I was able to import 2 different ODB++ files and pick all the layers from the first ODB++ file and only the component (top and bottom) layers from the second ODB++ file. However, FAB3000 seems to open them as 2 distinct “jobs” which seem to correspond to the “step” name they had in their respective ODB++ files. I can export all of the layers together into a single new ODB++, but they still retain their distinct “step” names from before, so this seems to cause them to be still treated as 2 separate designs by other tools. Can I change the “step” or “job” name of imported layers, so that all layers will export to a new ODB++ file as a single “step”?
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You're correct when FAB3000 imports multiple ODB++ files it will keep them separated. The most common reason for the separation, is for people who wish to compare differences between ODB++ files.
Note: During ODB++ Export you can select to only have one Job exported to the ODB++ (default) or all Jobs in the workspace by selecting Workspace.
Note: You can rename the active Job name (however duplicate Job names is not permitted - if you were solely interested in merging both Jobs).
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It appears from the description you may be interested in opening 2 separate ODB++ files and then merging certain features into an ODB++? If this is the case, you can perform the following:
1. Load both ODB++ into FAB3000. I will assign names JobA and JobB.
2. You can copy/paste objects from one Job to another by using the Clipboard.
* Select Objects from JobB that you wish to be merged in JobA.
* Go to menu: Edit | Clipboard | Copy to Clipboard (Ctrl+C)...
* Open JobA, and go to menu: Edit | Clipboard | Paste (Ctrl+V)...
This will merge the JobB Clipboard objects with JobA.
3. Export ODB++. Make sure export option, Select Job or Workspace is: JobA
Now when you open the ODB++ in another tool, only JobA will be present and includes the merged objects.
Here's a quick video (no sound) where I load two ODB++ files, merge Silkscreen "PCB" text from one ODB++ to the other, and export merged ODB++,
Note: You could alternatively create an empty 3rd Job (JobC) , and then insert JobA and JobB into JobC (using menu: Job | Add Insert).
If you require something else, please describe what you are trying to accomplish as "the end result purpose" - and I'll be happy to create a tutorial movie demonstrating the process. For example, if you wish to just merge everything (after importing multiple ODB++) we can create a special import option to merge ODB++ designs instead of keeping them separate.
Thanks again, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Simon Garrison
I was able to import 2 different ODB++ files and pick all the layers from the first ODB++ file and only the component (top and bottom) layers from the second ODB++ file. However, FAB3000 seems to open them as 2 distinct “jobs” which seem to correspond to the “step” name they had in their respective ODB++ files. I can export all of the layers together into a single new ODB++, but they still retain their distinct “step” names from before, so this seems to cause them to be still treated as 2 separate designs by other tools. Can I change the “step” or “job” name of imported layers, so that all layers will export to a new ODB++ file as a single “step”?
----
You're correct when FAB3000 imports multiple ODB++ files it will keep them separated. The most common reason for the separation, is for people who wish to compare differences between ODB++ files.
Note: During ODB++ Export you can select to only have one Job exported to the ODB++ (default) or all Jobs in the workspace by selecting Workspace.
Note: You can rename the active Job name (however duplicate Job names is not permitted - if you were solely interested in merging both Jobs).
-----
It appears from the description you may be interested in opening 2 separate ODB++ files and then merging certain features into an ODB++? If this is the case, you can perform the following:
1. Load both ODB++ into FAB3000. I will assign names JobA and JobB.
2. You can copy/paste objects from one Job to another by using the Clipboard.
* Select Objects from JobB that you wish to be merged in JobA.
* Go to menu: Edit | Clipboard | Copy to Clipboard (Ctrl+C)...
* Open JobA, and go to menu: Edit | Clipboard | Paste (Ctrl+V)...
This will merge the JobB Clipboard objects with JobA.
3. Export ODB++. Make sure export option, Select Job or Workspace is: JobA
Now when you open the ODB++ in another tool, only JobA will be present and includes the merged objects.
Here's a quick video (no sound) where I load two ODB++ files, merge Silkscreen "PCB" text from one ODB++ to the other, and export merged ODB++,
Note: You could alternatively create an empty 3rd Job (JobC) , and then insert JobA and JobB into JobC (using menu: Job | Add Insert).
If you require something else, please describe what you are trying to accomplish as "the end result purpose" - and I'll be happy to create a tutorial movie demonstrating the process. For example, if you wish to just merge everything (after importing multiple ODB++) we can create a special import option to merge ODB++ designs instead of keeping them separate.
Thanks again, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
Simon