Chapter 20: File Export

What is File Export?

File export is just the opposite of File Import. File Export means taking a MegaDots document and storing its contents in a form that other software can read.

Exporting Files

You can export files from MegaDots to other systems very easily. Just press Control-F4 to export a file. First MegaDots wants to know the name of the file you are creating, and then MegaDots needs to know what kind of file you want. You are presented with a list of file types.

MegaDots offers as the default the file type that was used to create the MegaDots document. In other words, if you imported a web (html) file, then when you export, MegaDots remembers that and offers web (html) as the default. Of course, you can select any file type you want.

Exporting to "Your Copy of Microsoft Word"

MegaDots uses Word automation to export a MegaDots file into Microsoft Word. First MegaDots exports to HTML, then turns the HTML file over to your copy of Word to save in the appropriate format. In order for these exports to work, you need to have the appropriate Microsoft Word software installed on your computer:

• MS Word/BANA Template: You need a copy of Word 2003 (or 2007/2010).
• Word 2003: You need a copy of Word 2003 (or 2007/2010).
• Word 2007: You need a copy of Word 2007/2010. When you export to Word 2010, MegaDots adds an 'x' to the file name. So export to a name like training.doc and the actual file name will be training.docx. Hint: from MegaDots, always use the "doc" file extension.
• Word PDF: You need Word 2007/2010 with the PDF ADD-In loaded.
• Word RTF: You need a copy of Word 2003 (or 2007/2010).
• Word Save As: You need a copy of Word 2003 (or 2007/2010). This option opens the document in Word, at the Save As prompt. Once you actually save the file, Word closes so you can get back to MegaDots

Specialized Braille Formats

MegaDots can also create braille formats for other programs. To export a braille document for another program, have the document in braille in MegaDots.

• Duxbury DBT: To get an editable dxb file for Duxbury DBT, select MS Word/BANA Template as the output format.
• PokaDot: To create a file for the PokaDot program, select PokaDot as the output format.
• Microbraille: To create a file for the Microbraille editor, select PokaDot as the output format.
• Braille notetakers: For braille notetakers, there are several choices. With Braille 'n Speak, the only carriage returns are two at the start of each MegaDots paragraph; there are no page breaks or page numbers. With LBF, the braille in the file includes format indicators showing the reader paragraphs, headings, print page divisions, etc. With Braille ready file, the file is formatted with the line breaks, indent, runover, and pagination of hardcopy braille output.
• Other uses: Other programs, including Braille 2000, can make use of files created with the choice of Braille ready file.

Duxbury DBT can also make use of Braille ready files. If you use this choice for DBT, you need to tell DBT in its Global menu to Import formatted braille without interpretation. The resulting document is formatted exactly like the braille output from MegaDots, with all the spacing and pagination forced. On the other hand, if you use the choice of MS Word/BANA template for Duxbury DBT, you get a file where it's easier to do further editing or make use of different braille rules. If you want a different kind of braille translation, then export on the print side to MS Word/BANA template.

For creating a Braille ready file, using the Printing option from the braille side gives you more control than using the Export option, as you can choose carriage width, form length, and interpoint vs. single sided.