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File Menu
Create new models, save the existing model, open old ones, merge models and export model geometry. Do all of this from the File menu.
File > New…
Clears the current job and opens a new work-space. The user will be prompted to save any unsaved work.
File > Open
This command lets you open an existing job. These jobs are usually located in the default directory C:\AppliCad\Roof Wizard\User. You may also set the ..\User folder to be on a shared network drive – eg Z:\User.
When you select Open, the Select database and model to read dialog box on the following page, is displayed.
On the left hand side, is the list of database files (.DAB) in the current folder. When you click on a DAB file, the list of models in that DAB is displayed in the right hand list box. Note that you can sort the CAD databases by last modified or alphabetically as well as searching by CAD database name and model name.
When you click on one of the model names, you may get a preview of what that model looks like in the bottom right hand side (if the Show Preview check box was checked when the job was saved). The database file name and the model name is displayed in the status line at the top of the workspace screen.
A database file can contain any number of models you may have one job per database file. Other models are automatically created for each job such as quotation report models and drawing models, which in turn will increase the overall size of the database file over time.
You may also create a database for each of your customers – for example; PorterHomes.dab, then save all job models in that database for that builder. If you do a lot of work for one builder, you may create a huge database very quickly. In such a situation we suggest that you create ‘time indicative’ file names for your database – eg PorterHomesQtr3-2006.dab and all jobs for the third quarter are saved in that database. Jobs or models may then be saved using the street address to uniquely identify each job for that builder or customer.
There are many ways to file your jobs and some thought should be given to your situation before you get too far into it. It is definitely NOT recommended that you save all jobs in a database called JOBS.dab or similar, as some of our customers have been inclined to do. The file becomes very large, very quickly. It slows down the time it takes to load and if it is lost or corrupted, then you run the risk of losing everything.
After you click [OK], the model you have selected opens into the graphics area of the screen and available for you to edit.
File > Open Quote
This option allows you to find and open a job based on your quotation numbers which are created when you save a quotation using Supply and Install or Supply Only. All quotation numbers used are displayed and may be sorted alphabetically or by date or searched by name or part of a name.
File > Open-Thumbnails
This command lets you open an existing job. These jobs are usually located in the default directory C:\AppliCad\Roof Wizard\User as described above with the added feature of previewing each model in the database, similar to the screen shot below.
File > Save
This command automatically saves the current model you are working on. If you have not yet saved the model, you will see the Select Database and Model to Write dialog box.
Here, you enter the database file name or select one from the list. You then need to enter a model name to uniquely identify this job in the database file. Refer notes above.
If you want a preview image to be saved, then check the Save preview check box.
Note: The database name and model name are noted in the status line at the top of the workspace screen. If they are noted as None, then you have not yet saved the model.
File > Save-As
This command is the same as Save except it will always allow you to select a new path, database file and model to save the job in.
File > Merge Model
Uses this command to merge two models into one model. You will be prompted to open a model from the database, then a location point to place it into the currently open model. Follow the prompts carefully.
File > Layout
To simplify the appearance of the software, especially for new users we have the ability to turn some menu options on and off. This aids with instruction and learning.
Simple
Converts the menus to a simplified version, leaving off occasionally used or obscure functions, thus simplifying the operation of the software for ease of learning.
Full
Converts the menus to the full function menu system.
Read-Only
This is displayed automatically on installed software that is not registered. It provides the capability to review, edit and print reports and proposals etc. The Read-Only version may installed on any number of PC’s in the office.
Read-Only Reset If a license becomes available while in ReadOnly mode, a message box appears asking if you wish to switch to Full Functionality mode.
Save Values
Saves the default settings or variables of the system into the Values.DEF file.
The display of the Status line in the software has been modified to allow for both Simple (standard) and Complex modes. The Complex mode is a return to a previous format, as requested by some of our longer term users who relied on information provided in this display.
To set this, turn on the right hand menu (Menu On on the Pulldown menu), select CAD > Defaults > Switches.
If this is the display you wish to keep, go to File > Layout > Save Values so that thsi will be displayed on restart. Save Values writes all the custom settings that you wish the software to return to – the details are written to a file called Values.def in the ..\User folder.
Complex Status line displayed
File > Search Database
This indexes every CAD database and model in the ..\User folder so that they are more readily found and selected to open.
File > Import
Allows you to import the following external file types.
- XML An RXF format file with XML headers (refer to last section of the manual for details)
- RXF AppliCad proprietary Roof eXchange Format files (follow this link for details)
- DXF… Universal ASCII CAD file format.
- GRIM… ASCII text file in AppliCad Roof Wizard GRIM format. (refer to last section of the manual for details)
File > Import > XML
This option will import the geometry of a roof saved in the XML format. This typically contains just the roof geometry data and the line type descriptions. Typically geometry is 3D but may be 2D as well. Essentially the XML file format is the same as the AppliCad proprietary RXF format but with XML header information.
Using this command also runs a Tools > Check and Delete Free lines and Points operation before exporting the data.
- To provide a much more readable file, XML files without carriage returns are automatically formatted to include these. The Import process also benefits from being able to more clearly decipher the file, thus increasing the accuracy of the import information.
File > Import > RXF
This option will import the geometry of a roof saved in the AppliCad proprietary RXF format. This typically contains just the roof geometry data and the line type descriptions. Typically geometry is 3D but may be 2D as well. The AppliCad proprietary RXF format is described later in this manual and has been published on the web.
It may be used to exchange 3D roof geometry with external programs and may include roof geometry from companies like Eagleview, Pictometry and Aerialogics who provide aerial measurement services as well as truss frame designers and builders such as Mitek, Pryda and others.
Import RXF may also be used to bring 3D roof geometry into old versions of AppliCad software that do not support the version 6.n+ CAD database file format which is NOT backwards compatible.
File > Import > GRIM
This command lets you import job details from an existing GRIM file. For more details and a more complete listing of Key Text Strings, refer to the Appendix to this manual.
After selecting the command File > Import > GRIM, you are then prompted to select a .gri file. The following key text strings are recognised when importing a grim file and described in more detail here.
File > Import > DXF
The File Import DXF command allows .dxf files to be read as a Roof Wizard model.
If there is an active model/sub-figure in the graphics display area, the following prompt message is displayed. If Yes is selected, the current model on screen is cleared. If No or Cancel is selected, the command is terminated and the model/sub-figure in the graphics display area is not cleared.
DXF file formats are transferred using the AppliCad current layer, line style, colour and font conversion files and contain what is considered to be the most common conversion that would be used. Conversion files must have the file extension *.cvt and must be previously created in the correct file format.
Conversion files are never changed during read operations. Trailing and leading spaces to each field in the .cvt files are ignored. During read translation, a file is created which contains
Xreference and layer conversion information. The file has the same name as the DWG/DXF file, but has a .lay file extension. This file is not essential to the operation of the software and may be deleted. After a DXF conversion, you are asked if you want to read this file. The default .cvt files are:
Default AppliCad conversion files
Filename Description
dwglayer.cvt Most common layer conversion
dwgltype.cvt Most common line type conversion
dwgcolor.cvt Most common colour conversion
dwgfont.cvt Most common text font conversion
It is recommended that a copy of the default conversion files is made and stored in a separate directory so you always have a default file to refer to.
Separate conversion files for reading and writing the same model can be created with the use of a text editor or when in the process of writing. The last line of all of the .cvt conversion files should end with a carriage return.
When selected, the DXF File Input Defaults dialog box is displayed.
Pack points Allows the AppliCad File Pack command to be performed. This allows the deletion of unnecessary entities from the model, therefore increasing the number of free entity space.
This is a choice between Yes and No. If set to Yes, after the conversion, each point in the model is scanned to detect an existing point at that co-ordinate.
If other point entities are found, a single point is used and the others are deleted. If set to No then point checking does not occur.
Query each sub-figure Allows the checking of each DXF block name inserted. This is a choice between Yes and No. If set to Yes then for every block in the DXF file, the name of the block is checked for existence in the selected AppliCad database (see later). If the block name already exists, the user is prompted to overwrite the entry. If set to No, checking is based on the overwrite sub-figures option (See next).
Overwrite sub-figures Allows the choice of overwriting all or none of the DXF block name as it is inserted. This is a choice between None and All and is only available if the Query each sub-figure option is set to No. If set to None, existing sub-figures will not be overwritten by block definitions
in the DXF file. If set to Yes, existing sub-figures will be overwritten by block definitions in the DXF file.
Insert dimensions as dimensions Allows AutoCAD dimension entities to be converted to either AppliCad dimensions or kept as AutoCAD dimension entities. This is a choice between Yes and No. If set to No, the dimension record is inserted as a Caddsman sub-figure entity and the
dimension record itself is treated as an insert record. In this way, the dimension will appear exactly as it is defined in the AutoCAD block record. If set to Yes, the dimension records within the DXF file are inserted as AppliCad dimension entities. The display options of the dimension entity are based on the current dimension defaults settings which can be altered by specific header variables or the dimension style used by the dimension in the DXF file.
The dimension type is translated based on the following table.
Dimension entity translation DWG Dimension AppliCad Dimension Type Type Rotated Par Horizontal Par Vertical Par Aligned Par Angular Angular Diameter Diameter Radius Radius Ordinate x-type Hor-Ord Ordinate y-type Ver-Ord Angular 3-point Angular
Diameter and radius dimensions within Caddsman require the relevant circle or arc entity to be present to obtain the measurement. However, the DXF radius and diameter dimensions do not relate to a specific measurement entity.
All radius and diameter dimensions are stored until the DXF has been read at which time the model is scanned to locate the necessary measurement entity. If one is located, the relevant dimension is inserted. If a measurement entity cannot be located, the dimension will not be inserted. If two or more are found, a message to that effect is displayed and the dimension will use the first measurement entity found.
If an AutoCAD dimension entity cannot be converted to a Caddsman equivalent dimension entity, it will be converted into a sub-figure entity.
Layer conversion file Allows the selection of a layer conversion file. The file allows the specification of an AutoCAD layer name, a AppliCad layer number and an optional AppliCad layer name. The dwglayer.cvt default file is used unless otherwise specified.
Trailing and leading spaces to each field in the .cvt files are ignored.
All information on the AutoCAD layer is transferred to the specified Caddsman layer number with the corresponding AppliCad layer name. If there is no AppliCad layer name specified then the AutoCAD layer name is used.
If the AutoCAD layer name is a number and there is no conversion file information specified, it is transferred to the AppliCad layer of the same number. If the AutoCAD layer name is not a number and there is no conversion file information specified, it is converted to the first free AppliCad layer and is given the same name. Layer name conversions are not case sensitive.
It is recommended that a copy of the default conversion files is made and stored in a separate directory so you always have a default file to refer to.
Line style conversion file Allows the selection of a line style conversion file. The file allows the specification of an AutoCAD line type name to any of the predefined AppliCad style numbers (i.e. 0-14 inclusive). The dwgltype.cvt default file is used unless otherwise specified.
Trailing and leading spaces to each field in the .cvt files are ignored. If there is no line type name specified in the conversion file, then the line types are converted using their dash pattern definitions directly to the AppliCad line styles 15-127. The default line style for all operations is 0.
Except for line types found in the specified .cvt file, all other line types in AutoCAD are converted into AppliCad line styles according to their dash pattern definitions.
Colour style conversion file Allows the selection of a colour conversion file. The file allows the specification of an AutoCAD colour to specified AppliCad colours and weights. The dwgcolor.cvt default file is used unless otherwise specified.
Trailing and leading spaces to each field in the .cvt files are ignored.
All line weight information not used by AutoCAD may be preserved when reading and writing files.
All entity colours within blocks are translated by their original colours, which may not be the same if they were inserted in the DWG file as BYBLOCK. However, BYBLOCK (i.e. 0) may be mapped to any AppliCad colour. This also applies to BYLAYER (i.e. 256) inside block definitions. Outside block definition colour conversion of BYLAYER proceeds as normal. Colours are converted according to the dwgcolor.cvt file, which can be edited to define a user defined colour conversion table.
The file is composed of three columns. The weight column is optional. This allows line weight information not used by AutoCAD to be preserved when reading and writing files. The first column lists the DWG colour numbers. The second column lists the corresponding AppliCad colour numbers andvthe optional third column defines the AppliCad weight to be applied to the data of that colour. If no weight is specified for a given AutoCAD colour, the default weight is used. The default weight is 0 and determines that all entities with the specified AutoCAD colour will be
converted to the corresponding AppliCad colour with 0 weight. For example, an AutoCAD colour may have one corresponding row in the conversion file. If there are multiple entries in the conversion file for an AutoCAD colour, the first row will be the one used in all the colour conversions.
Font conversion file Allows the selection of a text font conversion file. The dwgfont.cvt default file is used unless otherwise specified.
Trailing and leading spaces to each field in the .cvt files are ignored.
Text fonts are converted according to the dwgfont.cvt file which can be edited by users, to define their font conversion table. The file is composed of two columns. The first column lists the DWG text font names. The second column lists the corresponding AppliCad text font names.
The font names are not case sensitive and are the file name for a specific font without the file extension. True type font files may be specified, however, the fonts must have been installed
correctly so that all registry information is set correctly.
When the OK button is selected, the Select DXF file dialog box is displayed from which the required DXF file to read is selected. If there are any block records within the DXF file, the database into which the sub-figures will be written is then selected.
When the translation is complete, the layer name and block name translation tables may be displayed on screen.
File > Export
These functions allow for the exporting of the respective file formats so that the geometry and other details created by AppliCad software may be distributed and shared with other interested parties.
- XML An RXF format file with XML headers (refer to last section of the manual for details)
- RXF AppliCad proprietary Roof eXchange Format files
- DXF… Universal ASCII CAD file format.
- GRIM… ASCII text GRIM format file generated by Roof Wizard
The Export XML code only exports roof and wall planes, so gable planes and ceiling planes are ignored. However, many other attributes about the roof geometry, line attributes, notes and fixtures are included. Details of source document and job database etc can be added via the appropriate export Output Options dialog box.
File > Export >XML
An RXF format file with XML headers and footers that are required to setup the file for input to certain systems.
XML Name – The name of the XML file to be output.
XML File Format – Changes the output format of the XML File – see below:
AppliCad Enhanced Format varies from AppliCad Standard Format in only one area. That being that dimensions are included in AppliCad Enhanced Format when output, but they are not included for AppliCad Standard Format.
Symbility Format is exactly the same as AppliCad Standard Format, with the one exception that only points, lines and planes making up the Roof/Wall model will be output. Any lines not directly attached to a roof or wall plane will not be output.
Chouinard Format – A format of the XML file specifically for the Chouinard Bros Roofing business in Canada.
Xactimate Format varies from the AppliCad Standard Format in the following areas:
- “<SKETCH_IMPORT xmlns://xsi=…” used in the header instead of “<APPLICAD_EXPORT xmlns:xsi=…”,
- No “<REFERENCE FILE=” output
- No “<DATABASE FILE=” output
- No “<NOTES>” output
- No “<NORTHORIENTATION=” output
- No holes allowed in plane output
- AutoCAD-style Orientation of FACE ORIENTATION, 0 degrees is along X-Axis of CPL and angles counter-clockwise.
- No “SIZEUOM” “PITCHUOM” “TYPE” “MAT=” or “SIZE=” output.
- “FASCIA”, “FASCIA-ONLY” and “GUTTER-ONLY” lines output as “EAVE”
- “GABLE”, “FASCIA-GABLE” lines output as “RAKE”
- “APRON” lines output as “FLASH”
- “STEP”, “TUCK-UNDER” lines output as “STEPFLASH”
- “User1 lines output as “PARAPET”
- “HIP”, “RIDGE” lines output as “RIDGE”
Reference File – Allows the user to specify a file that the XML file was created from. This option was provided to allow modellers to input the reference file such as a PDF or Image File that the model was created from.
Database Name – The name of the AppliCad Database file containing the reference data being output for the XML file.
Model Name – The name of the Model within the AppliCad Database containing the reference data being output for the XML file.
Delete Free Lines and Points – Determines whether to remove free lines and points from the model prior to export.
Additional Notes – Allows the user to specify additional notes to be included in the XML output. These notes will not be exported for the Xactimate format.
File > Export > RXF
The RXF file is an AppliCad proprietary file format for exporting the roof geometry in 3D with intelligent labels. It has been widely adopted as the standard format for sharing roof and wall geometry. It is more valuable than other exchange formats because it contains meaningful labels for roof plane areas and line types. A ridge line knows it is a ridge line for example, a roof plane will know whether it has tile, shingle or metal cover on it.
Export RXF is also a very handy way of reconstructing 3D geometry that might have become corrupted for any reason at all (you find this out by using the Tools > Check Model function). This can be used to send AppliCad 3D roof geometry back to old versions of Applicad software that do not support the version 6.n+ CAD database file format. It may also be used to share the 3D roof geometry with others such as roof truss designers – we are aware of several truss programs that accept the RXF file format.
RXF Output File Name – The name of the RXF file to create when exporting. The ellipsis button at the end of the file name […] can be used to browse the operating system for the appropriate output folder and file name.
Elements to Output – A toggle value between [Roof Elements] or [All Elements]. If All Elements is selected, all points, lines and planes will be included in the RXF output. If Roof Elements is selected, only points, lines and planes defining roof and wall elements (lines and planes) will be output.
Pack Model before Export – Setting this option to Yes will ensure that multiple points in the model sharing the same geometric location (x,y,z) will be combined into a single point. This option can simplify the output by ensuring minimal number of points are output to re-construct the model.
Delete Free Points – Setting this option to [Yes] will ensure any points in the model that are not being used to define a line or plane surface will be removed. Again, this serves to simplify the output by reducing the number of points output to only those that are required to reconstruct the model.
Be aware that it only exports the roof geometry, that is the points, lines and planes and their respective indeifying ‘tags’ for type such as ‘ridge’, ‘valley’ etc. Any other job details such as materials, costs, customer details etc that are saved with a regular CAD database (DAB) file, are not exported via RXF. This means that it cannot be used to import any other detail but the roof and wall geometry using Import RXF.
Indeed, RXF is the only export function that supports the entity tags, none of the other export utilities exports none graphical data of this type.
RXF can also include Arcs and Ruled Surfaces. For now, this new format is entitled Chouinard after the customer who requested the change.
File > Export > DXF
The File > Export > DXF command allows for the current model to be written as a .dxf file.
DXF file formats are transferred using the AppliCad current layer, line style, colour and font conversion files and contain what is considered to be the most common conversion that would be used. Conversion files must have the file extension .cvt and must be previously created in the correct file format.
Trailing and leading spaces to each field in the .cvt files are ignored. Write operations add extra information to the .cvt files.
Separate conversion files for reading and writing the same model can be created with the use of a text editor or when in the process of writing. The last line of all .cvt files should end with a carriage return.
When selected, the DXF File Output defaults dialog box is displayed.
Write all entities Allows all the entities to be written out to DXF format. This is a choice between Yes and No. If set to Yes, all entities will be written into the DXF file. If set to No, only currently visible entities will be written into the DXF file.
Unpack sub-figures Allows sub-figure entities to be written to DXF as packed or unpacked. This is a choice between Yes and No. If set to Yes, the entities within the sub-figures will be vectorised and written as 2D line records in the entities section of the DXF file.
If set to No, an insert record is written for each sub-figure instance with the name of the insert being the name of the subfigure. In this case, no block record is written.
Triangulate surfaces Allows surfaces to be written to DXF as 3D face records or as 3D line records which define the hatching. This is a choice between Yes and No. If set to Yes, all surfaces in the model are triangulated and each triangle will be written as a 3D Face record. If set to No, then the edges of the surface (including planes) and the line work defining the hatching on the plane will be written as 3D line records within the entities section of the DXF file.
Convert curves Allows curves to be converted when writing. This is a choice between Yes and No. If set to No, the maximum radius and Maximum path error options will not be available. If set to Yes, the Maximum radius and Maximum path error fields will be displayed. If set to Yes, all curves in the model will be written as arc and/or line records in the entities section of the DXF file.
Maximum radius Maximum path error Allows the maximum curve radius and path error to be set. All curves in the model will be written as arc and/or line records in the entities section of the DXF file. The parameters for arc calculation are the maximum radius for arcs and the maximum path error allowed. Only planar curves which are parallel to the model XY plane will be converted. Non-planar curves and curves not parallel to the model XY plane will be written as if the option was set to No.
The two parameters for arc calculation, maximum radius and maximum path error appear only when the convert curves option is set to Yes.
If set to No, all curves in the model are written as polyline records. For string curves, no spline fitting points are written. The number of spline fit points will be equal to five times the number of AppliCad curve control points.
Layer conversion file Allows the selection of a layer conversion file. The file allows the specification of an AutoCAD layer name, a AppliCad layer number and an optional AppliCad layer name. The dwglayer.cvt default file is used unless otherwise specified.
All information on the AutoCAD layer is transferred to the specified AppliCad layer number with the corresponding AppliCad layer name.
Trailing and leading spaces to each field in the .cvt files are ignored.
If the AutoCAD layer name is a number and there is no conversion file information specified, it will be transferred to the AppliCad layer of the same number. If the AutoCAD layer name is not a number and there is no conversion file information specified, it will be converted to the first free
AppliCad layer and is given the same name. Layer name conversions are not case sensitive.
Line style conversion file Allows the selection of a line style conversion file. The file allows the specification of an AutoCAD line type name to any of the predefined AppliCad style numbers (i.e. 0-14 inclusive). The dwgltype.cvt default file will be used unless specified.
The default line style for all operations is 0 (i.e. CONTINUOUS in AutoCAD). All line types are converted directly to AutoCAD using their dash pattern definitions and given the name defined
in the .cvt file or style_xx, where xx is the style number (i.e. 0-127).
Trailing and leading spaces to each field in the .cvt files are ignored.
Colour style conversion file Allows the selection of a colour conversion file. The file allows the specification of an AutoCAD colour table to specified AppliCad colours and weights. The dwgcolor.cvt default file is used unless otherwise specified.
All line weight information not used by AutoCAD may be preserved when reading and writing files. All entity colours within blocks are translated by their original colours, which may not be the same if they were inserted in the DWG file as BYBLOCK. However, BYBLOCK (i.e. 0) is now allowed to be mapped to any AppliCad colour.
Font conversion file Allows the selection of a text font conversion file. Font conversion files are the only files that are never written to by the software. All font conversion operation must be initiated manually.
The dwgfont.cvt default file is used unless otherwise specified.
Font conversion files are the only files that are never written to by the software. All font conversion operation must be initiated manually.
The font names are not case sensitive and are the file name for a specific font without the file extension. True type font files may be specified, however, the fonts must have been installed
correctly so that all registry information is set correctly.
Default (dwgfont.cvt) — Font conversion file #AutoCAD_Font_Name AppliCAd_Font_Name STANDARD ISO ROMANC CENTURY ITALICC CENTURY ROMAND NEWS ITALICD NEWS ROMANS AVANTE ITALICS AVANTE ROMANT FILLED ITALICT FILLED SCRIPTS FREEFAST SCRIPTC FREEFAST
File > Export > GRIM
The complete description of the use of the GRIM file is described in the section on Reporting.
https://help.applicad.com/report/#GRIM_File_Format
Sub-Fig
Takes you into the Sub-Figure menu.
- Open… Allows you to open an existing subfigure from a Database.
- Save As… Allows you to save a sub-figure into a Database.
- Merge Allows you to merge a sub-figure into the current model.
Works the same as File > Open etc described above, except that it is only applicable to Sub-Figures. Sub-Figures are CAD entities that can be managed as one entity. For example if you had lots of HVAC units to install on a roof, you might draw them in 3D and then make then into a Sub-Figure so that they can be placed as a single item. In an architectural sense, this applies to things like windows and doors etc.
AppliCad uses this process extensively and in particular with what we call Fixtures. Refer to that section of this manual.
Recover Crash
Recovers a job that has been ‘auto-saved’ to a Crash-File.
This allows you to go back to the latest saved ‘Crash’ file. The software may be set to save your work every set number of operations (default is 50). After you complete 50 operations, a file is saved called Crash1.CRA and alternatively Crash2.CRA (incase the first one is corrupted). If your system crashes or drops out for any reason (power outage for example), you can go back to the latest crash file, ths minimising the amount of ork that you might have lost. As soon as you read the crash file, and decide that it is the most recent, don’t forget to do a File > Save.
Exit
Quits out of the software. If a model is not saved, you will be prompted to do so.