Looking at the MCL-Designer V4 Work Area > The Menu Bar Area > Navigating the Menu Bar

Overview

The Menu Bar consists of several command groups that allow for direct operations regarding the settings and the edition of the project. This chapter deals with each group of commands individually.

File menu

	File menu
	New	Is used to create a new project. See Creating a New Project.
	Open	Is used to open previously created projects from the default project's folder. The location of the default project's folder can be modified in the "Designer Setup" option, accessed via the Tools menu. See Detail of MCL-Designer Setup and also Detail of Open.
	Close	Is used to close the current project. If the project has unsaved data, a new window opens offering the possibility to save the changes (OK), close the project without saving the changes (No) or maintaining the project open (Cancel).
	Save	Is used to save the current project in the previously defined project's folder.
	Save as	Is used to save the current project with a new name or information. In the resulting window, fill in the available options. See Detail of Save as.
	Import	Is used to import a project (.mprj file) into the folder you have selected as the "Project Directory" in the "MCL-Designer Setup" option (See Directories Tab). If the project was created with an older MCL-Designer version, you are provided with these options: Click it, if you simply want to convert the project to the current MCL-Designer version. Click it to open a window where you can save the imported project with a new version and/or a new name. If required, you can also alter its location (enter a new location or use to browse for it). When you are done, click . Click it to open the selected project in its original MCL-Designer version. The current/up to date version of MCL-Designer is closed and the version that was used to create the project is opened. This feature is available if: •you are working with an MCL-Designer version that is higher than 4.4.3-1300, for projects created within MCL-Designer 4.4.3-1300 and higher. •you did not previously check the when opening other older version projects. •you check the "Show 'Open with previous...' message after MCL-Designer updates" option located in the "Designer Settings" window. See Detail of MCL-Designer Setup. Only available in an MCL-Designer version that is higher than 4.4.3-1300 for a project that was created in a 4.4.3 or higher version. Click it to disable the option when MCL-Designer has a minor update (an update that does NOT require conversion - ex: a maintenance release). It is also possible to drag-and-drop an *.mprj file from Windows Explorer directly to the MCL-Designer's working area. This implies that the current project will be closed in order to open the newly imported project.
	Report	Is used to create an account of a project's details such as all the specifications and screen shots. A report can be customized to include only the details specified in the "Report Settings" window. See Detail on Report.
	Exit	Is used to exit MCL-Designer V4.

Edit menu

	Edit menu
	Undo	Is used to cancel the last action.
	Redo	Is used to cancel the last “Undo” action.
	Search	Is used to execute a general search in the project. See Detail of Search below.

Detail of Search

Of all these options, fill in the most appropriate ones to your search:

Search Data
Search	Enter the value to search or select it from within a variable by clicking .
Filter	Use this option to limit the search field: All - Select this option to search for all the places where the string is found. Text - Select this option to search for all the places where the string is found as text. GOTO/Label - Select this option to search for the designated string in "Go to"/"Go to End of Action/Routine" processes or labels. Datafile - Select this option to search for the designated string in data file aliases being used by the project. Variable - Select this option to search for the designated string in variable names. The search result will return the locations where the searched variable is used. Variable (Var. write only) - Select this option to search for the designated string in variable names. The search result will return the locations where the searched variable is written. Com (Host/Aux/ODBC) - Select this option to search for the designated string in elements dealing with communication (Host / Aux / ODBC names). Barcode/RFID Profile - Select this option to search for the designated string in scanner/RFID profile names used in the project. Localization Tag - Select this option to search for the designated string within localization tags being used in the project.
Match Case	Check this option to take the designated string's uppercase and lowercase characters into account.
Match Whole Word Only	Check this option to enable an exact string search.
After filling in the required options, click to search for the desired information. The results appear in the "Search Result" table below. If you double-click a result, the corresponding "Actions" and "Properties" window open.
Type column	Displays the field or object where the designated string is found (ex: if the string is included in a read variable; if it is within a Display Text object; etc.).
Position column	Displays the location of the designated string.
Function/Object column	Displays the name of the process /object of the found string.
Value Found column	Displays the values found that match the designated string within the field/element it was found in.

It is possible to run a direct/automatic search for a data file alias:

a. In the "Data Files" module, right-click the data file alias you want to search for (<test_DB> test_DB.DAT).

b. In the resulting right-click menu, select "Search".

The "Search" window opens with the search results (all the places where the data file alias is used).

This option does not search for specific data within the data file. To do so, open the data file, click , then, and enter the specific data. See Search Data in an Opened Data File.

Format menu

The rule for all object format commands is that the last selected object acts as a format template.

	Format menu
	Align left	Is used to align all selected objects with the utmost left object.
	Align Right	Is used to align all selected objects with the utmost right object.
	Align Top	Is used to align all selected objects with the utmost top object.
	Align Bottom	Is used to align all selected objects with the utmost bottom object.
	Align Vertical Center	Is used to align all selected objects vertically with the last selected object.
	Align Horizontal Center	Is used to align all selected objects horizontally with the last selected object.
	Horizontal Space	Is used to, evenly, align all selected objects horizontally. Select, at least, 3 or more objects.
	Vertical Space	Is used to, evenly, space all selected objects vertically. Select, at least, 3 or more objects.
	Center Selection	Is used to center all selected objects in relation to the screen.
	Center All	Is used to center all objects in relation to the screen.
	Same Width	Is used to shape all selected objects with the same width as the last selected object.
	Same Height	Is used to shape all selected objects with the same height as the last selected object.
	Same Dimensions	Is used to shape all selected objects with the same dimensions as the last selected object.
	Send Backward	Is used to send the selected object behind the other objects of the same type.
	Bring Forward	Is used to bring the selected object in front of other objects of the same type.

Tools menu

	Tools menu
	Library Manager	Is used to import data files, global procedures, programs, screens and routines from a library. See Import from Library.
	Import From Designer V3	Is used to import projects developed in MCL-Designer V3. See Import MCL-Designer V3 Projects.
	MCL-Designer Setup	Is used to configure certain settings of MCL-Designer V4. See Detail of MCL-Designer Setup.
	System Variables Setup	Is used to directly attribute values to system variables that are used in the MCL-Designer Simulator. See Detail of System Variables.
	Icon Generator	Is used to access the "Icon Generator" tool and create icons that will represent the application. See Detail of an Icon Generator window.
	Localization	Provides access to a menu with further options regarding Localization. See Detail of Localization Options below.
	Themes	Provides access to a menu with editing; importing and exporting options. See Detail of Theme Options.
	Restore from Autosaved Files	Provides access to a window which displays the current project's restore points. See Restore Points window.

Detail of Localization Options

Localization provides access to the following options:

View All Localization Tags

If you select this option, a "Localization" window opens:

The window displays all the localization tags within the project as well as the native language values and the corresponding translated values.

Localization
	The search box allows you to search the localization tag, the native language value and/or the available languages values. To conclude the search, simply erase the value in the search box.
Loc. Tag column	Displays the localization tag's ID number.
Native Language column	Displays the text value within each tag.
Available Languages columns	Displays the corresponding translation to the native language's localization tag. There is a column for each of the previously selected languages available in the project. See Localization.
	If required, add localization tags. Click and enter the required values in the available columns. The "Loc. Tag" and "Native Language" columns are mandatory. Make sure that the "Loc. Tag" column is in ascending order so that you know which ID number to attribute to the new localization tag. Should you attribute an already in use "Loc. Tag", an error message is displayed. Click and return to the "Localization" window and fill in the "Loc Tag" column with a new numeric value.
	This button only becomes active after you have added a localization tag. You can only delete localization tags you have manually added

This table is automatically generated and can be fed with imported language files. See Localization.

If needed,you can also edit any of the localization tags' fields. Double-click the field you want to edit, enter the new value and click to apply the modification(s).

Import Localization

Is used to import a Localization file. See To Import a Localization.

Export Localization

Is used to export a Localization file. See To Export a Localization.

Project's Languages

Is used to add or remove languages defined in the current project. It opens the "Localization" tab included in the project's properties. See Localization.

Switch to...

Is used to change the project's language utilizing a predefined list of languages. See Switch Languages.

Detail of Theme Options

Themes provides access to the following options:

Select

Is used to view the default themes and to import external themes by clicking (located on the bottom of the window).

Import

Is used to import external themes.

If you click this option, an OS browse window opens. Select the required theme files.

Export

Is used to export a theme internal to MCL-Designer V4.

a. Enter the name of the theme to export (mandatory field).

b. Enter the name of the target location OR use to browse for a target location.

c. Conclude the export operation by clicking .

Detail of MCL-Designer Setup

Click each tab and fill in/check the available options, as required by your project.

General tab

General tab
Check for MCL-Designer updates...	Check this option to enable an automatic check for updates on start-up.
Show 'Open with previous...' message...	Check this option if you want to have the "Open with previous Designer" message displayed after every MCL-Designer update, regardless of it being a major or minor update (a minor update means that there is no conversion - ex: a maintenance release).
Remember open Screens in Project	Check this option to reopen the screens left open in the previous session.
Keep ...backup files of the project	Define the number of backup files for a project. When defining the number of backup files, remember that a backup file is generated when: •You save a project. •an autosave occurs (the autosave occurs automatically after the user inserts information/modifications and does not save the inserted data). •before converting an old project to a new version of MCL-Designer. •before generating or simulating a project. •you load a previous version of the current project.
Use Help	Select one of the following options: Online (if available) - If, at the time you want to access Help, there is no internet connection, you will be provided with the offline version. Offline only - When checked, this option only provides the Help File included in MCL-Designer.
Verify MCL Code before simulating and sending to device	Check this option to perform an MCL Code verification. This is recommended before simulating or sending it to a device.

Directories tab

Directories tab
Project	Enter the project's directory location or click to browse for it.
Libraries	Enter the libraries directory location or click to browse for it.
Images	Enter the location for the current user's pictures directory or click to browse for it.

Grid/Colors tab

Grid/Colors tab
Grid/Magnetic	Define the grid specifications by checking “Show Grid” or “Magnetic” options.
Grid Style	Select the grid style preference, either squares or dots.
Grid Pitch	Define the grid spacing by selecting the pitch in the drop-down list.
Grid Color	Define the grid color by selecting it from the drop-down list or customize it by clicking .
Background Color	Define the background color for the screen window. Either select it from the drop-down list or customize it by clicking .

Simulation tab

Simulation tab
Default Host IP	Define the default Host IP.
Delete Simulator Directory before Simulating	Check this option to delete test data before any simulation.

After altering the desired values, click to proceed or to abort.

Detail of System Variables Setup

Enter new values in a variable field by double-clicking its “Value” field.

Execute variable name/description searches by entering query information in the "search box".

After altering the desired values, click to proceed or to abort.

Project menu

	Project menu
	Verify	Is used to verify the consistency of the current project's MCL Code. If there are issues, a report window will open to display them. See Detail of Project Verification Report.
	Generate	Is used to generate the MCL Code. If there are issues, a report window is opened displaying them. See Detail of Project Verification Report. When you generate a project (click the "Generate" option and, then, save the project), you create an .mprj file.
	Simulate	Is used to simulate and test the current project. See Simulating a Project. If there are issues, a report window is opened displaying them. See Detail of Project Verification Report.
	Load to Device	Is used to send the MCL project to the device. The device must be on and connected via Windows Mobile Device Center connection, and the MCL Client waiting (in "Wait" mode). See Loading an Application/Project to a Device.
	Publish	Is used to close the project version. This version can not be edited and is ready to be sent to the customer. See Publishing a Project.
	Generate Screenshots	Is used to generate all screen shot images within the current project. When clicked, this option opens a window with the option to select the language for the project screen shots. See Detail of Generate Screenshots.
	Open Project's Folder	Is used to open and view the project's directory.
	Properties	Is used to display and edit current project properties. See Project Properties.
	Variables	Is used to display a window with a variable list - a Floating Variable Select window. The content of this window, which is editable, depends on the currently active context (ex: a program, a screen, an object, etc.). See Detail of Variable Select windows.

Detail of Project Verification Report

By double-clicking each error/warning line, the corresponding properties window is opened allowing corrections to be made. After editing the properties window, click to apply them.

Click to update the information or click to close the window.

It is possible to filter the displayed information. Click to only display critical errors or to view information errors in the project.

Detail of Generate Screenshots

If the project includes languages other than the "native language" (see Localization), select the required one from the drop-down list and click .

This opens your project's screenshot destination folder where you can view the generated screenshot(s).

View menu

	View menu
	Zoom	Is used to select the zoom percentage which affects the viewing of the open screens in the Working Area (10%; 25%; 50%; 75%; 100%; 150%; 200%).
	Refresh	Is used to refresh the Working Area.
	Show Thumbnail	Is used to display the Thumbnail Section.
	Cascade	Is used to display all opened screens in a cascade view, in the Working Area.
	Minimize All	Is used to minimize all opened screens into the Thumbnail Section.
	Restore All	Is used to open all minimized screens in the Thumbnail Section.
	Close Current	Is used to close current screen. This can also be done by clicking the on the right upper corner of the screen window.
	Close All	Is used to close all open screens.
	The final area of this menu displays the name of the opened screens as well as the active screen (with the icon).

"?" menu

	? menu
	MCL-Designer Help	Used to access the MCL-Designer Help. Opens an CHM file if MCL-Designer V4 is offline or a web page if MCL-Designer V4 is online. See MCL-Designer Setup.
	Check for Updates	Used to check for updates to MCL-Designer V4. Only works if the product is activated. See Check for Updates.
	About MCL-Designer	Used to view the current version of MCL-Designer V4. See Detail of "About MCL-Designer" window below.

Detail of "About MCL-Designer" window

License/Subscription info
Company	The MCL-Mobility Platform company associated with MCL-Designer V4. See details in To Activate MCL-Designer V4.
Account	The MCL-Mobility Platform account number associated with MCL-Designer V4. See details in To Activate MCL-DesignerV4.
License	The license number associated with MCL-Designer V4. See details in To Activate MCL-Designer V4.
S/N	The software's serial number of the PC where MCL-Designer is installed.
Clicking License File opens the license file folder.

If you are using MCL-Designer V4 on "trial mode", the "About MCL-Designer..." window is different. It displays/offers:

•the current MCL-Designer V4 version.

•the days you have left in "trial mode"

•the possibility to activate a license/subscription so you can continue using MCL-Designer V4 in the "licensed mode", without restrictions.

For more information on the "trial mode", see MCL-Designer V4 Trial Mode.