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CSV Specifications
To import and export element data to and from Enterprise Architect using CSV files, you must first set up one or more CSV file specifications. A file specification defines the:
- Fields from the spreadsheet in the order they are imported or exported
- Source or target filename (optional) and
- Delimiter between columns
Once you have defined one or more specifications, you can select one in the 'CSV Import/Export' dialog as the current specification to apply during an import or export action. The facility only imports and exports elements (within Packages) and their properties; items such as Class attributes cannot be imported or exported through this mechanism.
XMI import/export provides a solution to this limitation, as does use of the Automation Interface.
Access
Ribbon |
Publish > Model Exchange > CSV > CSV Exchange Specification |
Set Up a CSV Specification
Field |
Action |
See also |
---|---|---|
Specification Name |
If creating a new specification, type in a unique specification name. If editing an existing specification, click on the drop-down arrow and select the specification name. |
|
Delimiter |
Click on the drop-down arrow and select the character delimiter to use between record fields. If a field contains an instance of the delimiter, the field is exported wrapped in " (quotation marks) and any instances of " in the field are doubled (that is, " becomes ""). |
|
Notes |
Type in a brief description of the specification. |
|
Default Filename |
Type in the default file location and file name to be used when importing and exporting. Alternatively, click on the button and browse for the location. |
|
Default Direction |
Click on the drop-down arrow and select the default action - 'Import' or 'Export'. Each specification can be used in either direction, but this field provides the default. |
|
Default Types |
Type in a comma-separated list to limit the element types being exported; for example: class,requirement,component,node,object.
|
|
Preserve Hierarchy |
Select this checkbox to include fields generated by Enterprise Architect, to embed/reconstruct the Package hierarchy. |
Using Preserve Hierarchy |
Available Fields |
Click on the name of an available field, and double-click on it to add it to the Specification (it displays at the end of the 'File Specification' list). Press and hold while you select several fields, but use the to transfer them all to the 'File Specification' list. |
|
File Specification |
Review the record fields already assigned, listed in the order in which they are plotted across the spreadsheet. If you want to change the sequence of fields, click on a field name and click on the or button to move the field name up or down the list. |
|
Add Tagged Value Field |
Click on this button to add a Tagged Value column to the CSV Specification, to import or export the value that an element has for a particular tag. A prompt displays to select one of two options:
In each case, the 'Add Tag Value Field' dialog displays. Select either the:
Click on the 'Tagged Value' field drop-down list and select the required Tagged Value, then click on the . |
Package Browser Options |
Add Field |
Click on this button to move all selected fields from the 'Available Fields' list to the 'File Specification' list. |
|
Remove Field |
Click on this button to move all selected fields from the 'File Specification' list back to the 'Available Fields' list. |
|
New |
Click on this button to clear all the dialog fields to create a new specification. |
|
Save |
Click on this button to save all changes to the currently selected specification. |
|
Save As |
Click on this button to save the current specification under a new name. |
|
Delete |
Click on this button to delete the current specification. |
|
Close |
Click on this button to close this dialog. |
Notes
- In the Corporate, Unified and Ultimate Editions of Enterprise Architect, if security is enabled you must have 'Export XMI', 'Import XMI' and 'Configure Resources' permissions to use the 'CSV Import/Export Specifications' option
- In 'Available Fields' and 'File Specification', the record fields 'Created Date' and 'Modified Date' are not set when imported from CSV