# Replacing a single reference to a type with a reference to one of its supertypes

To replace a single reference to a type with a reference to one of its supertypes:

- In the Java editor, select the type reference, or the declaration of a field, parameter, or local variable
- Do one of the following:
  - From the menu bar, select Refactor > Generalize Type or
  - From the editor's pop-up menu, select Refactor > Generalize Type

You will be prompted for the type to which you would like to update the reference. If the reference can be safely changed to the new type, the refactoring proceeds.

Refactoring actions
Refactoring dialogs
Java preferences