User Guide > Using Libraries >

File Operations

ChordWizard libraries are stored in files with a .cwl filename extension.

 

Each file contains the collection of chordshapes in the library, together a set of  Library Optionswhich defines the instrument, tuning, and many playing level preferences for the library.

 

There are several library file operations you can use within ChordWizard, as described below.

 

 

Switching Libraries

If you want to work with a different instrument or tuning, you will need to open a different library file.  The most convenient way to do this is with the Switch Library window, which is opened by any of:

 

Tool Bar:

Keyboard:  Ctrl+W

Menu:  File-Switch Library

 

By selecting your desired instrument, tuning and playing level, you can quickly find all of the available libraries.

 

Switch Library only shows libraries which are located in the designated Libraries folder.  This is usually located within the ChordWizard folder inside Program Files, however you can change it using the Folders window within the General page of Workspace Options.

 

If no suitable libraries are available for your instrument, tuning and playing level, Switch Library can transfer you to the New Library area to help you create the library that you want.

 

 

Opening Libraries

As an alternative to Switch Library, you can use Open Library instead, which is similar to the File-Open function used in most software programs.  The Open Library window is opened by any of:

 

Keyboard:  Ctrl+O

Menu:  File-Open Library

 

Open Library is less convenient than Switch Library, because you have to find the library file you want, but it can access the whole file system, including library files not located in the designated Libraries folder.

 

 

Saving Libraries

Any changes to the collection of chordshapes in the current library, or to any of the Library Options can be saved back to the library file if you wish to keep them.

 

If changes have been made to the currently library, and you attempt to exit ChordWizard or to open or switch to a different library, you will be prompted with a message asking if you wish to save the changes.  You can choose Yes to save the changes, No to lose the changes, or Cancel to cancel the operation causing the current library to be closed.

 

Changes to the current library can be immediately saved at any time using Save Library by any of:

 

Tool Bar:

Keyboard:  Ctrl+S

Menu:  File-Save Library

 

Alternatively you can save a copy of the current library, using the Save Library As window to select the folder and enter the filename of the new library file.  It is opened by:

 

Menu:  File-Save Library As

 

Note that this creates a new file, leaving the original file intact.  You may wish to remove the original file, using Delete Library, described below.

 

The Save Library As window will also appear in response to the Save Library command if the library has not yet been saved to a file.  Most of the time, you will not need to enter the filename of a new library file, as ChordWizard will automatically suggest a filename based on the instrument, tuning and playing level.

 

 

Creating New Libraries

You can create a new library at any time, using the New Library process, started by any of:

 

Tool Bar:

Keyboard:  Ctrl+N

Menu:  File-New Library

 

This process guides you through the steps involved in creating a new library.  It can also help you to fill the new library with chordshapes, either by importing them from another library, or by automatically populating the library.

 

For more details, see New Library.

 

Switch Library may also transfer you to this area if no libraries are currently available for the instrument, tuning and playing level you want.

 

 

Importing Libraries

Chordshapes in another library can all be added to the current library at once by using the Import Library process, started by:

 

Menu:  File-Import Library

 

This is particularly useful if the chordshapes in the other library are based on a different instrument or tuning, since the process gives you the option of transferring chordshape finger positions between strings during the import operation.

 

Import Library is a two-step process.  First you select the library file you wish to import from, and then adjust how you want the import operation to happen.  See Import Options for details.

 

 

Deleting Libraries

Library files which you no longer want can be deleted using Windows Explorer, or a similar system tool.  However, for convenience, ChordWizard also provides an internal function specifically for deleting libraries.  It can be opened by:

 

Menu:  File-Delete Library

 

The currently open library cannot be deleted with this function, so you may need to switch to a different library first if you wish to do this.

 

 

See Also

 

Switch Library

New Library

Import Options

Multiple Libraries