Complex types with simpleContent are data types with a root element that has a textual XSD type (for example, xsd:string), but that otherwise only have attributes and subelements. If you want to restrict the root element by using facets in the Details column, the XML schema standard specifies that the root element must reference a simple type as an in-between type. Otherwise, the complex type with simpleContent would be both an enhancement (due to the attributes) and a restriction (due to the facets).

To simplify the definition of complex types with simpleContent, the data type editor permits facets for the root element of such types and automatically creates an appropriate in-between type. This type does not have to be created as a separate data type in the Enterprise Services Repository, and is not visible there as a separate data type.