External Tools
Use the External Tool Manager to manage custom menu commands, which are then located in the Tools menu for quick accessibility.
Click Tools > Tools > More... > Customize External Tools to create a custom menu command from any executable file. Executable file types include:
The External Tool Manager consists of the following elements:
- External Tool List Pane--This pane lists the external tools that have been created. All of the tools listed in this pane will be displayed in the Tools > External Tools menu.
- New--Creates a new external tool in the list pane.
- Delete--Deletes the currently highlighted tool.
- Rename--Allows you to rename the currently highlighted tool.
- Command--This field allows you to enter the full path to the executable file that the tool will initiate. Click the ellipsis button to open a Windows Open dialog to allow you to browse to the executable.
- Arguments--This optional field allows you to enter command line variables that are passed to the tool or command when it is activated. Click the > button to open a submenu containing predefined arguments. Arguments containing spaces must be enclosed in quotes. The available arguments are:
- Hydraulic Model Directory--This argument passes the current model directory to the executable upon activation of the tool. The argument string is %(ProjDir).
- Hydraulic Model File Name--This argument passes the current model file name to the executable upon activation of the tool. The argument string is %(ProjFileName).
- Hydraulic Model Store File Name--This argument passes the current model datastore file name to the executable upon activation of the tool. The argument string is %(ProjStoreFileName).
- Working Directory--This argument passes the current working directory to the executable upon activation of the tool. The argument string is %(ProjWorkDir).
- Initial Directory--Specifies the initial or working directory of the tool or command. Click the > button to open a submenu containing predefined directory variables. The available variables are:
- Hydraulic Model Directory--This variable specifies the current model directory as the Initial Directory. The variable string is %(ProjDir).
- Working Directory--This variable specifies the current working directory as the Initial Directory. The variable string is %(ProjWorkDir).
Test--This button executes the external tool using the specified settings.