A node can be partially or completely overridden by another node further down in the same branch of the model tree that is of a similar, exclusive type. For example, if you specify a temperature boundary condition on boundary 1 and boundary 3, and then add another temperature boundary condition for boundary 3, the first temperature boundary condition is overridden on boundary 3. In the Settings window for the Temperature nodes that define the temperature boundary condition, the Selection list then shows 3 (overridden) to indicate that the temperature boundary condition defined on this selection is overridden for boundary 3 but is still active on boundary 1. Deleting or disabling the other temperature boundary condition on boundary 3 reactivates the original temperature boundary condition, and then shows 3 (without the (overridden) indication).

For selections that are not applicable for a node (such as interior boundaries for a boundary condition that is only applicable for exterior boundaries), the Selection list then shows (not applicable) next to entries that are, in this case, interior boundaries.

In cases where many geometric entities (boundaries, for example) are either overridden or inapplicable for a particular boundary condition, for example, you can click the Only Show Applicable button () next to the list of selected entities. Then all such entities are removed from the list and replaced by a single list entry, such as (105 inapplicable entities). You can click to select that list entry; the corresponding entities are then highlighted in red in the Graphics window.

For selections where the physics node serve as a fallback feature for a pair, a decoration appears on the node, such as in this example: . Also, the Selection list then shows (fallback) next to entries where the physics node is fallback feature. See Identity, Contact, and Sector Symmetry Pairs for more information about pairs.