MechDesigner Reference & User Interface > 1: General Menus and Toolbars > File > File

A Library-File is a model that you can import and merge with the active Mechanism-Editor. It has the LXL file-extension.

Use Import Library File to save time. Use the Import Library File interface to review the Library File before you import it.

Warnings

1.You cannot undo Import Library File.

2.Auto-save starts only after you save the model with a file-name.

Import Library File interface

There are two libraries:

Standard Library - for those customers that have Annual Support can download these models from our website.

User Library - your Library Files.

You need these files in the User Library Path

LibraryFile.LXL - see Save as > File of Type > Library File (.LXL)

Optionally, LibraryFile.MTD when the Library File needs a Motion.

To get the maximum use from your User Library and the Import Library-File interface, you need these files in the same path as the LibraryFile.LXL

LibraryFile.PNG - an image - ideal size is 480 x 360 that is a snapshot of the model in the Library File.

To save a 480×360 image, use File menu > Movie: File-type: PNG ; File-path: User Library Path ; Frame Size: 430 × 360 ; Press Single Shot button.

LibraryFile.RTF - a description of the model, and what to edit (ideally with a Design-Set).

Use Word®, for example.

Optionally:

LibraryFile24.PNG - an icon that is to the left of each Library-File

Use an image-editor to make an image that has exactly 24x24 pixels, with a transparent background (Note that the file-name is appended with 24).

STEP 1:Click to select a Mechanism-Editor or Edit a Part

Model-Editor: You add the Library File to a new Mechanism-Editor on the Front Plane.

Mechanism-Editor: You will merge the Library File with the active Mechanism-Editor.

Remember, you can add a Mechanism-Editor to a Plane that references a moving Line in a Part - see Add Plane to Line

Part: If the Library File is Geometry ONLY, then edit a Part to import the Geometry onto the Part.

STEP 2: File toolbar > Import Library-File

STEP 3: Use the Import Library File interface (see above) to find a Library file:

Standard Library - provided by PSMotion

User Library - your Library Files

When you click a Library file, you see:

an image that is a preview of the Library-File

a note that describes the Library File and how and which dimensions and parameters to edit its, ideally with a Design-Set.

STEP 4: Click the Load button

We load the Library File immediately into the Mechanism-Editor or Part - see STEP 1

STEP 5: Click ⛒ to close the dialog

File | Import Library File