The File menu in Roof Wizard is where you manage your projects — from starting new jobs, opening or saving existing models, merging files, and managing your CAD database layout.
Below is a breakdown of each function available in the File menu and how to use it effectively.
File > New
Clears the current workspace and starts a new job
Prompts you to save any unsaved work before clearing
Tip: Use this when switching between jobs or starting fresh with new geometry.
File > Open
Opens an existing job model. Default location: C:\AppliCad\Roof Wizard\User. Supports shared drives (e.g. Z:\User).
Opening Process:
Select a
.DABfile (left pane) - (A CAD database, hence *.DAB)Choose a model (right pane)
Optionally view a preview (if saved with preview enabled)
📄 Best Practice:
Use one
.DABfile per client or time period (e.g.PorterHomesQ3-2024.dab)Avoid putting all jobs in one large file (e.g.
JOBS.dab)
File > Open Quote
Search and open jobs by quotation number. Sort by name or date. Ideal for managing Supply Only / Supply & Install jobs. You get the option to save a quotation when you finish the Supply Only or Supply and Install pricing process.
File > Open Thumbnails
Same as File > Open, however, allows you to view visual previews of each model.
File > Save
Saves the current model. If it's unsaved, prompts for a CAD database name and model name. Optionally enable preview image. As explained above, avoid putting all your models into one database, it makes it hard to find what you need quickly.
A long-established practice that works well is to use the customer's name as the database name, and the job address as the model name, for example:
BillyBobsRoofing.DAB and model 12 High Street
Of course you can develop your file naming system, that works in the environment you work with.
Check the status bar for database/model name. If it says None It hasn't been saved yet.
File > Save As
Same as Save, but always prompts for a new name, location, or database.
File > Merge Model
Merge another model into your current one. Prompts for insertion point.
Follow the prompts carefully.
File > Layout
Customise the interface:
Simple – Fewer menus, easier for new users
Full – All functions visible
Read-Only – View/print only, no editing (used when license is not activated)
File > Save Values
Saves your current defaults and settings into Values.DEF.
To show the Complex status bar:
Turn on Menu (Menu > Menu On)
Go to CAD > Defaults > Switches
Then go to File > Layout > Save Values to save the view.
Above is the 'Complex Status Bar'.
Save Values writes all the custom settings that you wish the software to return to – the details are written to a file called Values.def in the ..\User folder.
It would be good practice to click 'Save Values' every time after changing custom settings. Otherwise, you may need to change that setting every time you open the software.
File > Search Database
Indexes every CAD database and model in the ..\User folder for easy search and selection.
File > Import
Imports external geometry and data into Roof Wizard.
Supported Formats:
XML – AppliCad's RXF-based format with headers; supports enhanced geometry transfer and formatted readability
RXF – Proprietary 3D geometry format with intelligent tags (e.g. line types, roof plane types)
DXF – Industry-standard CAD format; uses conversion files for layer, line style, font, and color mapping
GRIM – Text-based job details import; often used for reporting setup
Key Features:
XML Import: Clean formatting, header-based structure, automatic readability improvement. Great for model sharing with systems needing XML.
RXF Import: Ideal for reconstructing or restoring 3D geometry from legacy versions or external measurement services like GeoSpan, Eagleview or Hover.
DXF Import: Highly configurable. Supports sub-figure handling, curve conversion, and custom layer/line style/color translation via
.cvtfiles.GRIM Import: Loads job metadata using specific keyword strings. Great for auto-filling proposal data.
Import processes often trigger automatic model cleanup (e.g. deleting free lines and points).
File > Export
The Export options in Roof Wizard allow you to share model geometry and job data in a range of standard and proprietary file formats. This is helpful when collaborating with other stakeholders, backing up job data, or integrating with other systems.
Supported Export Formats
Format | Description |
XML | AppliCad's RXF format with XML headers |
RXF | (Roof eXchange Format) AppliCad's proprietary file format |
DXF | Universal ASCII CAD file format |
GRIM | ASCII text format used by Roof Wizard for reporting |
📤 File > Export > XML
This format outputs geometry and related job information in an RXF format file with XML headers/footers, designed for compatibility with external systems.
Note: Only roof and wall planes are exported; gables and ceiling planes are not included. Other metadata such as line attributes, notes, and fixture details are included.
XML Export Options
1. XML Name:
Output file name
2. XML File Format:
AppliCad Standard | Geometry only (no dimensions) |
AppliCad Enhanced | Includes dimensions |
Symbility Format | Geometry only (no loose geometry) |
Xactimate Format | XML adjusted to suit Xactimate import rules (e.g., orientation, tag substitutions, and tag omissions). For more detail see Xactimate XML Format. |
Chouinard Format | Tailored to Chouinard Bros Roofing (Canada) |
3. Reference File:
Attach the original source file (e.g., PDF/image)
4. Database Name:
Name of the source AppliCad database
5. Model Name:
Model within the database to export
6. Delete Free Lines and Points:
Option to remove unused geometry before export
7. Additional Notes:
Text field for extra notes (excluded from Xactimate format)
📤 File > Export > RXF
AppliCad's proprietary RXF format is designed for exporting 3D geometry with intelligent labels such as line types (e.g. ridge, valley) and roof/wall plane data (e.g. material type). This makes it highly useful for exchanging detailed geometry with external systems like truss designers or for backup.
RXF Export Options:
1. Output File Name:
File name and location for the RXF
2. Elements to Output:
Roof Elements (roof/wall geometry only)
All Elements (all geometry in the model)
3. Pack Model Before Export:
Combines points with identical XYZ coordinates to reduce file size.
4. Delete Free Points:
Removes unused points for a cleaner output
⚠️ RXF does not export material data, costs, or customer information — only geometric and entity-type data.
RXF is the only format that includes entity tags (e.g. ridge, hip, valley).
Other formats do not support tagged geometry.
📤 File > Export > DXF
When you export to DXF, AppliCad uses predefined conversion files to map layers, line styles, colours, and fonts. These files must:
Use the '.cvt' extension.
Be correctly formatted.
End with a carriage return.
Conversion files are not modified during write operations, but write processes may generate additional data using them.
You can create separate conversion files for importing and exporting using a text editor.
1. Write all entities
Allows all the entities to be written out to DXF format.
Yes: Writes all model entities into the DXF file.
No: Writes only visible entities.
2. Unpack sub-figures
Allows sub-figure entities that exist within the model to be written to DXF as packed or unpacked.
Yes: Expands sub-figures into individual 2D line records.
No: Writes a single insert record for each sub-figure, without creating a separate block definition.
3. Triangulate surfaces
Allows surfaces to be written to DXF as 3D face records or as 3D line records which define the hatching.
Yes: Converts all surfaces to 3D Face entities for compatibility with 3D workflows.
No: Outputs edges and hatch lines as 3D line entities.
4. Convert curves
Yes: Converts curved lines to arcs or lines in the DXF file. This enables two additional settings:
Maximum radius
Maximum path error
No: Curves are written as polyline entities. No arcs or curve fitting is applied.
File > Export > GRIM
A GRIM (Generic Roof Interface Method) file is designed to facilitate the transfer of roof geometry and roof material costing data between AppliCad and other computer systems such as accounting and business management or ERP systems.
See the GRIM File Format for details.
Sub-Figures
Sub-figures are grouped CAD entities (points, lines, shapes) that can be managed as a single item. They are especially helpful for creating representations for items such as HVAC units, windows, doors, or architectural fixtures.
You can access sub-figure tools via the Sub-Fig menu.
Action | Description |
Sub-Figure > Open | Load an existing sub-figure |
Sub-Figure > Save As | Create reusable sub-figures |
Sub-Figure > Merge | Add a sub-figure to your current model |
Why Use Sub-Figures?
This is helpful when working with repeated elements.
For example:
You can create a 3D model of an HVAC unit and save it as a sub-figure.
Then, reuse that same unit across multiple roof models without redrawing it.
Makes it easier to maintain consistency across multiple jobs.
Helps speed up complex model creation, especially for frequently used elements.
How Roof Wizard Uses Sub-Figures
Sub-figures are used extensively throughout the software, particularly for Fixtures.
Fixtures are pre-made 3D elements (e.g. skylights, vents, solar panels) that can be placed into a model.
When you insert a Fixture, you’re effectively inserting a sub-figure with additional intelligence (metadata, behaviors, etc.).
For more on Fixtures, refer to Fixtures.
Recover Crash
If your system crashes or loses power, this feature helps recover unsaved work:
Roof Wizard automatically saves to
Crash1.CRAandCrash2.CRAevery 50 operations (default).Load the most recent file and save it using File > Save if it’s what you need.
Exit
Closes the application.
If there’s unsaved work, you’ll be asked to save before exiting.