After you create a property file using the Export Properties command, you can use a spreadsheet, database, or word processing application to edit property values or to add or delete properties. See Assigning properties to the part for important information about the format and contents of a property file.
Capture does not import all part and pin properties. So if a property is exported using the Export Properties command, it does not imply that you can change it’s value and then import the change back into the part or pin. The thumb rule is that any property that is editable in the Property Editor in Capture and is exported can be imported. For example, the pin type property of a pin is exported by the Export command. However, if you EDT the value in the export file and import the file back into Capture, the pin type does not change.
When you import the edited properties, Capture expects to find the schematic pages and parts unchanged. After you export properties, do not edit the project or library from which the properties were exported until after you import the changed properties. If you do, the Import Properties command will fail, and you will have to export and edit the properties again.
It is a good idea to update (annotate) part references before you export properties.
Because various popular spreadsheet and database applications behave differently, Capture can import properties with or without enclosing quotation marks around each field in the property file. The fields must be tab-delimited, though—all other characters, including commas and leading and trailing spaces, are treated as part of a field's text. Be sure your spreadsheet or database program can save in this format.
If the import file was created using a version prior to 16.3, it might consist of blank properties resulting in error during the import process. Edit any instances of blank properties before importing the file.
You can change reference designators by editing the Part References column of the property file.
If Capture finds errors in the property file, the project or library remains unchanged. There is no risk that some parts will be changed and others not.
The Import Properties command allows you to update the pin-type, pin-numbers and user-defined pin properties of the part.
EXP files exported from version 16.2 cannot be imported in previous versions of Capture. However, EXP files exported from previous versions will import correctly in 16.2.
To import part properties or part and pin properties
- Open the project with the design or library holding the parts.
- From the Tools menu, choose the Import Properties command. The Import Properties dialog box appears.
- Select the property file. If the property file is not listed, do one or more of the following:
- In the Look in drop-down list, select a new drive, a new directory, or both.
- In the Files of type text box, select the type of file you want to open.
- Click OK to apply the properties.
If you edit a library provided by OrCAD, it is important that you assign a new library name so that your changes are not overwritten when you upgrade or update your software.
While importing or exporting a design, make sure that the property values do not contain a quote ‘ " ' symbol.