# File Open dialog

The File Open dialog is used to browse the file system in search of files which contain WorkShop Visual designs.

At the top of the dialog is the Filter field: this controls which directories and files are displayed within the dialog. By convention, WorkShop Visual designs are held in files with the suffix ".xd" and so by default the Filter field is set to reflect this fact. You can however ignore the convention and read designs from files named according to your own naming scheme: change the value of the filter field.

The Directories list contains a list of directories which pass the filter. You can selectively browse up and down the directory hierarchy by clicking on items within the list.

The Files list contains a list of files (in the directory currently selected within the Directories list) which pass the filter. Note that when you change directory by single-clicking in the Directories list, the Files list is not automatically updated for the new directory: you need to press the Filter button in order to read into the list all matching files. This non-automatic behavior cuts down on expensive file system accesses while you are browsing around the directory structure.

An alternative to pressing the Filter button is to double click when selecting directories: the Files list will be automatically updated.

You can either select the file you want to open from the scrolling list of files, or type the name directly into the Selection field.

When you have made your selection, press the OK button to open the file.

NOTES

If you have design files already opened at the time when you open a new file, you will be asked if you want to save any changes made to the old design.

If you want to open a design file without closing your existing design, use the Read rather than Open option, both of which are found within the File menu at the top of the WorkShop Visual Window.

See also:

- Resource Panels and other WorkShop Visual dialogs
- About WorkShop Visual