# reference

In Dash, **“Reference”** usually means **Reference Properties** — shared properties that multiple tools can use in a unified way.

### What it does

* Lets you define something once (like **Road Width**).
* Then multiple tools can use that same value (so your whole setup stays consistent).
* When a tool uses a reference, you also get a **Weight** so each tool can vary slightly from the referenced value.

This is explained in the **References** section of the Getting Started guide: References.

### How to create one

* In the Tools Panel, **right-click** the property you want to share (ex: a Width/Distance/Parallel distance).
* Choose **Convert to Reference**.
* Then in another tool, **right-click** a matching property and assign the reference.

### Where you manage them

Dash has a **Reference Tool** that acts as a hub for referenced properties in the scene. See the **Reference Tool** description here: Tools Panel.

If you meant something else by “reference” (like a version/release note), tell me the context.

# Suggested Follow-up Questions:

If you need more information, consider asking one of these follow-up questions by performing an HTTP GET request on the URL:

- [How do I assign a reference to a tool?](https://docs.polygonflow.io?ask=How%20do%20I%20assign%20a%20reference%20to%20a%20tool%3F)
- [Can references cross between projects?](https://docs.polygonflow.io?ask=Can%20references%20cross%20between%20projects%3F)
- [What happens when reference weights differ?](https://docs.polygonflow.io?ask=What%20happens%20when%20reference%20weights%20differ%3F)

# Sources:

- [Dash 1.7.0](https://docs.polygonflow.io/advanced/release-notes/dash-1.7.0.md)
- [Tools Panel](https://docs.polygonflow.io/getting-started/user-interface/tools-panel.md)
- [Getting Started](https://docs.polygonflow.io/getting-started/quickstart.md)
- [Tool Presets](https://docs.polygonflow.io/getting-started/tool-presets.md)
- [Procedural Scattering](https://docs.polygonflow.io/how-it-works/scatter-masking-features.md)
- [Workflow Enhancements](https://docs.polygonflow.io/how-it-works/misc-tools.md)
- [Dash 1.8.0](https://docs.polygonflow.io/advanced/release-notes/dash-1.8.0.md)
- [Content Browser](https://docs.polygonflow.io/getting-started/user-interface/content-browser.md)
- [Centralized Asset Browser](https://docs.polygonflow.io/how-it-works/centralized-asset-browser.md)
- [Dash Content Browser on FAB](https://docs.polygonflow.io/advanced/fab-content-browser.md)