> 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/videos/tutorials/structure-and-organization/creating-clusters.md).

# Creating Clusters

{% embed url="<https://dirac-webflow-videos-cdn.b-cdn.net/gitbook-demo-videos/Clustering%20in%20BuildOS%20(1).mp4>" %}

### What this allows you to do

Group identical components so they are installed in a single step, reducing instruction complexity and visual noise for repetitive installs.

### When to Use Clusters

Use clusters when:

* Multiple identical parts are installed at the same time
* You want to avoid creating a separate step for each repeated component
* The installation does not require a specific sequence between identical parts

Clusters are typically created in Model View shortly after upload to simplify the assembly before instruction authoring begins.

### What Clusters Do

Clusters allow identical components to:

* Be installed together in a single instruction step
* Appear in the same visual and animation
* Remain fully traceable to the underlying CAD

This keeps instructions concise while preserving design fidelity.

### Ways to Create Clusters

#### 1. Multi-Select in Model View

* Select multiple identical components directly in the 3D model using Ctrl-click
* Right-click and choose **Create Cluster**

#### 2. Create Clusters from the BOM

* Select a line item in the BOM to filter the part tree to matching components
* Use **Shift-click** to select a full (or slice) range of components
* Right-click and choose **Create Cluster**

#### 3. Auto-Cluster

* Use auto-cluster to group identical geometry automatically
* Apply clustering at any selected level of the assembly hierarchy by right-clicking at the given level and selecting **Shallow** or **Deep** auto-cluster.
  * Note: deep auto-cluster will automatically dive into any phantoms and perform clustering

Auto-cluster is useful for quickly organizing large or highly repetitive assemblies.

### Key Tips

* Only identical geometry can be clustered
* Clusters are best suited for repetitive installs like fasteners
* Clusters reduce step count without hiding important information