File Menu

The File menu can be accessed from the horizontal top bar menu at the top of the screen.

Tip: see the DesignBuilder Model Files help page for advice on file storage, backups etc.

The following options are available when a file is open:

General

• New file (Ctrl+N) - create a new DesignBuilder dsb file.
• Open file (Ctrl+O) - Open an existing DesignBuilder dsb file.
• Close (Ctrl+F4) - close the currently open DesignBuilder dsb file and returned to the opening screen.
• Print - Print current view
• Load results file - load a previously generated ESO file.

Save

• Save (Ctrl+S) - Save currently open DesignBuilder dsb file. If no file is currently loaded then this command saves the libraries.
• Save without output results - save the current DesignBuilder dsb file without output results reducing the file size. Use this option if you plan to send the dsb file by e-mail or forums etc.
• Save as (F12) - save the DesignBuilder dsb file using a different name/location.
• Save as template - save the DesignBuilder dsb file as a template so it can be used as a starting point for subsequent new projects.

Import

• Import IDF model - import a model saved in the EnergyPlus IDF file format.
• Import model from XML - imports a model previously exported in the DesignBuilder XML model file format.
• Import component blocks from XML - imported component blocks and their attribute settings from a file previously exported using the Export component blocks as XML menu command.
• Merge model data from file - import the attribute settings, components and templates, HVAC system, assemblies and component blocks from a previously created DesignBuilder model into a newly modified one.
• Import 2-D drawing file - import a 2-D DXF floorplan into the model for tracing over.
• Import 3-D model - import a gbXML model.
• Import building from external file - import building(s) into the current model from an external file.
• Import assembly library - imports an assembly library from an external asl file previously created using the Export assembly library command.
• Import library data - import library data from an existing DDF file.

Export

• Export EnergyPlus Heating design IDF file - export an IDF file using options for heating design calculations.
• Export EnergyPlus Cooling design IDF file - export an IDF file using options for cooling design calculations.
• Export EnergyPlus Simulation design IDF file - export an IDF file using options for simulation using hourly weather data.

Note: the IDF export options are only available for fully licensed users. If you are using an evaluation version and would like to test the IDF export tools as part of your evaluation of the software please contact DesignBuilder sales.

• Export model as XML - exports the model in DesignBuilder XML (dsbXML) model file format. The model exported includes all geometry, attribute and custom components and templates.
• Export selected component blocks as XML - exports any selected building level component blocks in XML format. The exported file can later be reimported back in either manually through the Import component blocks from XML menu command or through a script as part of a parametric analysis or optimisation study. You must be at building level and have component blocks selected to access this command.
• Export model image - export the currently displayed image of the model.
• Export 3-D DXF model - export the model in 3-D DXF format.
• Export gbXML model - exports the current building geometry in gbXML format including layered constructions, materials, glazing and shading devices for use in another compatible program.
• Export MagiCAD - exports an IFC file with heating and cooling design results for loading into MagiCAD.
• Export to MasterClima 11300 - exports the current building data in a format compatible with MasterClima 11300. Contact SGM our Italian reseller for more details.
• Export CSV report file - export a summary of the model in spreadsheet format.
• Export assembly library - exports the current assembly library to an asl file for importing into another model.
• Export CFD results slices - from the CFD screen, when results are being displayed in slices, this command allows you to export the result values to a csv file for further analysis and checking.
• Export library data - export library data in DDF format.

Folder

• EnergyPlus folder - opens a Windows Explorer window in the folder used by DesignBuilder for storing temporary EnergyPlus files.
• Weather data folder - opens a Windows Explorer window in the folder where the hourly weather files are stored.
• Library data folder - opens a Windows Explorer window in the folder where library data files are stored.
• Template projects folder - opens a Windows Explorer window in the folder where dsb file templates are stored. File templates are available for selection on the second tab of the Add new project dialog.