When Roof Wizard is installed, basic generic materials and settings are provided to get you started. However, with software used in 148 countries, it's impossible to have everything set exactly as each user wants and needs. You will need to make many additions and some adjustments to suit the systems that you use.
🧾 How the Setup System Works
Material and labour data files are stored in your C:\AppliCad\Roof Wizard\User folder or in a shared network folder. These are generally CSV (Comma Separated Values) files that you can edit using:
Wordpad.exe or Notepad.exe (awkward)
Microsoft Excel or other spreadsheet software (recommended)
The advantage of editing in a spreadsheet program is the ability to make global changes to prices and other data across multiple entries. Note that the software reads these CSV files directly, there is no translation or conversion of the data you enter into the CSV files.
⚠️ Important File Editing Guidelines
The commands provided under the Set-Up menu options are designed to help you edit these data files efficiently from within Roof Wizard and ensure they are correct. If you're not confident using spreadsheet software, stick with editing files from within the Roof Wizard software to ensure proper formatting and functionality.
🔧 File Structure and Backup System
The files in C:\AppliCad\Roof Wizard\Programs serve as backup templates if you need to revert changes to your working copies in the ...\User folder.
If a file is required by the software and doesn't exist in the ...\User folder (on first use or if deleted), the software will:
Find the backup in the ...\Programs folder
Use that backup file
Create a copy in the ...\User folder
This provides security should configuration changes go wrong.
💡 Version Updates and File Migration
For users updating from older versions, the installation software will:
Find your original setup files and preserve them
Automatically convert old file formats to new formats when needed (e.g., material definitions for tiles)
🛠 Setup Expectations
In most cases, you'll need to add many additional items and adjust software settings. This is normal and should not be seen as a chore - you configure it once, verify it's correct, then use it every day for all your jobs.
With the correct material and labour files set up, extracting the complete set of documents for quoting, ordering, supply and installation of a job like this metal roof in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, takes less than an hour.
Easy!