# Import and conversion of an application

You can import the following application files to FactoryTalk View Studio and convert them to current version FactoryTalk View Machine Edition application files using Machine Edition Import Wizard:

- PanelBuilder® application (.pba or .pva)
- PanelBuilder32 application (.pba or .pva)
- PanelBuilder 1400e application (.pvc)
- RSView® Machine Edition application (.med)
- FactoryTalk View Machine Edition application (.med)

When importing an application:

- If the application contains any direct driver nodes, the Import Wizard will create an RSLinx topic for each direct driver node it finds. All topics are then converted to device shortcuts to run with FactoryTalk Linx. You must have RSLinx Classic and FactoryTalk Linx installed to complete the conversion.
- If the application includes alarm block tags, the conversion process creates direct references for each of the block tags imported. The direct reference is based on the original block tag name and address, with the modifier "L" appended. The "L" modifier is followed by the number of elements to be read. The number is arrived at by dividing the number of bits that is defined for the block tag by the number of bits in each address element (assumed to be a 16-bit word). For example, if the original block tag had 47 bits defined, using the address N7:0, it would be converted to a direct reference as N7:0,L3.
- If the application files are created with an earlier version FactoryTalk View, FactoryTalk View will create a copy of the application for the current version and will not alter the earlier version.
- PanelView Plus 7 Standard application will be converted to PanelView Plus 7 Performance or custom size application, and the application limits will be removed. If you want a PanelView Plus 7 Standard application, specify the project window size in the Project Settings dialog box after the application is imported.
- Compact Machine Edition application will be converted to regular non-compact application, and the application limits will be removed. If you want a Compact Machine Edition application, specify the project window size in the Project Settings dialog box after the application is imported.
- The Import Wizard converts PanelBuilder objects to the most similar Machine Edition objects. When conversion is not possible, an error message is shown.
- A PanelBuilder application will be converted to a Machine Edition application that does not contain a border or a title bar.

You can use the current version application files to create previous version runtime files in FactoryTalk View Studio. For information about the features supported in different versions of FactoryTalk View, see "Appendix G" in FactoryTalk View Machine Edition User's Guide.

You cannot import applications that were created with later versions of FactoryTalk View Studio than the one you are presently running. For example, if you are running Version 7.0, you cannot import an application that is created with Version 8.0.

## See also

Create a Machine Edition application

Import an application

Multiple version support

PanelView Plus 7 Standard applications and Compact Machine Edition applications

Specify project settings (General tab)

Keywords: import, convert, application