To begin using the custom CSV export feature in CMM-Manager, you must first create a template that defines the data to be exported and its structure. The template is a delimited data file that uses tags to specify data fields. (Tags are explained in detail in the following section.)

Delimited data formats, such as CSV (Comma-Separated Values), TSV (Tab-Separated Values), or other similar formats, separate data values with a specific delimiter (e.g., commas, tabs). For simplicity, we recommend creating the template in Microsoft Excel and saving it as a CSV file if you have Microsoft Office Products. There are other free CSV editors that can be found online that work for this as well.

A custom CSV export template in CMM-manager consists of three primary components: the data row, delimiter, and content. Each component is essential for defining the structure and output of your exported data. These components are described in detail in the following sections.

Tags in CMM-Manager are placeholders that instruct the software on which data to populate in specific cells of the exported CSV file. Each tag is enclosed within double curly braces, formatted as {{tag_name}}. The following sections provide a comprehensive list of available tags and their corresponding data fields in generated reports.

Header Tags correspond to metadata associated with the entire report collection, such as the unit, date, or runtime. These tags are used to populate data fields that apply globally to the report, regardless of the specific report. For example, a tag like {{Unit}} retrieves the unit used in the whole report. These tags are typically used in templates to construct a header for the custom CSV report.

In CMM-Manager, templates are stored and managed on a per-program basis, meaning each template imported into a program is saved within the .cmp or .prg file. This ensures that custom CSV exports function consistently across different computers. To import a template:

1. Navigate to the Report ribbon bar
2. Select Custom CSV Settings to open the configuration menu.
3. Choose the import option and select your CSV template file.
   

The Custom CSV Settings dialog in CMM-Manager allows you to manage and configure templates for custom CSV exports. This section shows the dialog and describes the dialog’s key components and their functions.

Templates List Box

The Templates list box displays all templates imported for CSV exports. Key features include:

• Template Names : Derived from the file name without the extension (e.g., template.csv appears as template).

• Uniqueness : Each template must have a unique name. Importing a template with an existing name prompts an overwrite confirmation.

• Deletion : Select a template and press the Delete key to remove it. Deletion is only allowed if no report uses the template.

Import Button

The Import button opens the File Explorer to select a CSV template file. Upon selection, the Template Import Settings dialog appears, allowing further configuration (see below for details).

Export Button

The Export button, enabled only when a template is selected in the Templates list box, allows you to export the selected template.

• Opens File Explorer to choose a destination folder and specify a file name.

• Exports the template exactly as it was imported including the extension.

• Displays an overwrite warning if the file already exists in the selected folder.

Apply to All Button

The Apply to All button, enabled when a template is selected, applies the selected template to all current reports for CSV exports. It also sets the selected template as the default for new reports.

Apply Default to All Button

The Apply Default to All button resets all current reports to use the default (legacy) CSV export format. It also sets the default format for new reports to the legacy CSV export.

Recent Popup Menu

The Recent popup menu lists recently imported templates, maintained at the computer level for access across different programs. This facilitates quick selection when configuring exports.

Stats Count

The Stats Count section includes:

• Incremental Checkbox: When checked, the stats count value increments after each program run.

• Incremental Edit Box: Displays the current stats count. The next exported stats count value will be the displayed v.
  

The Stats count value can be incorporated into a custom CSV export by using the tag {{StatsCount}} in the template

The Template Import Settings dialog in CMM-Manager is essential for configuring a custom CSV template during import. This dialog opens automatically after selecting a template file via the Import button in the Custom CSV Settings dialog. It allows you to specify the delimiter and data row, with the File Preview aiding in these configurations. Below is an image of the dialog and a description of its key components.

Delimiter

The Delimiter setting defines the character separating values in the CSV template.

• Use the File Preview window to identify the delimiter (e.g., comma, tab, or semicolon).

• Select a predefined delimiter or choose Other to input a single custom character.

• If left blank, the Other delimiter defaults to a comma.

Data Row

The Data Row setting specifies the row in the template that repeats for each tolerance item in the exported CSV.

• Defaults to the last row of the template.

• Uses 1-based indexing (e.g., the first row is numbered 1).

• Reference the bold, blue row numbers in the File Preview to select the correct data row.

File Preview

The File Preview window displays the template as a text document, assisting with configuration. It allows you to:

• Visually confirm the delimiter separating values.

• Identify the data row by referencing the bold, blue row numbers displayed to the left of each line.
  

To import the template, click OK in the Template Import Settings dialog. Once imported, the delimiter and data row settings cannot be modified. To change these settings, you must import a new template with the same name, which will prompt an overwrite of the existing template.

In CMM-Manager, you can specify which template a report uses for CSV exports through the Select CSV Export Template dialog. This section explains how to access and configure this dialog, as well as the behavior of reports across different modes.

Both methods open the Select CSV Export Template dialog which is seen below.

The Select CSV Export Template dialog includes the following options:

• Use Default CSV Export Checkbox : When checked, the report uses the default (legacy) CSV export format, disabling the Template Combo Box.

• Template Combo Box : Lists all imported templates. Select the desired template for the report’s CSV export. This option is disabled if the Use Default CSV Export checkbox is selected. If a template is already being used for the report, it will be displayed here.

• Apply settings to future reports checkbox : When checked and OK is clicked, the selected settings (default export or chosen template) are applied to all new reports created in the program.
  

Reports vary across Teach, Measure, and Run modes in CMM-Manager; Teach mode reports are copied to Run mode at program start, becoming unique reports.

Included with this knowledge base article are example templates for your reference. You may download, modify, and use these templates to suit your specific requirements.