buildos/concepts/phantoms-and-subassemblies.md). ### Combination step

These are very similar to phantom steps, but the assembly of the combination is not shown in the instructions. This is useful for when a preassembled part is pulled out of your stock system for installation, but the CAD model has each internal part listed out explicitly. ### Cluster step

Clusters are collections of identical parts which are installed in the same step. This is great for installing multiple fasteners at once without showing an individual step for each fastener. Clustered parts are installed in the same visual. ### Kit step

Kits are also collections of parts, but they do not have to be the same shape. The parts in a kit are installed in the same step, and the animations for them are shown sequentially. These are different than clusters since the animations are shown in an order, and are very useful for condensing your work instructions. ### Instruction step

An instruction step does not directly involve installation of a part onto the assembly. Instruction steps can be used to perform inspections, mechanical checks, calibrations, operating equipment, or any other operation required to complete the assembly. ### Fixtures

Fixtures are used to show how the assembly process conforms around other elements of a workspace (workbenches, jigs, mounts, specialized tooling, etc). You can learn more about fixtures [here](https://dirac-inc.gitbook.io/dirac/user-guide/project-open/adding-fixtures).