Four files are needed to completely define and store a simulation session on a disk drive. These files are: x.pr1, x.pr2, x.pr3, and x.sfd (where "x" is the root name of the simulation files). The File operations (Open, Save, Save As, Copy, Delete) process each file as needed. These files are stored separately on the disk.
Each "simulation" is stored in multiple files. The built-in file compression agent allows you to save a simulation session in the original format or in the new "compressed" format. It is important to note you cannot save a simulation in both formats at the same time with the same name.
User Interface
When you start a new simulation using File/New or File/Import, the default "save format" for the simulation will always be "compressed".
File/Save will always save the current simulation using the current "save format". First, the files are saved in uncompressed format. Then, if the current "save format" is compressed, the files are then compressed into the compressed format.
File/Close, or any other operation which closes the current simulation, will cause either the compressed or uncompressed simulation files to be deleted.
File/Save As includes two entries in the "Save as type" drop-down listbox; namely:
Compressed Files (*.prz)
Simulation Files (*.pr1)
"Simulation Files" refers to the uncompressed format. The option automatically highlighted upon entry into the list box corresponds to the "Save format" of the current simulation.
Whichever selection you choose for the "Save as type" will be remembered for the current simulation, even after the user exits PRO/II, restarts, and reopens the file. New files (and imported files) will always be set by default to "compressed".
The format (compressed or uncompressed) for a simulation can only be changed by selecting File/Save As... and selecting the new file format. Remember, you may save a simulation in either the compressed format or the uncompressed format, but not both at the same time with the same name.