Splitting and Merging Record Formats

Record format data can be manipulated, so that data from one record format can be split into two formats, or data from two record formats can be combined into one. No record data is lost during these transfers.

Splitting Record Formats

Record fields, and associated data, from one record format can be transferred to another new record format. This is useful, for example, when importing GIS data (Vectorworks Design Series required) with a significant number of record fields that may need to be reorganized.

To split a record format into two formats:

  1. At least one record format must be present in the file. Select Tools > Records > Split Record Format.

  2. The Split Record Format dialog box opens. Select the record format to edit from the Source Record Format list.

  3. Click to place a check mark next to the record fields that should be split from the selected format.

  4. Enter a name for the new record format; it will contain the split record fields.

  5. Click OK.

The indicated record fields (and associated data) are removed from the source record format and placed in the new record format, in record format order. All objects which had the original record format attached now have both the original record format and the new record format attached. No record fields and data are lost during this operation.

Merging Record Formats

The record fields, and associated data, from two record formats can be merged into one record format.

To merge two record formats:

  1. At least two record formats must be present in the file. Select Tools > Records > Merge Record Formats.

  2. The Merge Record Formats dialog box opens.

  3. Select the format to be merged from the Merge Record Format list.

  4. The record fields from this record format will be merged, and this record format will be deleted.

  5. Select the record format to receive the record fields that are merged.

  6. Click OK.

The merged record fields are appended to the end of the receiving format’s record fields, in record format order. If there is a naming conflict and there are two fields with the same name, the transferred field name begins with an “_” (underscore). Any objects which had the first format attached now have the merged record attached instead. Any objects which already had the merged record attached now have the additional record fields included. The first Merge Record Format is deleted.

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Creating Record Formats

Editing Record Formats

 

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