set-default-shape 1.0

set-default-shape turtles string

set-default-shape links string

set-default-shape breed string

Specifies a default initial shape for all turtles or links, or for a particular breed of turtles or links. When a turtle or link is created, or it changes breeds, it shape is set to the given shape.

This command doesn’t affect existing agents, only agents you create afterwards.

The given breed must be either turtles, links, or the name of a breed. The given string must be the name of a currently defined shape.

In new models, the default shape for all turtles is “default”.

Note that specifying a default shape does not prevent you from changing an agent’s shape later. Agents don’t have to be stuck with their breed’s default shape.

create-turtles 1 ;; new turtle's shape is "default"
create-cats 1    ;; new turtle's shape is "default"

set-default-shape turtles "circle"
create-turtles 1 ;; new turtle's shape is "circle"
create-cats 1    ;; new turtle's shape is "circle"

set-default-shape cats "cat"
set-default-shape dogs "dog"
create-cats 1   ;; new turtle's shape is "cat"
ask cats [ set breed dogs ]
  ;; all cats become dogs, and automatically
  ;; change their shape to "dog"

See also shape.