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How do I move my Exported simulations to a different computer or iPad?

Rich Merritt avatar
Written by Rich Merritt
Updated over a week ago

Transferring Fire Studio 7 Simulations Between Computers and iPad

Fire Studio 7 simulations can be transferred between computers and to the Fire Studio 7 iPad Player App. This guide walks you through the process step-by-step.


Moving Exported Simulations to Another Computer

  1. Locate Exported Files

    • Each simulation creates two files with the same name but different extensions:

      • .dcs (simulation file)

      • .lbr (library file)

    • Example: 123MainSt.dcs and 123MainSt.lbr

  2. Copy Both Files

    • Copy both files together โ€” they must stay paired.

  3. Organize in Folders

    • On the new computer, go to Documents/FireStudio7/.

    • Optionally create a subfolder (e.g., BlueCard) to keep files organized.

  4. Paste the Files

    • Paste both the .dcs and .lbr files into the chosen folder.

  5. Load the Simulation in Fire Studio

    • Open Fire Studio on the new computer.

    • Choose Open or Load and select the .dcs file (the .lbr file will appear grayed out).

  6. Run the Simulation

    • Press P to enter Present Mode and use arrow keys to navigate.

    • Press A to return to Author Mode.


Transferring Simulations to iPad

The Fire Studio 7 iPad Player App can load your simulations once theyโ€™re transferred from your computer.

๐Ÿ”น On a Mac (macOS Catalina or later)

  1. Connect iPad using USB or Wi-Fi.

  2. Open Finder and select your iPad in the sidebar.

  3. Select Fire Studio App under Files.

  4. Transfer Files:

    • Mac โž iPad: Drag .dcs and .lbr files into the Fire Studio app list.

    • iPad โž Mac: Drag files from the Fire Studio app list into Finder.

  5. Delete Files (optional): Select a file under the Fire Studio app list, press Command + Delete, then confirm.


๐Ÿ”น On Windows (Using iTunes)

This is where most users run into problems. Follow these steps carefully:

  1. Install iTunes (if not already installed):

  2. Connect iPad to PC

    • Use the Apple USB cable.

    • Unlock your iPad and, if prompted, tap Trust This Computer.

  3. Launch iTunes

    • Open iTunes on your PC.

    • Look for the iPad icon in the top-left corner of the iTunes window. Click it.

    • If your iPad doesnโ€™t appear:

      • Try a different USB port or cable.

      • Confirm your iPad is unlocked.

      • Make sure iTunes is the latest version.

  4. Open File Sharing

    • In the left sidebar, click File Sharing.

    • Select the Fire Studio app from the list.

  5. Transfer Files

    • PC โž iPad:

      1. Click Add File.

      2. Select both the .dcs and .lbr files from your computer.

      3. Click Add. They will now appear under Fire Studio Documents on your iPad.

    • iPad โž PC:

      1. Select the files under Fire Studio Documents.

      2. Click Save To and choose a folder on your PC.

  6. Delete Files (optional)

    • Select the file in the Fire Studio Documents list.

    • Press Delete on your keyboard and confirm.


๐ŸŽฅ Video Tutorial:

Watch a video tutorial on moving sims to iPads here.


โœ… Tips and Troubleshooting

  • Always transfer both the .dcs and .lbr files together.

  • If your iPad is not detected in iTunes, update iTunes, your iPad, and Windows.

  • Use only genuine Apple cables when possible โ€” cheap third-party cables may not allow file transfer.

  • Keep simulations organized in folders on your computer before transferring.


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