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What Can I Do in the File Menu?

Explains what each option in the file menu does.

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Written by Daniel Smith
Updated over 3 months ago

The File menu in Roof Wizard is where you manage your projects — from starting new jobs, opening or saving existing models, merging files, and managing your database layout.
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Below is a breakdown of each function available in the File menu and how to use it effectively.
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File > New

  • Clears the current workspace and starts a new job
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  • Prompts you to save any unsaved work before clearing

Tip: Use this when switching between jobs or starting fresh with new geometry.

File > Open

Opens an existing job model. Default location: C:\AppliCad\Roof Wizard\User. Supports shared drives (e.g. Z:\User).
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Opening Process:

  • Select a .DAB file (left pane)
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  • Choose a model (right pane)
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  • Optionally view a preview (if saved with preview enabled)

📄 Best Practice:

  • Use one .DAB file per client or time period (e.g. PorterHomesQ3-2024.dab)
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  • Avoid putting all jobs in one large file (e.g. JOBS.dab)
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File > Open Quote

Search and open jobs by quotation number. Sort by name or date. Ideal for managing Supply Only / Supply & Install jobs.

File > Open Thumbnails

Same as File - Open, however, allows you to view visual previews of each model.
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File > Save

Saves the current model. If it's unsaved, prompts for database and model name. Optionally enable preview image.
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  • Check the status bar for model/database name. If it says None It hasn't been saved yet.

File > Save As

Same as Save, but always prompts for a new name, location, or database.

File > Merge Model

Merge another model into your current one. Prompts for insertion point.

Follow the prompts carefully.

File > Layout

Customise the interface:

  • Simple – Fewer menus, easier for new users
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  • Full – All functions visible
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  • Read-Only – View/print only, no editing (used when license is not activated)
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File > Save Values

Saves your current defaults and settings into Values.DEF.
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To show the Complex status bar:

  • Turn on Menu (Menu > Menu On)
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  • Go to CAD > Defaults > Switches
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  • Then go to File > Layout > Save Values to save the view.

Above is the 'Complex Status Bar'.

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.

It would be good practice to click 'Save Values' every time after changing custom settings. Otherwise, you may need to change that setting every time you open the software.

File > Search Database

Indexes every CAD database and model in the ..\User folder for easy search and selection.

File > Import

Imports external geometry and data into Roof Wizard.
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Supported Formats:

  • XML – AppliCad's RXF-based format with headers; supports enhanced geometry transfer and formatted readability
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  • RXF – Proprietary 3D geometry format with intelligent tags (e.g. line types, roof plane types)
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  • DXF – Industry-standard CAD format; uses conversion files for layer, line style, font, and color mapping
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  • GRIM – Text-based job details import; often used for reporting setup


Key Features:

  • XML Import: Clean formatting, header-based structure, automatic readability improvement. Great for model sharing with systems needing XML.
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  • RXF Import: Ideal for reconstructing or restoring 3D geometry from legacy versions or external measurement services like Eagleview or Pictometry.
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  • DXF Import: Highly configurable. Supports sub-figure handling, curve conversion, and custom layer/line style/color translation via .cvt files.
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  • GRIM Import: Loads job metadata using specific keyword strings. Great for auto-filling proposal data.
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Import processes often trigger automatic model cleanup (e.g. deleting free lines and points).

File > Export

The Export options in Roof Wizard allow you to share model geometry and job data in a range of standard and proprietary file formats. This is helpful when collaborating with other stakeholders, backing up job data, or integrating with other systems.

Supported Export Formats

Format

Description

XML

AppliCad's RXF format with XML headers

RXF

(Roof eXchange Format) AppliCad's proprietary file format

DXF

Universal ASCII CAD file format

GRIM

ASCII text format used by Roof Wizard for reporting

File > Export > XML

This format outputs geometry and related job information in an RXF format file with XML headers/footers, designed for compatibility with external systems.

  • Note: Only roof and wall planes are exported; gables and ceiling planes are not included. Other metadata such as line attributes, notes, and fixture details are included.

XML Options:

  1. XML Name:

    • Output file name

  2. XML File Format:

AppliCad Standard

Geometry only (no dimensions)

AppliCad Enhanced

Includes dimensions

Symbility Format

Geometry only (no loose geometry)

Xactimate Format

XML adjusted to suit Xactimate import rules (e.g., orientation, tag substitutions, and tag omissions).

For more detail see Xactimate XML Format.

Chouinard Format

Tailored to Chouinard Bros Roofing (Canada)

Additional Fields:

  • Reference File: Attach the original source file (e.g., PDF/image)

  • Database Name: Name of the source AppliCad database

  • Model Name: Model within the database to export

  • Delete Free Lines and Points: Option to remove unused geometry before export

  • Additional Notes: Text field for extra notes (excluded from Xactimate format

File > Export > RXF

  • Export detailed 3D geometry with intelligent labels.

  • Often used for sharing with truss design tools or older AppliCad versions.

  • Optional settings:

    • Output only roof elements or all geometry

    • Pack model points

    • Remove unused points

RXF is the only format that includes label metadata (e.g., ridge, valley) during export.

File > Export > DXF

  • Writes your model to .dxf, with full control over:

    • Which entities are included

    • Sub-figure handling

    • Curve and surface conversion

    • Layer, colour, font, and line style mappings via .cvt files

Fonts must be installed correctly on your system to ensure proper formatting.

File > Export > GRIM

Sub-Figures

What is a Sub-Figure?

  • Sub-figures are grouped CAD entities (points, lines, shapes) that can be managed as a single item.

  • They are especially helpful for creating representations for items such as HVAC units, windows, doors, or architectural fixtures.

You can access sub-figure tools via the Sub-Fig menu.

Action

Description

Sub-Figure > Open

Load an existing sub-figure

Sub-Figure > Save As

Create reusable sub-figures

Sub-Figure > Merge

Add a sub-figure to your current model

Why Use Sub-Figures?

  • This is helpful when working with repeated elements.

    For example:

    • You can create a 3D model of an HVAC unit and save it as a sub-figure.

    • Then, reuse that same unit across multiple roof models without redrawing it.

  • Makes it easier to maintain consistency across multiple jobs.

  • Helps speed up complex model creation, especially for frequently used elements.

How Roof Wizard Uses Sub-Figures

  • Sub-figures are used extensively throughout the software, particularly for Fixtures.

  • Fixtures are pre-made 3D elements (e.g. skylights, vents, solar panels) that can be placed into a model.

  • When you insert a Fixture, you’re effectively inserting a sub-figure with additional intelligence (metadata, behaviors, etc.).

💡 For more on Fixtures, refer to Fixtures.

Recover Crash

If your system crashes or loses power, this feature helps recover unsaved work:

  • Roof Wizard automatically saves to Crash1.CRA and Crash2.CRA every 50 operations (default).

  • Load the most recent file and save it using File > Save if it’s what you need.

Exit

  • Closes the application.

  • If there’s unsaved work, you’ll be asked to save before exiting.

Related Articles
How Do I Navigate and Use the Roof Wizard Interface?
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