Importing blocks is a function in the Catalogue Maintenence Component extension, which is an administrative tool for controlling and customising catalogues.
Note: When the CMC Administrator downloads a catalogue and the block file directly from Compusoft, the block file will automatically show as a customisation in the catalogue.
This article details how to import your own blocks from file as a customisation. For a step-by-step guide, watch the video or follow the steps below:
IMPORTANT: Before importing blocks you need to have added component 4 condition customisation and component 7 catalogue settings customisation. For more information click here.
At Project level:
- Click on Additional modules and select Catalogue customisation. This brings up a list of your downloaded catalogues.
- Select the catalogue and click on Customisation button on the right hand side.
Click on Import at the bottom right and select 5 – Block customisation (from file).
- Find the file you want to import, by default it will look for a zipped file but you can change the Files of type: to search for CSV or XML files if you do not have them in a zipped folder.
- Choose the file and click Open.
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The Convert blocks window will open and you have two options:
Option 1
- Click Convert and a progress bar will appear
Note: If you run as background process (which is the default setting) you can still use Winner whilst the conversion takes place.
- When the process is complete a dialog box will appear stating Blocks customisation added.
- Click OK to confirm.
Option 2
- Untick run as background process then Convert.
Note: this will run the process in the foreground, so you cannot use Winner during the conversion.
- When the process is complete, it will inform you Blocks customisation added
- Click Close.
Note: Importing Blocks can take a substantial amount of time dependent on the size of the file. Whilst the import is taking place in the foreground you cannot use the Winner software. Therefore it is recommended that you run large file sizes as a background process.
Important: Don't forget to Publish the catalogue when the import has finished, so that it is available for download.