Export grids

Use to export Grids and DB-views to a DTL file, which can then be imported into other project(s) that contain the data model as the source project. The exported DTL file includes all the information related to the grid elements and their associated database views.

Export grids

1. On the Grids tab, in the Grids group, select Export to display the Export Grids window.

   The Export Grids window displays all the categories and their associated grids from the engineering database in a hierarchal structure.

   

2. Select the grids to export:

   • To select all grids, select the Select all checkbox.

   • To select individual grids, select the checkboxes next to the required grids.

     

3. Select Export.

   The Browse For Folder window displays, you can choose your preferred location to save the exported DTL files.

   Note: The Export option is enabled only after you select a grid or category from the list.

   

4. Browse and select your preferred location.

5. Select OK.

   A folder named ‘ExportedGrids’is created at the selected location, and the export process starts.

   

   Note: A folder is created for each selected grid, using the grid name, and the related DTL files are exported. An export log is also created, indicating the Grid Export Status, Date Timestamp, and Status.

   For example, grid export status: 08-09-2025 12:01:33: Export completed: All grids have been successfully exported.

   

Examples

The following examples show DTL files exported and a log file with errors.

Example 1—The following screenshot shows an example of Etap Elements Grid and View DTL files exported in the folder.

Note: If an error occurs during the export, only a log file is created.

Example 2—The following screenshot shows an example of a log file with errors.

During export, the following properties are included:

• Grid-related properties:

  • Link to the DB-view

  • Fields

  • Row ID column

  • Layout, including grouped columns

  • Header color and font color

  • Pinned columns

  • Row/column sizes

  • Unit-sets

  • Sorting pattern

  • Sub grid relationships and layouts

• DB-view properties:

  • Element types

  • Filters

  • Columns for attributes and expressions

  • Data sources

Similarly, during import, these properties are imported into the target project.