ChordWizard libraries are stored in files with a .cwl (ChordWizard Library) filename extension.
Each file contains the collection of chordshapes in the library, together a set of Library Options which defines the instrument, tuning, and many playing level preferences for the library.
There are several library file operations you can use within ChordWizard, as described below.
Switching Libraries
If you want to work with a different instrument or tuning, you will need to open a different library file. The most convenient way to do this is with the Switch Library window, which is opened with the following command:
| Button | Key | Menu |
| Ctrl+W | File-Switch Library |
By selecting your desired instrument, tuning and playing level, you can quickly find all of the available libraries.
Switch Library only shows libraries which are located in the designated Libraries folder. This is usually located within the ChordWizard folder inside Program Files, however you can change it using the Folders window within the General page of Workspace Options.
If no suitable libraries are available for your instrument, tuning and playing level, Switch Library can transfer you to the New Library area to help you create the library that you want.
Opening Libraries
As an alternative to Switch Library, you can use Open Library instead, which is similar to the File-Open function used in most software programs. The Open Library window is opened by any of:
| Button | Key | Menu |
| Ctrl+O | File-Open Library |
Open Library is less convenient than Switch Library, because you have to find the library file you want, but it can access the whole file system, including library files not located in the designated Libraries folder.
Saving Libraries
Any changes to the collection of chordshapes in the current library, or to any of the Library Options can be saved back to the library file if you wish to keep them.
If changes have been made to the currently library, and you attempt to exit ChordWizard or to open or switch to a different library, you will be prompted with a message asking if you wish to save the changes. You can choose Yes to save the changes, No to lose the changes, or Cancel to cancel the operation causing the current library to be closed.
Changes to the current library can be immediately saved at any time using Save Library by any of:
| Button | Key | Menu |
| Ctrl+S | File-Save Library |
Alternatively you can save a copy of the current library, using the File-Save Library command to open the Save Library As window and select the folder and filename of the new library file.
Note that this creates a new file, leaving the original file intact. You may wish to remove the original file, using Delete Library, described below.
The Save Library As window will also appear in response to the Save Library command if the library has not yet been saved to a file. Most of the time, you will not need to enter the filename of a new library file, as ChordWizard will automatically suggest a filename based on the instrument, tuning and playing level.
Creating New Libraries
You can create a new library at any time, using the New Library process, started by any of:
| Button | Key | Menu |
| Ctrl+N | File-New Library |
This process guides you through the steps involved in creating a new library. It can also help you to fill the new library with chordshapes, either by importing them from another library, or by automatically populating the library.
For more details, see New Library.
Switch Library may also transfer you to this area if no libraries are currently available for the instrument, tuning and playing level you want.
Importing Libraries
Chordshapes in another library can all be added to the current library at once by using the Import Library process, started with the File-Import Library command.
This is particularly useful if the chordshapes in the other library are based on a different instrument or tuning, since the process gives you the option of transferring chordshape finger positions between strings during the import operation.
Import Library is a two-step process. First you select the library file you wish to import from, and then adjust how you want the import operation to happen. See Import Options for details.
Deleting Libraries
Library files which you no longer want can be deleted using Windows Explorer, or a similar system tool. However, for convenience, ChordWizard also provides an internal function specifically for deleting libraries.
This is accessed with the File-Delete Library command.
The currently open library cannot be deleted with this function, so you may need to switch to a different library first if you wish to do this.
See Also
