Transferring Global Variables to a new Library

Transferring Global Variables to a new Library

This article will explain the process of transferring customized Global Variables from your current library to a new installation of the Microvellum Foundation Library. 

The G! Workbook

 
The Foundation Library contains all standard and custom data in its database in a series of spreadsheets referred to as Workbooks, each of which encompasses a specific section of the library. For example, the hardware and edgebanding libraries are contained in the H! and E! workbooks, while the standardized template of Foundation Library data is found in the F! workbook. Microvellum has a built-in function to allow users to open and customize their workbooks, the Workbook Designer feature. (For more information on Workbook Designer, visit this article.)

Global variables can be altered through the Global File interface, but the data is saved to the G! workbook. As such, any customizations that have been applied to one's Global Variables will be visible in this workbook, presenting an easy means for saving and applying your customized global variables to your new Foundation Library. To access your G! workbook:
  1. Open your Library Specification Groups under Toolbox Setup.
  2. Click the icon in the upper left corner to open the Workbook Designer.
  3. Navigate to the spreadsheet titled “G” and set it to full screen. 

For a helpful guide on the layout and structure of the G! workbook, visit this article.

Copying a Workbook

To transfer the data from your previous Global workbook to a new library’s Global workbook, you will need to create a copy of your current Global workbook. This can be done through the Workbook Designer interface by simply opening the G! workbook and selecting File>Save As. However, the workbook must be saved with the correct file extension to be usable.

In Microvellum, datasets from the software can be saved to a new local file safely by adding the correct file extension to the name of the new file, which varies depending on the dataset being saved.

Microvellum File Extensions (Files)
  1. CUTX (Cut File for subassemblies and products)
  2. CTPX (Cut Parts)
  3. EDGX (Edgebanding)
  4. DSVX (Doors)
  5. PWVX (Project Wizard) 
  6. GVFX (Global Variables)
  7. HWRX (Hardware)
  8. FVFX (Factory)
  9. TLFX (Tool File)
Saving the files this way preserves the data within them and allows the files to be opened using the Workbook Designer standalone application that is downloaded in conjunction with the Microvellum software. As such, data within these copies should remain formatted correctly to be compatible and fully functional when copied into your new Global workbook.
  1. Open the G! workbook, then click File>Save As to create a copy somewhere on your device. 
  2. Give your copied file an appropriate name and add the .GVFX file extension at the end of the name before saving it. 
Alternatively, you may create a copy on your local disk using the Database Explorer utility in MIcrovellum, which will add the file extension automatically. To create a copy this way:
  1. Open Toolbox Setup>Options>Utilities>Database Explorer.
  2. With the utility open, in the Databases column, open MicrovellumFactory>Your version of the Foundation Library>Specification Groups>Imperial/Metric Specification Group.
  3. Select your Global File.
  4. Open your local disk drive in the Windows Explorer column (usually C:\).
  5. Navigate to the specific location on your disk you wish to copy the Global File to (such as Documents, Downloads, a specific folder, etc.)
  6. Drag and drop the Global File to your intended location. This will create a copy of the file with the correct formatting automatically. 

With a copy of your global workbook saved, it is recommended to open the file to double check that your variables are set up correctly and the workbook copy opens without issue. You can now install your new Foundation Library from the Microvellum Portal (see this article for instructions on downloading the latest full install for your library.)

Copying Global Variables 

With your new library downloaded and installed, you can begin the process of re-adding in your custom global variables from your copied workbook to your new workbook. 

  1. Open your copied workbook. This should open in the standalone Workbook Designer application (provided the file was saved correctly with the GVFX extension.)
  2. Open the software and access the Workbook Designer feature from within the Library Specification Groups interface. 
  3. With both workbooks open, copy the desired Global Variables from the other/older library. 
  4. Paste the variables either at the bottom of the worksheet or adjacent to variables in the same category.
    1. The variables will be visible in the worksheet but are not yet defined. Variables must have a defined name for them to function properly as a global.
  5. Highlight the name and the value of the variable and select Insert from the top left drop-down menu. 
  6. Find the ‘Defined Name’ option in the menu and select ‘From Selection’. A dialog box will appear to select an option to ‘Create Names from Selection’. Leave as Left Column.
  7. The highlighted cells will now be instantly defined, and you can see the change takes place in the top left drop down menu for defined names.
  8. Check for overlapping names in the ‘Name Manager’ after adding variables to your worksheets. Ensure there is little to no overlap, or it may interfere with the function of the variable. 

    • Related Articles

    • Overview of Workbook Designer

      The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the Workbook Designer feature. How to Access the Workbook Designer The most commonly used method for accessing Workbook Designer is through the Edit Design Data feature, which can be accessed ...

    • Overview of Database Explorer

      This article provides an overview of the Database Explorer feature. Your library is likely going to be uniquely different from that of another company. It is essential to back up your data as often as you feel necessary to maintain the integrity of ...

    • Introduction to the Global Workbook

      The Global Workbook can be accessed through the Workbook Designer interface and is labeled as the “G” workbook. All Global Variable information in the correct workbook location is visible and available to edit in the Global Variable user interface ...

    • Understanding the Workbook Designer Interface

      Workbook Designer InterfaceWorkbook Designer contains more tools than the Edit Design Data interface. However, some of the advanced features of Edit Design Data are not available when working through Workbook Designer. The automatic formatting of ...

    • Global Variables vs Project Wizard Variables

      The purpose of this article is to distinguish the difference between Microvellum's Global Variables versus its Project Wizard.  The Project Wizard is composed of variables that typically fluctuate and are often changed from project to project. The ...

    • Recent Articles

    • Toolbox Release Notes | Build 25.1.1218.641

      The following release notes apply to Toolbox build 25.1.1218.641 Part Properties Fixes A handful of issues centered around the Part Properties interface have been resolved: The Reference for Measurement tool in the interface has been fully removed ...

    • Transferring Global Variables to a new Library

      This article will explain the process of transferring customized Global Variables from your current library to a new installation of the Microvellum Foundation Library. The G! Workbook The Foundation Library contains all standard and custom data in ...

    • Microvellum Foundation Library Release Notes | Build 25.1121

      The following release notes apply to the Microvellum Foundation Library build 25.1121. Additions Added the new product, Master Island End Cabinet, to the Master Cabinets FF product category. Added the Nesting Optimization Report Select Processing ...

    • Toolbox Release Notes | Build 25.1.1204.641

      The following release notes apply to Toolbox build 25.1.1204.641 Toolbox Login Screen Update Fig. 1: The updated Toolbox Login interface. The Toolbox Login interface has had several changes applied to it to enhance its usability and allow for greater ...

    • Toolbox Release Notes | Build 25.1.1120.641

      The following release notes apply to Toolbox build 25.1.1120.641 Mouse Wheel Fix There was a reported issue in certain interfaces (such as report groups) in which hovering over a dropdown menu (such as Output Type) would result in the options within ...