Using layouts to save and restore views

You can save views (for example a contour plot or XY plot), including the data references, as a layout state. A layout state contains the information to restore the data and appearance of the saved view. For example, you can set the orientation and scaling for a result and save it in a layout state. When you restore the layout state, the graphics window displays the saved viewports and data. You can save a layout state for the FEM, assembly FEM, and Simulation, depending on the displayed and work part.

You can restore a saved layout state within the same model and session, or you can export it to a .lsx XML file to edit it and import it into different Simulation files.

You can work with layouts in the following ways:

• Create more than one layout state. For example, you can create a different layout state for each of your different results or analyses.

• Copy and duplicate layout states, including copying them into another part, such as a Simulation or FEM part.

• Copy and paste a viewport into the same or another layout state.

• Switch from one layout state to another. You can use the Activate Next and Activate Previous commands in the Layout States group of the Results tab.

• Save layout states in part files.

• Save layout states in a layout state (.lsx) file and apply layout states from the saved layout state file.

• Import and export layout states in session files.

Types of layout states

Layout states are organized into two types: work and archived.

• Work layout states are those you are actively using. One work layout state is always active and the software automatically saves any display changes you make to it. The software creates an active work layout state when it starts. You can create more work layout states by duplicating them, creating an empty work layout state, or copying an archived layout state as a work layout state.

• Archived layout states are those you do not want changed. For example, you want them to remain set to use as templates. You must explicitly save changes to an archived state. Use the Retain State command to create an archived layout state based on the current appearance of the software. When you create an archived layout state, you can specify whether to save either the mesh or element visibility settings in the post view and the annotations. You can also copy a work layout state as an archived layout state. Note: Layout states from earlier releases appear in the Archived folder. For example, if you import a part (Simulation, FEM, or AFEM) from an earlier release of Pre/Post, the software adds its layout states to the Archived folder.

The Simulation Navigator and the Post Processing Navigator list the two types of layout states under the Layout States node. The active work layout state appears in blue.

You can use the right-click Copy to Archived and Copy to Work commands to create a copy of a layout state in the other folder.

Saving a layout state in the part file

The software saves layout states within the part file. The layout states are stored separately for the Simulation, FEM, and assembly FEM. The following figure shows layout states for a FEM and a Simulation.

Layout states saved for a FEM		Layout state for a Simulation

The Post Processing Navigator displays all types of layout states in a Layout States node, including their viewports.

Note:

You can also save a layout state to a layout state (.lsx) file. For more information, see Saving a layout state to layout and session files.

Duplicating a layout state

One of the quickest ways to create work layout states is to duplicate them. You can use the duplicated layout states to make further display changes, while still retaining the original layout state.

The software bases the name of the duplicated layout states on the name of the original layout state. This helps you determine the layout state from which it was duplicated. For example, if you clone work 1, the software names the duplicated layout states, work 1 1, work 1 2, and so on.

If you accumulate several duplicated work layout states, use the right-click Clear command to delete all the work layout states except the active work layout state. If you want to return to the original work layout state, set it as the active work layout state before you select Clear.

Using layout states to replay post-processing scenarios

You can use a layout state to replay and visualize post-processing scenarios. You can set up predefined parameters and selections for one data source in the layout state, and use the layout state with other data sources even if the data sources do not contain the same data. If the layout state cannot find the data in a data source, it applies default values. By using layout states, you retain parameters and selections, and ensure consistency across results.

The following video shows how to create a layout state as a template for Panel Contribution post-processing scenarios using one data source. The video uses Simcenter 3D Results Viewer but the steps are the same for Pre/Post except that you could also work with layout states through the Simulation Navigator.

Video: Use layout states as templates for post-processing scenarios

Save the layout states you want to replay in the Archived folder to ensure they are not overwritten.

Note:

The replacement data source must be compatible with the post-processing scenario defined in the layout state. For example, you cannot replace a Motion results (.mres) data source with a Nastran (.op2) data source in a layout state for Motion results.

For more information about post-processing scenarios, see Scenario-based post-processing.

Changing the data references for a layout state

Every layout state contains data references that reference objects from the source FEM or Simulation file. When you apply, copy, or import a layout state to a different part, you must resolve the layout references for the new context. You can change the layout state data references in two ways:

• Using the Simulation Navigator

• Editing the exported .lsx file

For more information about data references, see Layout state data references.

Copying layout states to another part

You can copy layout states from one part to another using the Import Simulation Entities command. When you copy layout states, you must resolve the data references in the new context of the destination part.

The Import Simulation Entities command copies some of the referenced entities such as fields, boundary conditions, and so on, and automatically resolves them. You can resolve the other data references when you copy or apply the layout state.

Note:

You can use the Import Simulation Entities command to copy Simulation file layout states but not FEM layout states.

Saving a layout state to layout and session files

You can save layout states in the following formats:

• Layout (.lsx) file that contains information about how to restore the layout state. For information about the format of the .lsx file, see Layout state data references. You can apply the layout state into the same or a different Simulation file.

• Session (.rsfx) file that contains all the current layout states and data sources. The display can be based only on data from results files. For more information, see Importing and exporting session files.

You can edit both types of files and apply the layout state to the current display. You can also import session files.

Unsupported entities

You cannot save the following in layout states:

• Thickness contour plots. An error message is displayed if you try to save a thickness contour plot.

• Post view created with the result manipulation commands. You must use Result Probe command instead.

• Streamlines. You cannot save streamlines in layout states. A warning message appears when you try to save a layout state with streamlines.

• Beam cross-section.

• XY graph from a nodal force report.

Where do I find it?

Creating an archived layout state

Application	Pre/Post
Prerequisite	A Simulation or FEM file as the work part and displayed part
Command Finder	Retain State

Importing a layout state

Application	Pre/Post
Prerequisite	A Simulation or FEM file as the work part and displayed part
Command Finder	Apply From File

Importing a layout state through simulation entities

Application	Pre/Post
Prerequisite	A Simulation or FEM file as the work part and displayed part
Menu	File→Import→Simulation Entities
Simulation Navigator	Right-click a FEM→Import Simulation Entities

Exporting a layout state

Application	Pre/Post
Prerequisite	A Simulation or FEM file as the work part and displayed part
Simulation Navigator/Post Processing Navigator	Right-click a layout state→Export

Creating or duplicating a layout state

Application	Pre/Post
Prerequisite	A Simulation or FEM file as the work part and displayed part
Command Finder	New Duplicate

Editing a layout state

Application	Pre/Post
Prerequisite	A Simulation or FEM file as the work part and displayed part
Simulation Navigator/Post Processing Navigator	In the Work folder, right-click a layout state→Edit and Make ActiveIn the Archived folder, right-click a layout state→Edit and Apply

How do I

Create and save layout states

Apply layout states

Copy, paste, and plot viewports in a layout states

Refresh the viewports of a layout state

Manage layout states

Apply and save layout state files

Import and export session files

Learn more

Copying and pasting viewports in layout states

Working with curve operation results

Importing and exporting session files

Quick links

Command reference

Pre/Post video examples

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Using layouts to save and restore views, Simcenter 3D 2021.1 Series

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