Importing a layout in Rhino typically refers to loading a saved workspace arrangement, known as a window layout, which customizes the visibility and position of toolbars, panels, and viewports. This allows you to quickly switch between different configurations optimized for specific tasks like modeling, rendering, or drafting.
Here's how you can import a saved window layout file into Rhino:
Steps to Import a Rhino Window Layout
You can easily import a previously saved window layout file (.RHL) using Rhino's built-in layout management tools. Follow these steps:
- Access Layout Management: In the Rhino window, navigate to the top menu bar. Click on Window.
- Select Window Layouts: From the dropdown menu, hover over Window Layouts.
- Manage Layouts: In the submenu that appears, select Manage Window Layouts.... This will open the "Manage Window Layouts" dialog box.
- Import Layout: In the "Manage Window Layouts" dialog box, locate and click on the Folder icon. This icon is typically used for file operations like importing.
- Browse and Select File: A file browser window will open. Navigate to the location where your Rhino window layout file (.RHL) is saved. Select the desired .RHL file and click Open. The imported layout will now appear in the list within the "Manage Window Layouts" dialog box.
- Restore Imported Layout (Optional): Once the layout is imported and appears in the list, you can activate it. Select the layout from the list (for example, double-click on "Rendering" as mentioned in the reference if that was the imported layout). Click the Restore selected window layout button (often depicted as a circular arrow or similar icon).
Your Rhino workspace will instantly update to match the imported window layout configuration, arranging toolbars, panels, and viewports as defined in that file.
Understanding Window Layouts
Rhino window layouts are essential for customizing your modeling environment. They save settings such as:
- Visible toolbars and their positions.
- Docked panels and their arrangement.
- Viewport configuration and properties.
By importing and managing different layouts, you can streamline your workflow for various stages of a project or different types of design work.
Note: This process imports a window layout file (.RHL), which configures your Rhino workspace. It does not import page layouts (sheets for drafting and printing) from another Rhino file, which is a separate function handled within the file's Layouts panel.
