Saving and Loading Rules – Planworks Support Center

Saving and Loading Rules (Files)

Rule files are now managed in the multi-document interface: each open file appears as its own tab.

Creating a new file

→ Toolbar: "New File"

Creates an empty document as a new tab. Named "Document 1" (incrementing) until saved with a real filename.

Opening an existing file

→ Toolbar: "Open File"

Opens an XML rule file as a new tab. The filename is used as the tab label. Existing open documents are unaffected.

No longer replaces: Unlike the previous version, opening a file no longer replaces existing rules — it always opens a new tab.

Saving a file

→ Toolbar: "Save File"

Saves the active document. Remembers the last path and filename. On first save of a new document, a save dialog opens.

Change detection and save dialog on close

Action	Result
Yes	Save dialog opens; tab closes after saving
No	Tab closes without saving; changes lost

Important: Geometry filter names are stored as strings. If the referenced Scope Box doesn't exist in the current project on load, the error "Scope Box not found (Row X)" appears.

Restoring last documents on startup

If "Load Last Selection" is enabled, all documents saved at the last close are automatically reopened. Only documents with a saved file path can be restored.

Files vs. Shortcuts

Feature	File (XML)	Shortcut
Access	Via "Open File" dialog	Directly in Shortcuts menu
Opens as	New tab in main window	Rules in active document
Ribbon quick access	No	Yes