Where Do I Access the Documentation and Application Libraries?
A number of internet resources have more information about COMSOL, including licensing and technical information. The electronic documentation, topic-based (or context-based) help, and the application libraries are all accessed through the COMSOL Desktop.
If you are reading the documentation as a PDF file on your computer, the blue links do not work to open an application or content referenced in a different guide. However, if you are using the Help system in COMSOL Multiphysics, these links work to open other modules, application examples, and documentation sets.
The Documentation and Online Help
The COMSOL Multiphysics Reference Manual describes the core physics interfaces and functionality included with the COMSOL Multiphysics license. This book also has instructions about how to use COMSOL Multiphysics and how to access the electronic Documentation and Help content.
Opening Topic-Based Help
The Help window is useful as it is connected to the features in the COMSOL Desktop. To learn more about a node in the Model Builder, or a window on the Desktop, click to highlight a node or window, then press F1 to open the Help window, which then displays information about that feature (or click a node in the Model Builder followed by the Help button (). This is called topic-based (or context) help.
To open the Help window:
In the Model Builder, Application Builder, or Physics Builder click a node or window and then press F1.
On any toolbar (for example, Home, Definitions, or Geometry), hover the mouse over a button (for example, Add Physics or Build All) and then press F1.
From the File menu, click Help ().
To open the Help window:
In the Model Builder or Physics Builder click a node or window and then press F1.
Opening the Documentation Window
To open the Documentation window:
From the File menu select Help>Documentation ().
To open the Documentation window:
On the main toolbar, click the Documentation () button.
From the main menu, select Help>Documentation.
The Application Libraries Window
Each model or application includes documentation with the theoretical background and step-by-step instructions to create a model or application. The models and applications are available in COMSOL Multiphysics as MPH files that you can open for further investigation. You can use the step-by-step instructions and the actual models as templates for your own modeling. In most models, SI units are used to describe the relevant properties, parameters, and dimensions, but other unit systems are available.
Once the Application Libraries window is opened, you can search by name or browse under a module folder name. Click to view a summary of the model or application and its properties, including options to open it or its associated PDF document.
The Application Libraries Window in the COMSOL Multiphysics Reference Manual.
Opening the Application Libraries Window
To open the Application Libraries window ():
From the Home toolbar, Windows menu, click () Applications Libraries.
From the File menu select Application Libraries.
To include the latest versions of model examples, from the File>Help menu, select () Update COMSOL Application Library.
Select Application Libraries from the main File> or Windows> menus.
To include the latest versions of model examples, from the Help menu select () Update COMSOL Application Library.
Contacting COMSOL by Email
For general product information, contact COMSOL at info@comsol.com.
COMSOL Access and Technical Support
To receive technical support from COMSOL for the COMSOL products, please contact your local COMSOL representative or send your questions to support@comsol.com. An automatic notification and a case number are sent to you by email. You can also access technical support, software updates, license information, and other resources by registering for a COMSOL Access account.
COMSOL Online Resources