Modelsim - work (empty) problem

Checking the understanding:

When you create a project, ModelSim automatically generates a work library, but in your case, it shows as empty even though you expect it to contain compiled files.

However, when you manually save and compile a source file into work, ModelSim recognizes it and allows simulation.

This means the library exists, but ModelSim’s project system isn’t linking to it properly.

If the understanding is correct, here are some possible Causes and Fixes

1. Your Work Library Is Not Set as the Active Library

Even though the work directory exists, ModelSim might not be treating it as the active library. Try setting it manually:

Command:

vmap work work

This explicitly tells ModelSim to map the work library to the correct folder.

2. The Project Is Using a Different Work Library Path

Your project might be looking at the wrong work directory.

Open Project Settings and check where the "work" library is mapped.

Also, check the Compile Options to ensure compiled files are going into work.

Instead of manually placing source files into work, try moving them to the project folder and compiling from there.

3. Your Project Might Have Corrupted or Misconfigured Settings

Sometimes, ModelSim's internal settings can become misconfigured. Try these steps:

Close ModelSim and delete the modelsim.ini file in your project directory.

Restart ModelSim, and it will regenerate modelsim.ini with default settings.

Run:

vlib work

vmap work work

Then try recompiling.

4. ModelSim Might Be Using a Different Default Library

In the Library tab, right-click and check the library settings.

Ensure that work is the default library for compilation.