This tool lets you to create different variations of the schematic depending on the use case. You can create different variations of the PCB, or the schematics or both.

Here I am going to explain it with a situation in which you need different type of resistors, with different footprints, but you have both footprints in the board. In the first version you have 2 resistors of 0806, and the second you have 2 resistors of 1205 with the same connections.

Create the schematic with all the components you want, with both values of resistors.

Then right click in your project explorer, Variant Manager:

• Add Variant… and put a descriptive name. Add as many variants as you need.
• Then on the big list you can select the variant and click on the component variation and select if is fitted or alternative component.

Remember: That in the schematic of Altium you won’t see the changes of the variations, you will see it when you generate the content of the Out Job (if you configure the variations).