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# 2.5.7 Parameter Files

Parameter Files contain turnout, sectional track and structure definitions. Loaded Parameter Files are managed with the Parameter Files dialog.

The dialog contains a list of parameter files. Each file is preceded by a color indicator. These indicators show whether a parameter file contains definitions that are usable in the current scale and gauge.

Definitions from this file are a perfect fit for the current layout options. The file has been loaded and will be visible in the HotBar. For track this means that gauge and scale of the track elements are identical to the layout settings. Prototype definitions (Scale "*") are always a perfect fit. Turnouts and Sectional Track must have the same gauge and usually the same scale unless the scale/gauge combination has been defined to fit. OO layouts use HO track as an example.

Definitions from this file can be used with this layout but do not fit perfectly. A typical example is On30 where HO scale track can be used because the gauge is the same. But differences in scale may make the track look out of scale. Structures are considered compatible if the scale is within +/-20%. Cars are compatible if the gauge is the same, but the scale can be +/-20%. Exceptions to this can be defined in the scale definitions.

This parameter file doesn't contain any usable definitions with current settings. You may want to change the layout options if you want to use elements from this file (for example altering the Layout Scale).

This file is loaded but hidden. If it is marked as favorite it will be kept on the list between runs.

Parameter files can be marked as favorite. The indicator for favorites is a star. The meaning of the colors isn't changed.

Loaded definition files that are marked with a yellow or a green indicator appear on the Hot Bar (Section 2.7).

If you unload a file the definitions are removed from the selection lists and the Hot Bar. If the unloaded file was marked as a favorite it can be reloaded by selecting the Reload button.

Files that are still loaded can be reloaded as well. In that case the old definitions are refreshed and extended by the rereading the file. This can be useful if you want to check changes you made by hand-editing a parameter file.

Note that loading a file does not change the existing definitions in the layout. To do that after loading, use Section 2.9.10.

It is possible to change the state of several files at once. The Select All button allows you to select all parameter files for the next operation.

In case unloaded files are marked as favorite, their state will be preserved between runs of the program. This makes it possible to keep a list of preferred parameter sets between runs of XTrackCAD but hide temporary unused files from the hotbar. That way the hotbar contents can be kept short containing only the currently needed elements.

In order to update the defintion of an already loaded file from disk, you can use the Reload button. This will reload the file contents - with any changes made. It is the equivalent of using Browse and selecting the file again.

Files can be listed by either their file name or by their contents description. This is controlled by the Show File Names check box.

The Library button opens the Choose Parameter File dialog (Section 2.5.8) this shows the all files included the system library so they can be added.

The Browse button opens a file window that allows the user to add additional files to directly load other non-system parameter files such as provided by other users or downloaded from the Internet.

When first installed, parameter files for all common scales are loaded. You can unload parameter files you don't use to speed up XTrackCAD startup time.

The order in this list controls the order of turnouts and structures on the Hot Bar (Section 2.7). You can move a parameter file to the end of the list by Unloading it, and then loading it via the Browse button.