Another topic discusses how to periodically make master backups of all your 3D data for safekeeping.  But what if you just want to quickly transfer a form group you’ve updated to another computer, or before making changes to the forms? Use the special Custom Form Studio Backup/Distribute option.

TO BACKUP
In Custom Form Studio, right-click the desired form group and choose Backup/Distribute to create and save a .3DF form backup file. 

• To include or transfer your latest uncompiled “source” forms that you edited in Custom Form Studio and not just the portion used to start reports in the report writer be sure to mark “include uncompiled forms” before clicking Backup.
• If you want to only transfer the forms used in the report writer without transferring the source forms for editing (perhaps to provide to an inspector whom you don’t want making wholesale modifications to the forms), deselect “include uncompiled forms” before clicking Backup.

When prompted to save your 3DF backup filename, you may change the name of the backup file if desired.  For example you may append a date or revision note or number, making it easier to archive a series of form revisions from different times.

TO RESTORE
A .3DF backup file may be transferred to another computer or emailed to tech support or another inspector who is using the 3D software.

In the computer you are transferring or restoring the forms INTO, use the Report Writer or Custom Form Studio File > Install a set of forms option to navigate to and load the .3DF backup file you created.

If you are updating existing forms on the computer, you will be prompted whether to overwrite the files.  This will  REPLACE any existing form files named the same already on the computer that are included in the backup of that form group.

Now you know how to easily share just your forms or quickly transfer them to another computer.  We suggest making a quick form backup for safekeeping before or after making changes to your forms, or in between major changes, just in case you don’t like your changes and decide to restore a prior revision.