File Menu (pulldown menu bar)
The File menu is your central hub for all project file operations in Roof Wizard. You can create new models, save existing work, open previous projects, merge multiple models together, and export model geometry for use in other applications.
File Menu Options
Here's what you can do from the File menu:
Option | Function |
New | Create a new roofing project model from scratch |
Open | Open an existing saved project from your database |
Save | Save your current project with existing name and location |
Save As | Save your current project with a new name or to a different location |
Recent Files | Quick access to recently opened projects |
Import | Import data or geometry from external files |
Export | Export model geometry for use in CAD programs or other applications |
Merge Models | Combine two or more separate roof models into a single project |
Print reports, plans, and documentation | |
Exit | Close the Roof Wizard application |
🔧 Common File Operations
Creating a New Project
Click File in the top menu bar
Select New from the dropdown menu
Choose your project template or start with a blank model
Enter project details in the setup dialogue
Click OK to begin your new project
Opening an Existing Project
Click File > Open
Browse to locate your saved project file
Select the project and click Open
The project will load with all your previous work intact
Saving Your Work
Use File > Save to save changes to the current project
Use File > Save As to create a copy with a different name
Always save regularly to prevent data loss
🛠 Advanced File Operations
Model Merging
Model merging allows you to combine separate roof sections or buildings into one comprehensive project. This is useful when:
Working with complex multi-building projects
Combining work from multiple team members
Adding extensions or additions to existing structures
To merge models, use File > Merge Models and select the additional project files to combine.
Exporting Model Geometry
Export functions let you share your roof model data with other CAD programs, clients, or contractors. Common export formats include DXF, DWG, and other industry-standard file types.
An alternate method of exporting roof geometry is the RXF or XML variant of RXF. These file formats are widely supported in the roofing industry.
💡 Database file organisation tips
A database file (filename.DAB) can contain any number of models - you may have one job per database file or multiple jobs per database file. Be aware that other CAD models are automatically created for each job as part of the reporting process, such as quotation report models and drawing models, which will increase the overall size of the database file over time.
Customer-based organisation: You may create a database for each customer (e.g., PorterHomes.dab) and save all job models for that builder in that database - using a street address or a job number. Usually, a street address is easier to remember.
Time-based organisation: For builders with many jobs, create time-indicative file names (e.g., PorterHomesQtr3-2026.dab) with all jobs for that period saved in that database. Use street addresses to uniquely identify each job.
💡 File Management Tips
Save frequently during design work to avoid losing progress
Use Save As to create backup copies before making major changes
⚠️ Important file management warnings
There are many ways to file your jobs and some thought should be given to your situation before you get too far into it.
Do not save databases to sub folders. The software opens the model from the specified ..\User folder and then does all its work in this folder seeking material data, pricing data, report templates etc. reading and writing data during the process of creating your quotation and material lists. If you save to a sub-folder it cannot find the required information and causes major grief.
If you need this file structure, consider the database file name as you would a sub-folder and the model as a job file, and work with that.
NOT recommended: Saving all jobs in a single database called JOBS.dab or similar. The file becomes very large, very quickly, slows downloading times, and if lost or corrupted, you risk losing everything.
Note that there is a limit to the length of file names and that includes the file path i.e. C:\AppliCad\Roof Wizard\User\PorterHomes.dab
plus the model name, so try to keep name details as brief as you can but still be meaningful.
⚠️ Important Notes
Always ensure you have sufficient disk space before saving large projects
Network saves may be slower than local saves - plan accordingly
Some export formats may not preserve all Roof Wizard-specific data
When merging models, verify that units and scales match between projects