Sharing Tool Palettes and Palette Groups

You can save tool palettes and palette groups by exporting them to external files:

• XTP files store tool palettes. Tool palettes are stored in separate files.
• XPG files store palette groups. You can export groups in separate files or all groups in one file.

Along with XTP files, separate folders group images for tools with user-defined images.

Note: XTP and XPG files do not automatically update when you update a tool palette or palette group.

Using XTP and XPG files, you can:

• Transfer tool palettes and palette groups from one computer to another
• Share tool palettes and palette groups with your colleagues
• Store tool palettes that you no longer need for later use

Copy the folder containing XTP files on a shared drive or network location to allow your colleagues to work with the tool palettes.

You can share the same tools to any number of colleagues involved in the same project. To access the same tool palettes and palette groups, other members of the team must import the corresponding XTP and XPG files. For example, you can share the same Blocks and hatches.

Notes:

• Block definitions are not automatically saved when exporting a tool palette. When transferring a palette containing Blocks, you must copy the files containing Block definitions as well. Block definitions are not saved with the palette.
• When sharing the XTP file, you must share the images as well.

Best practice:

Before sharing tool palettes and palette groups, take into account the following aspects:

• Copy the folder containing XTP and XPG files on a shared drive or network location to allow other team members to work with the same tool palettes.
• XTP and XPG files do not automatically update when updating tool palettes and palette groups. If you share the files within a team, after updating a tool palette or a palette group, make sure that all members have access to the latest version of the files. When updates are required, apply changes in the source location, export again to XTP or XPG format and update the files in the shared folder.
• Make sure that content cannot be accidentally modified by all users.
  • Use Read-Only access for most users
  • Use Write access only for users responsible with company standards update

To export tool palettes and palette groups:

1. On the Tool Palette, click Options and select Customize Palette from the menu.
2. In the Customize - Tools Palette dialog box, do one of the following:

   To export a tool palette:

   • Under Palettes, right-click a palette name and select Export.

   To export a palette group:

   • Under Palette Groups, right-click a group name and select an export option.
     • Export. Exports a palette group to an .xpg file.
     • Export all. Exports a palette group to an .xpg file.
3. In the dialog box, specify the following:
   • Save in: Navigate to the folder where you want to store the file.
   • File name: Type a name for the file.
   • Save as type: Select an .xtp type.
4. Click Save.

   The export file is generated in the specified folder and you can use it to transfer the tool palette or the palette group to another computer.

To export the current palette, on the Tool Palette, click Options and select Export from the menu.

To import tool palettes and palette groups:

Before importing a palette group, make sure to import all palettes from the group.

1. Copy the corresponding files to the desired location.

   If the palette contains Blocks, copy the block files as well.

2. On the Tool Palette, click Options and select Import Palette.
3. Navigate to the file containing the tool palette or the palette group files.
4. Select the file to import and click Open.