Configuration files used in printing

Tekla Structures
2021
Tekla Structures

Configuration files used in printing

In printing, two configuration files are needed. They affect paper sizes and drawing sizes: PaperSizesForDrawings.dat and DrawingSizes.dat.

  • PaperSizesForDrawings.dat defines a list of paper size names allowed to be used, and their dimensions. The PaperSizesForDrawings.dat file is by default located in the ..\ProgramData\Trimble\Tekla Structures\<version>\environments\common\system folder.

  • DrawingSizes.dat provides a list of properties that should be set up to match the drawing sizes configured in the Tekla Structures drawing layout definitions. It is used to link those drawings to the paper size name that each drawing was set up for, and provides information about the drawing sizes and the margins around them. The DrawingSizes.dat file is located in the ..\ProgramData\Trimble\Tekla Structures\<version>\environments\common\system folder.

  • The exact file location may vary depending on the folder structure of your environment files.

Default values are provided in the files installed with the printing functionality. These values are appropriate in most cases. The optimum values depend on the details of the existing drawing layout definitions. If the printed area of the drawing needs to be moved, or if inappropriate paper sizes are selected, see instructions for adjusting values in these two files.

Make copies of the original configuration files if you want to modify the settings, and place the copies in appropriate folders. You may have several copies of the configuration files on your computer. When needed, these files are searched for and the first one found is used in the following search order:

  • model folder
  • project folder as defined by the XS_PROJECT advanced option
  • firm folder as defined by the XS_FIRM advanced option
  • system folder as defined by the XS_SYSTEM advanced option

If no files are found default values will be used.

Tip:

When making copies of the configuration files, keep them first in a test model folder. Validate the results before using them through the project, firm or environment folders. Also, keep backup copies of the configuration files in a safe location as re-installing later versions of Tekla Structures may overwrite your own settings.

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