# Read/Write XPM file

The Read/Write XPM or Bitmap File dialog is a simple File Selection Box which allows you to browse the file system in search of X bitmap or XPM files.

When reading, the current pixmap and color table within the Pixmap Editor will be overwritten. Only XPM format 3 files or X bitmap files can be read in.

The same dialog is used to write XPM files. Either XPM format 1 or format 3 files can be produced. Set the Format toggle to the type of XPM file you require.

In Microsoft Windows mode, there are two additional formats: Microsoft Windows Bitmap and Microsoft Windows Icon. You must use one of these formats in order to display your Pixmap on Microsoft Windows. Buttons use Bitmaps and Labels use Icons. However, you do not need to write the files at all if you are going to generate a Microsoft Windows resource file - WorkShop Visual will write them (converting from a Pixmap) automatically using the object name as the filename. Remember that on the PC filenames must be eight characters or less.

At the top of the dialog is the Filter field: this controls which directories and files are displayed within the dialog. By convention, XPM data is held in files with the suffix ".xpm" and so by default the Filter field is set to reflect this fact. You can however ignore the convention and read or write XPM data 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.

The 'Stay Open' toggle allows you to keep the dialog on screen between read and write actions; this allows you to create all your XPM files within the context of a single Pixmap Editor session.

When you have made your selection, press the OK button to effect the read or write action.

See also:

- Pixmap Editor
- Microsoft Windows Mode
- About WorkShop Visual