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Data Import from EPLAN 21

Data Import from EPLAN 21

EPLAN Training

Data Import from EPLAN 21

Transferring Symbol Libraries from EPLAN 21..........................................3

Assigning Function Definitions (Loading data from EPLAN 21) ..............5

Editing the Connection Point Assignments (Loading data from EPLAN


21)...................................................................................................................8

Transferring Mounting Panel Symbols from EPLAN 21 ..........................11

Transferring Plug Symbols from EPLAN 21 .............................................13

Transferring Plot Frames from EPLAN 21 ................................................17

Transferring Forms from EPLAN 21..........................................................19

Transferring Parts Data from EPLAN 21 ...................................................21

Exporting Parts Data to EPLAN 21 ............................................................23

10

Transferring Language Entries from EPLAN 21.......................................25

11

Exporting Language Entries to EPLAN 21................................................28

12

Transferring Macro Data from EPLAN 21 .................................................31

13

Specifying a Symbol Library Assignment for the EPLAN 21 Macro


Transfer .......................................................................................................33

14

Transferring Projects from EPLAN 21.......................................................35

15

Transferring Projects in Default Mode from EPLAN 21: Specify Symbol


Library Assignments ..................................................................................38

This functionality is only available for certain module packages. Info

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Data Import from EPLAN 21

Transferring Symbol Libraries from EPLAN 21

Project > EPLAN 21 data import > Symbol library


1. In the EPLAN 21 symbol library import dialog, click [...] in the Source field.

2. In the Select symbol library dialog select the EPLAN 21 symbol library to be
imported. Multiple selection is not possible here.

3. Click on [Open].

4. Select the Transfer from schematic symbols option and specify the
assignment table in the Original library drop-down list.
Or select the Transfer of mounting panel symbols option.

5. Click [...] in the Target field.

6. Specify in the Browse For Folder dialog where the new symbol library should
be generated.

7. Click [OK].
The symbols are transferred and a progress bar shows the process.
Original EPLAN 21 symbols are not converted, but rather assigned to the
corresponding symbols. Symbols generated or changed by the user, on the
other hand, are saved in a new symbol library and any problems are stored as
properties in this symbol library.
The Function definition assignment - <Symbol library> dialog opens
and displays the symbols of the newly generated symbol library. The program
uses the information from the assignment table or for unknown symbols
EPLAN Training

Data Import from EPLAN 21


the EPLAN 21-specific properties "Coils / contact function <4115>" and
"Device class <4003>" as well as the number of connection points in order to
assign the correct function definitions to the symbols in the new symbol library.
It is then checked as to whether the respective function definition matches. If
the function definition was only allocated based on the device class, or it did
not match, a property is saved for the symbol, which helps to select inaccurate
function definitions. In this case a function definition was assigned by the
system that was determined from the separate assignment "EPLAN 21
properties for function definitions". These are only partially correct (NO
contacts, but never delayed NO contacts).

8. Click [Close].

9. Click [OK] in the window that informs you about the status of the data transfer.

Note:
All properties that are also activated in EPLAN 21 are placed on the symbols. The
properties are then placed on the corresponding layers and docked next to one
another in the sequence they were shown in EPLAN 21. The text sizes for the
properties are set to From layer.

This functionality is only available for certain module packages. Info

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Data Import from EPLAN 21

Assigning Function Definitions (Loading data


from EPLAN 21)

The Function definition assignment - <Symbol library> dialog is automatically


opened after the symbol library import, but it can be manually called up via Utilities >
Master data> Symbol library > Function definition assignment. This dialog
displays the symbols and their assigned function definitions in a list, and the list can
be sorted (click the column heading to sort the contents). For every selected symbol,
the graphic of the imported basic symbol and the corresponding associated basic
symbol are shown in the lower portion of the dialog so you can quickly recognize
what type of problem you have.
Any problems that occurred during the data transfer are shown in the upper right
portion of the dialog. One click on a property will select the corresponding symbol in
the list. If the problem is solved, the property can be manually set to "Completed".
The symbols should be revised as follows:
Precondition:
You have selected an EPLAN 21 symbol library for transfer and defined the
appropriate entries in the EPLAN 21 symbol library import dialog.
1. Click a problem message in the upper right portion of the dialog.
The corresponding symbol will be selected in the list.
Or click the symbol in the list that you would like to revise.

2. Click [...] in the Function definition field of the Symbol data group box (right
portion of the dialog).

3. Select a project from the Opened projects list in the Project selection dialog.

4. Click [OK].

EPLAN Training

Data Import from EPLAN 21


5. Select the appropriate function definition in the Function definitions dialog.
The corresponding data will be transferred to the Attributes and
Connection point data tabs.

6. Click [OK].

7. If necessary, click [Extras] > Basic symbol library in order to select a


different basic symbol library.

8. If necessary, click [Extras] > Symbol variant assignment in order to assign


other connection points.

9. In the Completed column select the check box to indicate that the problem
has been "solved".

10. Proceed in the same way for all other symbols you would like to revise.

11. Click [Close].


The modified settings are adopted.

Note:
Default for the basic symbol library is Base_DIC if "DIC", "DIN", or "IEC" occur in the
symbol library names. If the symbol library name contains the character string "JIC",
the Base_JIC basic symbol library is set. The same process applies to "MSR"
(Base_MSR), "Single" (Base_Single) and "PNE" (Base_Pneumatic).

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Data Import from EPLAN 21


This functionality is only available for certain module packages. Info

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Data Import from EPLAN 21

Editing the Connection Point Assignments


(Loading data from EPLAN 21)

The sequence of connection points is important for correctly assigning the function
definition connection points to the symbol so that every function definition matches
the connection point assignment of every variant of a symbol without changes. After
the transfer of a symbol library, the symbols are assigned function definitions. In
order to avoid problems associated with having to revise the sequence of connection
points, the sequence of connection points can be defined for individual symbol
variants to where they match the function definition: The individual symbol variant
connection points are each assigned to a function definition connection point.
Because most variants are just rotations and mirrors of the template variant (one of
eight default variants), they are analyzed during the symbol transfer, and each
identified with one of the A-H variants. Some of them can be securely assigned while
others do not allow a secure assignment. Because the Function definition
assignment - <Symbol library> dialog displays all of the variants of every symbol
as well as the basic symbol with its four associated variants, and the connection point
numbers are displayed in the symbol preview, you can recognize in one glance
whether the transferred symbol variants are different from the basic symbol variants.
If a difference is found, proceed as follows:
Preconditions:
You have selected an EPLAN 21 symbol library for transfer and defined the

appropriate entries in the EPLAN 21 symbol library import dialog.


You have started the transfer.
The Function definition assignment - <Symbol library> dialog is open.
The function definition matches the first variants for the symbol.
The rotation direction of the variants is clockwise.
The 1, 2, 3, and 4 variants have a rotation angle of 0, 90, 180 and 270.

1. Select [Extras] > Symbol variant assignment.

2. In the Symbol variant assignment dialog you assign a basic symbol variant
to the variants of the imported symbol.
The variant number of the basic symbol (A-H) is saved as the variant
number on the imported symbol and the connection points from the basic
EPLAN Training

Data Import from EPLAN 21


symbol variant are written to the variants of the imported symbol. In addition,
the P8 variant (A-H) to which the previous EPLAN 21 variants 0-3 were
assigned are saved with the symbol. This information is necessary for
correctly assigning the connection point designations to the function in a later
project or macro transfers.

3. Click [OK].

4. Proceed in a similar manner for all other problems that may occur.

Symbols that have been edited in EPLAN 21, where P8 cannot identify the
connection points during the transfer, must be revised in the symbol editor.
Example:

In this case the program cannot recognize that "X3" is also mirrored. The PE
connection point should be on the left and not on the right. In this case, you also
have to switch the variant C connection points in the symbol editor to solve this
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Data Import from EPLAN 21


problem.

This functionality is only available for certain module packages. Info

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Data Import from EPLAN 21

Transferring Mounting Panel Symbols from


EPLAN 21

Connections on mounting plate pages are not supported by the program. Symbols
transferred in the normal way can therefore not be used for mounting panels. In
EPLAN 21 this type of symbol is independent of the page type and the symbol itself
does not indicate whether it was created especially for mounting panels. You have to
define the symbol transfer yourself:
Project > EPLAN 21 data import > Symbol library
1. In the EPLAN 21 symbol library import dialog, click [...] in the Source field.

2. In the Select symbol library dialog select the EPLAN 21 symbol library to be
imported that contains the mounting panel symbols. Multiple selection is not
possible here.

3. Click on [Open].

4. Select the Transfer of mounting panel symbols option.

5. From the Original library drop-down list select the table to be used for
assigning old and new symbols. Based on an internal comparison the program
suggests an assignment table here. If no suitable table can be found, the
drop-down list remains empty and you can select the table manually.

6. Click [...] in the Target field.

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Data Import from EPLAN 21


7. Specify in the Browse For Folder dialog where the new symbol library should
be generated.

8. Click [OK].
In the default macro directory, a folder is created that adopts the name of
the symbol library and generates macros from the symbols. Only graphics and
not connection points are transferred. Use the graphic dimensions to generate
the special "Parts placement " symbol and exchange the placed properties
with property placements.
The macro name is automatically generated according to the following rule:
<Symbol name>_<Variant as number>

Possible problems are stored as properties in the macro. Because macros


do not contain functions, the Function definition assignment - <Symbol
library> does not open.

9. Click [OK] in the window that informs you about the status of the data transfer.

This functionality is only available for certain module packages. Info

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Data Import from EPLAN 21

Transferring Plug Symbols from EPLAN 21

A part is generated in the parts management for every plug name defined in EPLAN
21. To do this the EPLAN 21 symbol libraries are searched internally for the "Device
class <4003>" = "Plug" property, and other symbols are ignored.
The following information can be stored in the EPLAN 21 symbol library plugs.sym:

Plug graphic

Symbol description

Number of plug contacts

Connection point designations

Potential types

Function texts

Symbol references.

Taken altogether, this data provides the graphic for the symbols and their device
information.
Note:
The symbol references are references to other symbol libraries, for example
DIC_WUP.SYM, or customer-specific symbol libraries. The function definitions are
therefore taken from them. It is recommended that you transfer the symbols for plugs
before transferring the plug types. If a symbol library with symbol references has
already been transferred, the function definitions are taken from the P8 library.

The plug contacts defined in the symbol library plugs.sym are each assigned one of
the following function definitions:

Plug / male and female pin

PE plug / male and female pin

N plug / male and female pin.

If you select one of the two options Update existing data for the data transfer, only
the following data will be updated for existing part numbers:

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Data Import from EPLAN 21

Function template

Color / no.

Potential.

With this type of imported data you can then copy the "technical data" into parts
management in order to add it to parts with just sales data.
The part number is automatically generated from the EPLAN 21 symbol library
names and the symbol names.
Example:
Plugs_Harting 16+PE" for the symbol "Harting 16+PE" from the plugs symbol library

Because the plug functions in EPLAN 21 must also be transferred to the parts
database as plug numbering schemes, a separate menu item is available here for the
data transfer. Proceed as follows:
Project > EPLAN 21 data import > Plug data
1. Click [...] in the Source field of the EPLAN 21 plug data import dialog.

2. In the Select symbol library dialog select the EPLAN 21 symbol library for
plugs to be imported. plugs.sym is the default symbol library. Multiple
selection is impossible here.

3. Click on [Open].

4. Click [...] in the Target field.

5. In the Select parts database dialog select the parts database to which the
plug symbols are to be transferred.

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Data Import from EPLAN 21


6. Click on [Open].

7. In the Import group box select one of the options for handling existing / new
parts records.

8. Click [OK].
The data is transferred and a progress bar shows the process.

If the parts database does not have a part with one of the numbers defined here, new
parts are created, in which the following fields will be filled in:
EPLAN 21 "Symbol name" <5>: becomes "Part number"
EPLAN 21 "Symbol description" <6>:becomes "Designation 1"
EPLAN 21 "Supplementary text field 01" <100> to "10": becomes

"Supplementary text 1" to "10"


EPLAN 21 "Plug: Connection point designation" <4111>:becomes "Create

new function template"


EPLAN 21 "Symbol reference": is not transferred. One symbol can be stored

for each function in the project.


EPLAN 21 "Device identifier" <4001>:is not transferred
EPLAN 21 "Symbol graphic": becomes "Technical data, graphic macro"
EPLAN 21 "Plug contact": becomes "Color / no."
EPLAN 21 "Potential": becomes "Potential".

The save location for macros is the default macro directory. Because this is known,
the graphic macro can be predefined for the new part. The plugs symbols are also
converted to plug numbering schemes i.e., plug schemes are generated from the
EPLAN 21 symbols. The scheme automatically contains the symbol name; the
symbol description is saved in the scheme description; and the contact designation is
saved in the designations.
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Data Import from EPLAN 21


Note:
Instead of the transferred symbol, a macro is saved in parts management for the
panel layout. This is necessary because the graphics for the symbols may not be
scaled. In order to use EPLAN 21 symbols for the panel layout, you must transfer the
symbol library with the plug symbols one more time via the option Transfer from
mounting panel symbols. The graphic is only saved as a macro with part
placement once that is done.

This functionality is only available for certain module packages. Info

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Data Import from EPLAN 21

Transferring Plot Frames from EPLAN 21

EPLAN 21 plot frames are transferred and support all new functions. EPLAN 21
properties that cannot be assigned in P8 are recorded in message management.
Proceed as follows to transfer EPLAN 21 plot frames:
Project > EPLAN 21 data import > Plot frame
1. In the EPLAN 21 plot frame import dialog, click [...] in the Source field.

2. In the Select plot frame dialog select the EPLAN 21 plot frames to be
imported. You can select multiple files here.

3. Click on [Open].

4. Click [...] in the Target field.

5. Specify in the Find folder dialog where the files should be saved. In doing this
the default path specified in the settings will be given (Options > Settings >
User > Management > Directories).

6. Click [OK].
The plot frames are transferred and a progress bar shows the process. The
plot frame name is generated automatically from the original file name and the
file type is assigned automatically based on the P8 format options. Possible
problems are saved as properties in the plot frame and, if necessary, can be
viewed under Utilities > System messages.

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Data Import from EPLAN 21


7. Click [OK] in the window that informs you about the status of the data transfer.

This functionality is only available for certain module packages. Info

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Data Import from EPLAN 21

Transferring Forms from EPLAN 21

EPLAN 21 forms can be transferred individually (single files) or in multiple selections.


EPLAN 21 properties that cannot be assigned are recorded in message
management.
Note:
Most EPLAN 21 forms are not exactly DIN A3 size, but a bit smaller. They are
transferred as they are, i.e. they are not exactly DIN A3 size in P8.

Proceed as follows in order to transfer EPLAN 21 forms:


Project > EPLAN 21 data import > Form
1. In the EPLAN 21 form import dialog, click [...] in the Source field.

2. In the Select form dialog select the EPLAN 21 forms to be imported. You can
select multiple files here.

3. Click on [Open].

4. Click [...] in the Target field.

5. Specify in the Find folder dialog where the files should be saved. In doing this
the default path specified in the settings will be given (Options > Settings >
User > Management > Directories).

6. Click [OK].
The forms are transferred and a progress bar shows the process. The form
name is generated automatically from the original filename and the file type is
assigned automatically based on the P8 format options. Possible problems are
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Data Import from EPLAN 21


saved as properties in the form and, if necessary, can be viewed under
Utilities > System Messages.

7. Click [OK] in the window that informs you about the status of the data transfer.

Warning:
"Text view" type EPLAN 21 forms are transferred as undefined forms (file type
*.efa) and can thus no longer be used.

This functionality is only available for certain module packages. Info

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Data Import from EPLAN 21

Transferring Parts Data from EPLAN 21

The EPLAN 21 parts data is transferred 1:1. (Plugs are an exception.) The data is
automatically expanded with the necessary fields for functions, for example, and filled
out to the extent possible. This data transfer must therefore be started before the
transfer of projects. You may have to revise them to enable device assignments.
Note:
It makes sense (but is not required) to start the Transfer from mounting panel
symbols (option in the EPLAN 21 symbol library import) before the parts transfer
because the EPLAN 21 symbols for the mounting panel is converted to macros and
the panel layout is only functional once this takes place.

Proceed as follows:
Project > EPLAN 21 data import > Parts data
1. In the EPLAN 21 parts import dialog, click [...] in the Source field.

2. In the Parts database dialog select the EPLAN 21 parts database to be


imported. You cannot select multiple files here.

3. Click on [Open].

4. Click [...] in the Target field.

5. In the Select parts database dialog, select the parts database to which the
data is to be imported. You cannot select multiple files here.

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Data Import from EPLAN 21


6. Click on [Open].

7. In the Import group box select one of the options for handling existing and
new parts records.

8. Click [OK].
The parts data is transferred and a progress bar shows the process.

9. Click [OK] in the window that informs you about the status of the data transfer.

Notes:
During the import, the function definitions are set up as effectively as possible

(e.g., "Terminal", but not "PE terminal 4").


The EPLAN 21-specific contactor and cable data are created as a part with

equal value.
The EPLAN 21 parts property "CAD no. <8014>" uses newly generated macros

created according to the following rules instead of the using the previous
symbol references:
$(EPLAN)\Macros\<Customer code>\<Symbol library name>\<Symbol
name>_<Variant as number>.
Almost 100 attributes can be defined for a part in EPLAN 21. For customers who

want to transfer this type of parts data, there is a configurable assignment


table for EPLAN 21 attributes for P8-specific "free properties". Contact support
for any questions.
The EPLAN 21 attributes "Multilingual supplementary text field 01-05" <210> -

<214> are transferred to the free properties 1-5 of the parts database and the
EPLAN 21 attributes "Supplementary text field 01-17" <100 - 116> are
transferred to fields 10 - 26.

This functionality is only available for certain module packages. Info


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Data Import from EPLAN 21

Exporting Parts Data to EPLAN 21

Utilities > Parts > Management


Parts can be exported directly from EPLAN 21 into the parts database. Proceed as
follows:
1. In P8, in the Parts management dialog, select the menu items [Extras] >
Export.

2. In the Export records dialog, click [...] in the File name field.

3. In the Open dialog, enter a recognizable name for the file to be generated in
the Filename field and select the path where you want to save the file.

4. Click on [Open].

5. From the File type drop-down list, select the "Text" export format for the file to
be generated.

6. In the Part type group box select the part type to be considered during export
by selecting / deselecting the corresponding check boxes.

7. In the Trade group box select the trades to be considered during export by
selecting / deselecting the corresponding check boxes.

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Data Import from EPLAN 21


8. Click [OK].
The file is generated under the name provided in the specified directory.

9. In EPLAN 21 browser select the menu items Utilities > Parts management >
Parts management.

10. In EPLAN 21 parts management dialog select the menu items File > Import.

11. In the Import from file dialog, click [...] in the Source field.

12. In the Open file dialog, select the file you previously exported.

13. Click on [Open].

14. From the Mode drop-down list select one of the options for handling existing
and new parts records.

15. Click [OK].


The data is imported to EPLAN 21. Please note here that only data that
EPLAN 21 can save will be transferred and P8-specific information is lost.

This functionality is only available for certain module packages. Info

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Data Import from EPLAN 21

10

Transferring Language Entries from EPLAN 21

When importing language entries, new entries are attached to existing entries in the
dictionary. If identical language entries already exist, you will be prompted whether
the old entries should be overwritten or not. To enable this comparison you have to
select a reference language that is available in the dictionary as well as in the import
file.
The program also informs you if unassigned languages are found in the dictionaries
to be imported. You can specify the missing assignment in the Languages tab under
Options > Settings > User > Interfaces > EPLAN 21 data import.
Proceed as follows in order to transfer language entries:
Precondition:
In EPLAN 21, you must export language entries in Unicode Tab format because this
format can be easily interpreted. If the format does not fulfill this specification (if, for
example, you selected the ANSI_tab.ff format or another format), a message will
appear and the transfer will be interrupted.
1. In EPLAN 21 browser select the menu items Utilities > Translation module
> Export.

2. In the Export language entries dialog specify the scope of the export by
either expanding or reducing the entries in the Selected languages list with
the copy button.

3. Click [...] if the entry in the Format file field is not unicode_tab.ff.

4. In the File format dialog select the file format unicode_tab.ff.

5. Click on [Open].

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Data Import from EPLAN 21


6. Click [...] in the Export file field.

7. In the Export file dialog specify the save location and the name of the export
file to be generated.

8. Click [Save].

9. Select the Only export missing entries check box if only the language
entries to be written to the export file are those that still have missing
translation texts in at least one language.

10. Click [Apply].


The data is exported under the specified file name to the specified
directory.

An automatic language assignment takes place when importing: The available


double-digit "language identifiers" from EPLAN 21 are assigned to the associated
five-digit P8 language codes.
After you have exported the language entries in Unicode Tab format from EPLAN 21,
proceed as follows for the import:
Project > EPLAN 21 data import > Dictionary
1. In the Import dictionary dialog select the previously exported file containing
the EPLAN 21 language entries.

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Data Import from EPLAN 21


2. Click [Open].
The import of the EPLAN 21 dictionary begins.

3. In the Selection of reference language dialog select the language to be used


as a basis for comparing the language entries. (All languages that are in both
the EPLAN 21 dictionary and in the import file are offered here.)

4. Click [OK].

5. If one of the languages to be imported is not yet in the dictionary, you must
specify whether this language should be created and the language entries
should be imported.

6. Depending on the settings regarding how identical data sets are to be treated,
you still have to confirm or decline the overwrite of certain translations.
The language entries are imported, i.e. the texts from EPLAN 21 are
transferred to the dictionary. The progress bar shows the progress of the
transfer.

This functionality is only available for certain module packages. Info

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Data Import from EPLAN 21

11

Exporting Language Entries to EPLAN 21

The P8-specific dictionary can also be exported and then (e.g.) imported into EPLAN
21. Proceed as follows:
Utilities > Translation > Edit dictionary
1. In the Management tab in the Dictionary - <Foreign language database>
dialog select [Extras] > Export.

2. In the Export dictionary dialog, select the File type "EPLAN 21 tab-delimited
Unicode file (*.txt)" from the drop-down list.

3. In the File name dialog specify the name of the export file and, if necessary,
select a different directory (the default here is the directory specified for
translation files under Options > Settings > User > Management >
Directories).

4. Click [Save].

5. If the current dictionary contains multiple languages, select the one that you
would like to export in the Select languages dialog. Multiple selection is
possible here.

6. Click [OK].
The language entries are exported and a progress bar shows the process.

7. Click [Close].

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Data Import from EPLAN 21

Warning:
An export with two different languages (pt_PT and pt_BR) that would result in one
language in EPLAN 21 (PT) is not possible. In this case the export is interrupted with
an error message.

In EPLAN 21 proceed as follows:


1. In the browser select the menu items Utilities > Translation module >
Import.

2. Click [...] if the entry in the Format file field of the Import language entries
dialog is not unicode_tab.ff.

3. In the Format file dialog select the file format unicode_tab.ff.

4. Click [Open].

5. Click [...] in the Import file field.

6. In the Import file dialog, select the file you previously exported.

7. Click on [Open].

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Data Import from EPLAN 21


8. Click [Apply].
The language entries are imported and a progress bar shows the process.

9. Click [Close].

This functionality is only available for certain module packages. Info

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Data Import from EPLAN 21

12

Transferring Macro Data from EPLAN 21

There is a very helpful assistant available for transferring macro data from EPLAN
21. The source files can be *.mac and *.ez files here. Multiple selections are
possible for *.mac files but not for *.ez files because the symbol libraries stored in
the different *.ez files can be from differing versions.
Proceed as follows in order to transfer EPLAN 21 macros:
Precondition:
The symbol libraries used in EPLAN 21 macros have already been transferred, and if
necessary, must be revised so that the function definitions can be correctly set up in
the macros.
Project > EPLAN 21 data import > Macro
1. In the EPLAN 21 macro import wizard, click [Settings] in the Macros tab to
view and possibly edit the settings for directories, languages, and general
parameters.

2. Click [OK].

3. Click [...] in the Source field.

4. In the Select macro dialog, specify in the Files of type drop-down list whether
you want to transfer an EPLAN 21 archive file (*.ez) or individual macros
(*.mac).

5. Select the files to be imported. Multiple selection is possible for macro files.

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Data Import from EPLAN 21


6. Click on [Open].

7. Click [...] in the Target field.

8. In the Select target project dialog, specify where and under what filename
the macro project should be saved. In the directory selected, an additional
subdirectory will be created with the name of the macro project, and the
macros stored there.
All macros, selected in Source are transferred to this project.
It is not possible here to select an existing project and thus expand it, but
rather you must enter a new project.

9. Click [Save].

10. Click [Next].


The EPLAN 21 macros are analyzed and the Symbols tab displays the
symbol libraries used in them. You can accept these or replace them with
existing symbol libraries.

This functionality is only available for certain module packages. Info

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Data Import from EPLAN 21

13

Specifying a Symbol Library Assignment for


the EPLAN 21 Macro Transfer

The symbol libraries used in EPLAN 21 macros must already have been transferred,
because the function definitions in the macros can only be correctly defined using
revised symbol libraries. For this reason, the EPLAN 21 macros selected for the
transfer are analyzed after you click [Next]. The Symbols tab then displays the
recorded symbol data together with the assignment list data. The [Finish] button
remains grayed out until all EPLAN 21 symbol libraries have been assigned a P8
reference.
The symbols are stored in the macro project during the transfer and a reference to
the symbol is saved in the individual file macros.
Proceed as follows to specify the settings in this tab:
Project > EPLAN 21 data import > Macro
1. In the Macros tab of the EPLAN 21 macro import wizard dialog, select the
EPLAN 21 macros and the target project to be imported and click [Next].

2. In the Symbols tab click [...] in the Target file field of an EPLAN 21 symbol
library whose status symbol shows that no assignment has yet been specified.

3. Select a symbol library in the Select symbol library dialog. The file type is
then predefined with "Symbol library (*.slk)". (Multiple selection isn't possible
here).

4. Click on [Open].

5. Proceed in a similar way for all additional symbol libraries.

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Data Import from EPLAN 21


6. Or click [Convert].

7. In the EPLAN 21 symbol library import dialog proceed as you would when
transferring symbol libraries.

8. Click [Finish]. This button is active once all of the EPLAN 21 symbol libraries
have been assigned a P8 reference.
The macros are imported, the newly created macro project is opened, and
a status bar displays the progress of the transfer.

Note:
Forms are not used in EPLAN 21 macros, and plot frames are taken from the
specified EPLAN 21 plot frame directory and stored in the macro project. Parts are
transferred exactly like a project.

This functionality is only available for certain module packages. Info

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Data Import from EPLAN 21

14

Transferring Projects from EPLAN 21

The program can transfer projects from EPLAN 21, but it cannot generate any
projects for EPLAN 21. The data transfer is a one-way street in this case.

Warning:
Please note that only error-free projects can be correctly transferred. This does not
mean that projects with errors can't be transferred. They just won't be error-free and
will need revisions.

ObjectStore databases cannot be imported, but P8 can read the project data in
EASY format.
A wizard is available for project transfers and it is supported in the following transfer
modes:

Default mode

One-button mode

Proceed as follows in order to transfer EPLAN 21 projects:


Precondition:
The symbol libraries used in EPLAN 21 projects have already been transferred, and
must, if necessary, be revised so the function definitions can be correctly set up.
Project > EPLAN 21 data import > Project
1. In the EPLAN 21 project import wizard, click [Settings] in the Projects tab
in order to view and possibly edit the settings for directories, languages, and
general parameters.

2. Click [OK].

3. Click [...] in the Source field.

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Data Import from EPLAN 21


4. In the Select project dialog, specify in the File type drop-down list whether
you want to transfer an EPLAN 21 archive file (*.ez), individual projects
(*.prj), or project templates (*.tpl).

5. Select the files to be imported. Multiple selection is possible for projects and
templates.

6. Click on [Open].

7. Click [...] in the Target field.

8. Specify in the Find folder dialog where the files should be saved. In doing this
the default path specified for projects in the settings is used (Options >
Settings > User > Management > Directories). (Project names and the
directory structure of EPLAN 21 source projects are automatically taken on).

9. Click [OK].

10. Click [Next] if you want to specify the symbol library assignments. (This is the
so-called Default mode.)
Or click [Finish] if you have already specified the symbol library assignments
or want to accept the default settings. (This is the so-called One-button mode.)
The project is analyzed regarding symbol libraries.

11. Depending on the settings you still have to confirm or decline the overwrite of
certain data.

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Data Import from EPLAN 21


Notes:
It is not possible to transfer all projects in a directory as well as all of the

subdirectories at the same time.


When transferring archive files (*.ez) it can happen that differently named data

backups contain projects with the same names. Therefore, during the transfer
an additional folder with the name of the archive file is created for every
archive file.

This functionality is only available for certain module packages. Info

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Data Import from EPLAN 21

15

Transferring Projects in Default Mode from


EPLAN 21: Specify Symbol Library
Assignments

In this tab, specify the assignments of symbols to EPLAN 21 symbol libraries to be


used in the selected projects. If the program knows the origin of the symbol library,
the assignment is automatic and this is indicated under Status with a check mark.
Already transferred symbol libraries and their assignments are saved in the settings
as recommendations for the next transfer and displayed in this table where the
following data is taken into consideration:
Name: File name of the EPLAN 21 symbol library, write-protected
Path: Full path of the EPLAN 21 symbol library, write-protected
Modification date: Change date of the EPLAN 21 symbol library, write-

protected
Edited by: Last user to edit the EPLAN 21 symbol library, write-protected
Created from: Assignment table that was identified as suitable for the original

file; drop-down list where a different table can be selected. If you select the
"empty entry" here, the assignment function for the symbols is deactivated. In
this case the symbol library is transferred 1:1.
Default: Default target library defined in the assignment table, write-protected;

automatically adjusted to the setting in the Created from drop-down list.


Target file: File name of the symbol library where the symbols are to be saved.

This can be changed by clicking [...].


The directory and filename of the unpacked EZ file are displayed for symbol libraries
saved in an *.EZ file.
Proceed as follows to specify the settings in this tab:
Project > EPLAN 21 data import > Project
1. In the Projects tab of the EPLAN 21 project import wizard dialog, select the
EPLAN 21 projects and the target project to be imported and click [Next].

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Data Import from EPLAN 21


2. In the Symbols tab click [...] in the Target file field of an EPLAN 21 symbol
library whose status symbol shows that no assignment has yet been specified.

3. Select a symbol library in the Select symbol library dialog. The file type is
predefined with "Symbol library (*.slk)". (Multiple selection isn't possible here.)

4. Click [Open].
The status symbol changes to a check mark.

5. Proceed in a similar way for all additional symbol libraries.

6. Or click [Convert] if a Created from cell is selected.

7. In the EPLAN 21 symbol library import dialog proceed as you would when
transferring symbol libraries.

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Data Import from EPLAN 21


8. Click [Finish].
The program checks whether symbol assignments are still missing. If that
is the case, a message will appear and you can decide if you would like to
proceed. Otherwise, the transfer is started and a progress bar shows you the
status of the transfer.
If the transfer is completed, a message will appear informing you of the
number of transferred / not transferred projects. If necessary, this transfer log
can be found under Utilities > System messages.
The message management for each project (Project data > Messages >
Management) contains additional detailed information on the individual
projects.

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Data Import from EPLAN 21

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