Alternative Method for Editing SpoolFab Layouts

This article presents a step-by-step framework for editing layouts that avoids having to repeatedly reselect the layout in order to check how it is working. The instructions assume you are using NotePad but other editors will work also. See also document K0017 onspoolfab.com/pdfsf.php.

1. Select a job that is using a layout close to what you are looking for. This can be an existing job, or a dummy job set up for that purpose.
2. In that job, edit Template.asl and locate the text “Start of HPGL:”. Delete that and all subsequent lines of Template.asl. This is an important step as it prevents you from wasting time editing inactive parts of the layout. Save. Keep the editing window open.
3. Create a NotePad window for editing Border.plt and keep it open.
4. Create a NotePad window for editing BorderP2.plt and keep it open.
5. Create a NotePad window for editing Price1.plt and keep it open.
6. Create a NotePad window for editing Price2.plt and keep it open.
   

Template.asl provides parameters used by the program. It determines where most variables are displayed but does not control any of the straight lines that frame the information.

Border.plt defines the straight lines and static text for the normal version of the layout, which is visible most of the time.

BorderP2.plt defines the straight lines and static text for page 2 of the normal version of the layout. Normally you can switch to this view by pressing Alt-PgDn.

Price1.plt and Price2.plt define the straight lines and static text for pages 1 and 2 of pricing view. If you do not use pricing view you will not need to edit these.

Viewing the Effect of Changes

After making a change to any of the NotePad windows, press Ctrl-S to Save. This will allow you to view the effects of your changes without reselecting the layout. To view the effect of changes to Template.asl, you will need to close the drawing and reselect Fabrication Drawings.

The effect of changes in the other four files can be viewed by switching from page 1 to page 2 and back again. Do this by pressing Alt-PgDn, Alt-PgUp.

When Finished, Combine the Files into a Layout

Once everything is displaying correctly, create a new NotePad window. Copy into it the contents of the Template.asl window.

Add a line “Start of HPGL:”

Add the contents of the Border.plt window.

Add a line “Start of HPGLPageTwo:”

Add the contents of the BorderP2.plt window.

Add a line “Start of HPGLPrice1:”

Add the contents of the Price1.plt window.

Add a line “Start of HPGLPrice2:”

Add the contents of the Price1.plt window.

Save your layout in SFClients/Data/Layouts under a descriptive name that preferably includes the date, e.g.  Legal-wide-weld-4Col2021-06-11.asl. If using NotePad be sure to use the All Files type, otherwise you may end up saving it as a .txt file, making the layout harder to select.