6.11 Customizing Data: Import from File and File: Export Menu


As mentioned in the previous sections, you can select a file format from the Import from File' menu to run the X-Function that imports files of the specified format. Similarly, the Export menu can be used to export the active matrix, worksheet, or graph to a chosen format.

These two menus are constructed dynamically when Origin starts up, by scanning the X-Functions in following two folders:

1. The \Import and Export subfolder of the \X-Functions folder in the Origin program folder.

2. The \Import and Export subfolder of the \X-Functions folder in the user files folder.

The X-Functions in these two folders are listed in either of the menus, depending on their filenames:

1. Those that begin with "imp" are put in the Data : Import from File menu.

2. Those that start with "exp" are listed in the File : Export menu.


The scanning of the X-Functions is performed every time Origin starts up. Therefore, if the X-Functions in the \Import and Export folder are changed, you will see the updates on the Data : Import from File and File : Export menus next time you start Origin.

Note: Usage Context of an X-Function can affect whether the X-Function is shown in the menus. For more details on the Usage Context of X-Functions, please refer to the Creating X-Functions topic in the X-Function manual. (Only available in the digital Help document)

Import Menu Customization dialog

Origin allows you to specify what file types and import themes to show in Data : Import from File menu using the Import Menu Customization dialog, opened from menu Data: Import from File: Add/Remove File Types....

Customizing the File Import 01.png

Using this dialog, you can

  • Select File Type or User Themes from the drop-down list on the top-left corner to list all supported file types or saved dialog themes in the left panel.
  • If you have saved dialog theme for impASC tool, you can select User Theme from this drop-down list, select and add it to Import from File menu for quick reuse.
  • Starting with Origin 2022b, Origin import filter files (.oif) placed in the User Files\Filters folder, can be added to the Import From File menu, just as you would a File Type or User Theme. Note that you can only add filters for Target Window = Worksheet.
  • With the Left/Right arrow button, add/remove the File Type, Theme or Origin Import Filter to/from the right panel to customize the Import from File Menu.
  • Reset the Import from File menu by clicking the Reset button and move the selected item in the right panel up/down by using the Up/Down arrow button.
  • Uncheck/Check the Show "Add/Remove File Types..." menu check box to specify whether to show the menu item Add/Remove File Types... in the Import from File Menu.
Note: Once the Show "Add/Remove File Types..." menu check box is unchecked, you only can open the Import Menu Customization dialog in the Import Filter Manager.
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