When you click the 
tool in the Visualization module toolbox, Abaqus/CAE enters probe mode and displays information in the Probe Values dialog box as you move the cursor over the model in the current viewport. You can also enter probe mode using the 
tool in the Query toolbar. Probing a model plot displays model data and analysis results; probing an X–Y plot displays X–Y curve data; and probing a model from the current model database displays the model data and the values of attributes such as loads and predefined fields. You can write this information to a file.
The data table in the bottom portion of the Probe Values dialog box contains two dynamic display rows (the row immediately above the row headings and the bold data row that appears first in the table) and a series of additional storage rows. Abaqus/CAE updates the dynamic rows continuously to show the probe values as you move the cursor over the model in the current viewport, and you can change the value displayed in the top display row by clicking a column heading. Abaqus/CAE updates the table with additional rows only when you select values of interest by clicking in the viewport, specifying a node or element label, or selecting the nodes or elements in a particular display group. Values accumulate in the bottom portion of the dialog box until you delete them, clear the table, or cancel probe mode. You can also add selected values to a new display group, and you can annotate individual nodes or elements with field output values at that location.
This section explains the following topics: