Export solutions for backup or reuse.
Reference → Solution → Designer → Settings and Tools → Settings | Categories | Import Tags | Import Plugin | Export | History
Solution Export provides tools for backing up complete solutions, creating plugins, and exporting configurations for version control or sharing.
Access: Solution → Export
Export Commands
Export Global Commands
| Command | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Export to a Zip | Complete backup | Save entire project to a ZIP file |
| Export AssetTree to XML | Tags and assets | Export All Tags and Assets |
Export Checked Items
| Command | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Create a Plugin | Plugin creation | Export selected items to a Plugin |
| Save as CSV file | Spreadsheet export | Export Tags configuration to CSV |
Export Options
Located in "When exporting tags also export:" section:
| Option | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Alarm Items | Include alarm configurations with tags | Checked |
| Historian Tags | Include historian configurations | Checked |
| Device Points | Include device point mappings | Checked |
| Auto Check Dependencies | Automatically select related tags when including scripts or displays | Checked |
Export Table
Selection Controls
| Control | Icon | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Check All | Check | Select all visible items |
| Uncheck All | X | Deselect all items |
| Refresh | Refresh | Update table contents |
Table Columns
| Column | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Object type (Tag, Display, etc.) | Identify object category |
| Name | Object name | Specific item identifier |
| Export | Checkbox for selection | Mark for export |
| ParentTable | Source table (UnsTags, DisplaysList, etc.) | Origin location |
| Description | Object description | Additional details |
Object Types in Table
Common types shown:
| Type | ParentTable | Contents |
|---|---|---|
| Placeholder | UnsTags | Tag definitions |
| SorbaAI | UnsTags | AI-based tags |
| UnsTagProvider | UnsTagProviders | External tag sources (e.g., MQTT) |
| Display | DisplaysList | Display pages |
Export Processes
Complete Solution Backup
Using Export to a Zip:
- Click "Export to a Zip" button
- Choose destination folder
- Enter filename
- Confirm export
- ZIP file created with entire solution
Contents included:
- Configuration database (.dbsln)
- All solution objects
- Resources and images
Asset Model Export
Using Export AssetTree to XML:
- Click "Export AssetTree to XML"
- Select destination
- XML file generated with:
- All tag definitions
- Tag hierarchies
- Associated configurations
Selective Export
For specific objects:
- Select Items
- Check individual rows
- Use Shift+Click for ranges
- Enable Auto Check Dependencies
- Choose Export Method
- Create a Plugin: For reusable components
- Save as CSV: For spreadsheet editing
- Execute Export
- Click appropriate export button
- Specify destination
- Confirm operation
Plugin Creation
Creating a Plugin
When using "Create a Plugin":
| Step | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Select objects | Check desired rows | Items marked |
| Click Create Plugin | Opens dialog | Configure plugin |
| Set plugin properties | Name, version, description | Metadata added |
| Choose location | Browse to folder | Save destination |
| Export | Confirm | .plugin file created |
Plugin Contents
Plugins can include:
- Tags and templates
- Displays and layouts
- Scripts and classes
- Symbols and images
- Selected dependencies
Not supported
References are not currently supported with plugins. Script tasks, classes, screens, or code-behind using external references cannot be included in a plugin at this time.
CSV Export
CSV Format
When using "Save as CSV file" for tags:
| Column | Content | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Tag name | Tank1_Level |
| Type | Data type | Double |
| Description | Tag description | Tank 1 Level Sensor |
| InitialValue | Starting value | 0 |
| Min | Minimum value | 0 |
| Max | Maximum value | 100 |
| Units | Engineering units | meters |
CSV Usage
Exported CSV files can be:
- Edited in Excel
- Used for documentation
- Imported to other solutions
- Version controlled
Auto Check Dependencies
When enabled, automatically selects:
| If you select | Also checks |
|---|---|
| Display | All tags used in display |
| Script | All tags referenced |
| Template instance | Template definition |
| Child tag | Parent tag |
Example: "When including a script or display, all tags used on it are automatically checked."
Best Practices
Backup Strategy
- Use "Export to a Zip" for complete backups
- Schedule regular exports
- Store backups externally
- Label with date and version
Selective Export
- Use categories to organize
- Check dependencies
- Document export purpose
- Test imports
Plugin Development
- Group related objects
- Include documentation
- Version consistently
- Test in new solution
Performance
Export Times
| Solution Size | ZIP Export | CSV Export |
|---|---|---|
| Small (<50MB) | < 30 seconds | < 10 seconds |
| Medium (50-200MB) | 1-2 minutes | < 30 seconds |
| Large (>200MB) | 2-5 minutes | 1-2 minutes |
Optimization Tips
- Close other applications
- Ensure disk space available
- Use local drives for speed
- Exclude unnecessary items
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Export fails | Insufficient disk space | Free up space |
| Items missing from table | Filter active | Clear filters |
| Plugin won't import | Version incompatibility | Check version requirements |
| CSV has wrong format | Encoding issue | Use UTF-8 encoding |
| Dependencies not found | Auto-check disabled | Enable Auto Check Dependencies |
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