Working With Templates
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TPDesign4 Touch Panel Design Software (v2.10 or higher)
If the project does not automatically open in TPDesign4, launch TPDesign4 and open the
project file (File > Open). TPDesign4 treats projects generated in G4 PanelBuilder the same as
any other TP4 project file; use TPDesign4 to assign channel mapping information and make
any other refinements to the project as needed.
5.
Save the project (File > Save). The file is now ready for transfer.
Importing G4 PanelBuilder Templates
You can import existing G4 PanelBuilder template (*.TPT) files to take advantage of the prefabricated
elements they contain:
1. Select File > Import G4 PanelBuilder Template to access the Import G4 PanelBuilder dialog.
Locate and open the desired template file (*.TPT).
If you have downloaded G4 PanelBuilder templates from www.amx.com, they reside in the
following directory:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\AMXShare\G4Templates
2.
The selected template file is opened in TPDesign4 as a TP4 project file.
3. Modify and save the file as needed.
Creating G4 PanelBuilder Templates
You can use TPDesign4 to create custom G4 PanelBuilder template (*.TPT) files.
A template is essentially just a TPDesign4 project (*.TP4) file with pages, popup pages and buttons
named in a specific way that allows G4 PanelBuilder to recognize the elements in the project, and
understand the relationships between these elements. Once a TP4 project file is exported as a G4
PanelBuilder Template (*.TPT) file, it can be used as a starting point for panel design in the G4
PanelBuilder application.
The basics of this operation are simple: once you have created or opened a TP4 file, select File > Export
As G4 PanelBuilder Template. Assuming that the project adheres to the various rules required by G4
PanelBuilder for a valid template file, the file is exported with the TPT file extension. There are certain
basic requirements that must be met by the TP4 file before it can be exported as a G4 PanelBuilder
Template (TPT) file:
The project must contain at least one Navigation Element. A Navigation element consists of at
least one popup (may contain multiple popups), and represents the place where you make
most navigation selections (i.e. a main menu page).
The project must contain at least one Placeholder Element. A Placeholder element is a blank
or empty device/feature element that allows you to include items in the project that are not
specifically included in the template.
The project must contain at least one main Preview image. A Preview image is the image that
is used for thumbnail representation of the template within the G4 PanelBuilder application.
If TPD4 detects that there are problems with the file that would prevent it from being used by G4
PanelBuilder, these errors and warnings are listed in the Export As G4 PanelBuilder dialog.
Use the Panel > Send to G4 PanelPreview option to preview the resulting panel file
in the G4 PanelPreview application.