What this step is about
A branch is Vind AI's way of letting you test different layouts and configurations within the same project. Each branch is its own scenario, you can make changes freely in one branch without affecting any other.
Think of your original layout as the baseline. A branch is a copy of that baseline where you're free to experiment: change the turbine type, adjust the spacing, try a different orientation. When you're done, you can compare any two branches side by side to see the impact of your changes.
Two ways to create a branch
Duplicating a branch copies everything from your current layout. This is the recommended starting point because you keep your existing setup and can change just one thing at a time, making it easier to understand what's driving the difference in outputs.
Create a new branch starts with a blank map. Best used when you want to model a completely different site from scratch rather than building on what you already have. To create one, click the + icon at the right end of the branch tab bar (hover over it to see the "New branch" label).
How to create your first branch
Locate the branch bar at the top of your screen, and put the mouse over where it says "Main".
Click the three dots and select Duplicate branch to copy your current layout.
Give the new branch a name that describes what you're testing, for example, 'Wider spacing' or 'Alternative turbine type'.
Make one change to the layout in your new branch. Move a turbine, run a new optimisation, or change the turbine type.
Check the output metrics to see how they've shifted compared to your original.
Good to know
You can create as many branches as you need within a project there's no limit.
The "branch bar" works similar to your browser tabs. Closing a branch does not delete it, and you can always bring it back to your view.
Each branch you create will appear as a column in compare, which you'll use in the next step.
Naming branches clearly from the start makes compare much easier to read, especially when you have several.
Next step: With your first branch created, move on to Step 4 to compare it against your original.