Importing and Exporting Data with Copy and Paste

Using the Copy and Paste commands is the simplest way to move data into and out of your models.

Note: The following procedures are most practical when the exchange of data is a one-time event. For more information about import and export methods, see Importing and Exporting Data.

To Export Data with Copy and Paste

Use the following procedure to export data from your model by using the Copy and Paste commands.

Set up a table in your model that contains the variables that you want to export, formatted the way you want.
Run the model.
Right-click on the table and select Copy Data in the menu that appears.
Open the document that you want to paste the data into.
Use the document application's Paste command to paste the copied data.

To Import Data with Copy and Paste

Use the following procedure to Copy and Paste your data into the model.

Copy the data that you want to import from another application by following that application's directions.
Open the model that you want to paste the copied data into.
Select all pre-existing data in the model that you want to replace with the copied data.
Paste the data by choosing Paste from the Edit menu, or by pressing Ctrl+V (Windows) or ⌘+V (Macintosh).

Note: The Copy and Paste commands on the Edit menu aren't available when a dialog box is open.

Notes on Formatting Data for Copy and Paste

You can paste numeric data into any model variable, but you have to ensure that the number of data points is appropriate to the location.

Graphical Functions

You can paste X-axis and Y-axis values for a graphical function by using the Points tab of the Graphical Function panel.

To paste X-axis values (in the first column on the Points tab), click above the column to unlock the column, select the rows that you want to paste into, and paste the copied values.
To paste Y-axis values (in the second column on the Points tab), select the rows that you want to paste into, and then paste the copied values.

Tip: You can use Shift-click, Ctrl-click (Windows), and ⌘-click (Mac) to select multiple rows. To select an entire column in the table, click the column header.

For more information about graphical functions, see Creating a Graphical Function.

Stocks, Flows, and Converters

For stocks, flows, and converters, you can paste copied constants or equations into the Equation box on the Equations panel. To replace any existing information in the Equation box, highlight all the data in the box before pasting the copied data.
Queues and conveyors can be the recipient of single or multiple constants for their initial values, but multiple numbers must be separated by commas. To replace any existing information in the Equation box, highlight all the data in the box before pasting the copied data.

Tip: If you're importing data from a spreadsheet, you can created a column of commas next to the column of data. Copy both columns to include the commas, which will format the data properly for pasting into the Equation box for queues and conveyors.
Ovens can be the recipients of constant initial values. To replace any existing information in the Equation box, highlight all the data in the box before pasting the copied data.

Arrays

The process for pasting copied values into an arrayed variable is essentially the same as for non-arrayed variables. There are several exceptions to note.

Note: For information about working with arrayed variables in general, see Working with Arrays.

One data set can be applied to all elements of an arrayed graphical function, if it's pasted when the Apply To All check box is selected. If the Apply to All check box is not selected, you have to paste data into each element separately.

You can paste a data set that defines the initial values for an individual element within an arrayed conveyor or queue if the data are separated by commas. If the Apply To All check box is selected, the initial values apply to all elements within the conveyor or queue.