Solution Export provides tools for backing up complete solutions, creating plugins, and exporting configurations for version control or sharing.

Access: Solution → Export

Parent Page: Solution Settings & Tools (Reference)


Export Commands

Export Global Commands

CommandFunctionDescription
Export to a ZipComplete backupSave entire project to a ZIP file
Export AssetTree to XMLTags and assetsExport All Tags and Assets

Export Checked Items

CommandFunctionDescription
Create a PluginPlugin creationExport selected items to a Plugin
Save as CSV fileSpreadsheet exportExport Tags configuration to CSV

Export Options

Located in "When exporting tags also export:" section:

OptionDescriptionDefault
Alarm ItemsInclude alarm configurations with tagsChecked
Historian TagsInclude historian configurationsChecked
Device PointsInclude device point mappingsChecked
Auto Check DependenciesAutomatically select related tags when including scripts or displaysChecked

Export Table

Selection Controls

ControlIconFunction
Check All? (green)Select all visible items
Uncheck All? (red)Deselect all items
Refresh
Update table contents

Table Columns

ColumnDescriptionPurpose
TypeObject type (Tag, Display, etc.)Identify object category
NameObject nameSpecific item identifier
ExportCheckbox for selectionMark for export
ParentTableSource table (UnsTags, DisplaysList, etc.)Origin location
DescriptionObject descriptionAdditional details

Object Types in Table

Common types shown:

TypeParentTableContents
PlaceholderUnsTagsTag definitions
SorbaAIUnsTagsAI-based tags
UnsTagProviderUnsTagProvidersExternal tag sources (e.g., MQTT)
DisplayDisplaysListDisplay pages

Export Processes

Complete Solution Backup

Using Export to a Zip:

  1. Click "Export to a Zip" button
  2. Choose destination folder
  3. Enter filename
  4. Confirm export
  5. 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:

  1. Click "Export AssetTree to XML"
  2. Select destination
  3. XML file generated with:
    • All tag definitions
    • Tag hierarchies
    • Associated configurations

Selective Export

For specific objects:

  1. Select Items
    • Check individual rows
    • Use Shift+Click for ranges
    • Enable Auto Check Dependencies
  2. Choose Export Method
    • Create a Plugin: For reusable components
    • Save as CSV: For spreadsheet editing
  3. Execute Export
    • Click appropriate export button
    • Specify destination
    • Confirm operation

Plugin Creation

Creating a Plugin

When using "Create a Plugin":

StepActionResult
Select objectsCheck desired rowsItems marked
Click Create PluginOpens dialogConfigure plugin
Set plugin propertiesName, version, descriptionMetadata added
Choose locationBrowse to folderSave destination
ExportConfirm.plugin file created

Plugin Contents

Plugins can include:

  • Tags and templates
  • Displays and layouts
  • Scripts and classes
  • Symbols and images
  • Selected dependencies

CSV Export

CSV Format

When using "Save as CSV file" for tags:

ColumnContentExample
NameTag nameTank1_Level
TypeData typeDouble
DescriptionTag descriptionTank 1 Level Sensor
InitialValueStarting value0
MinMinimum value0
MaxMaximum value100
UnitsEngineering unitsmeters

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 selectAlso checks
DisplayAll tags used in display
ScriptAll tags referenced
Template instanceTemplate definition
Child tagParent 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 SizeZIP ExportCSV Export
Small (<50MB)< 30 seconds< 10 seconds
Medium (50-200MB)1-2 minutes< 30 seconds
Large (>200MB)2-5 minutes1-2 minutes

Optimization Tips

  • Close other applications
  • Ensure disk space available
  • Use local drives for speed
  • Exclude unnecessary items

Troubleshooting

IssueCauseSolution
Export failsInsufficient disk spaceFree up space
Items missing from tableFilter activeClear filters
Plugin won't importVersion incompatibilityCheck version requirements
CSV has wrong formatEncoding issueUse UTF-8 encoding
Dependencies not foundAuto-check disabledEnable Auto Check Dependencies

See Also






In this section: