CoStar App allows you to use lists created with other programs such as AddressWriter, FileMaker™, MacEnvelope®, MacPhonebook™, LabelWriter™, LabelWriter II, Word™, and Works™. For more information regarding their specific formats look under their individual listings.
Lists MUST be saved as TEXT files and can be tab or return separated, or merge format.
Tab separated files -- can have up to ten fields, separated by tabs with a return at the end of each record.
Return separated files -- can have up to ten fields, separated by returns with returns at the end of each record.
Merge files -- MUST have quotes surrounding each field, up to ten fields per record, with commas separating each field and a return at the end of each record.
MacEnvelope® format files -- are the same as return separated files except records can vary in length and there is a double return or blank line between records.
To import a list:
1. Prepare the list as a text file and note the number of fields per record and the field separator type.
2. Launch CoStar App.
3. Select New List, under the File menu, and give the list a name. The name of the new list appears at the top of the List and the message "0 in List" at the bottom.
4. Select Import , under the File menu. The Getfile dialog box will appear, allowing you to open your text file.
If the text file does not appear in this window, it has not been saved as a text file. Often times, with word processors, you can SAVE AS... and change the File Format to Text Only before saving the file.
With database management applications text files are created by using a Report or Export function.
NOTE: Return separated files prompts CoStar App to display a Getfile dialog box which allows you to select between a fixed or varying number of fields per record.
5. Once you have retrieved your list, an Import dialog appears that allows you to describe the fields in each record. Additionally, the means by which the fields are separated is indicated to the left. i.e., Tab, Return or Merge.
NOTE: When Importing a MacEnvelope® list this dialog is not necessary and is skipped. The key word "IGNORE" can be used to indicate fields to be read but not used. The key word "SORT" can be used as a field description when you want the list to be saved by something other than the first line.
For example, if field two is the company name, and you want the list to appear by company name, use "SORT" to describe the second field instead of "Company". Click OK.
6. Once you click OK, another dialog appears illustrating how your records will appear in CoStar App. You may reposition the fields by selecting the field and moving it to the desired location.
When you have the fields in their desired positions, click OK. You may also return to the previous dialog by clicking on "Prev".
7. Once you click OK, a dialog appears which displays your actual records and the way they will be imported into CoStar App. You may verify that the fields for each of your records are correctly positioned by selecting next.
You may "Abort" if you wish to make further adjustments or "Import" to continue.
8. A final dialog appears before your list is imported into CoStar App's database which prompts you to add the records to your current list or to create a new one.
Note: Caution should be taken before importing one list into another as this process is not reversible.
When you create a new list, CoStar App prompts you to name it and save it to a directory.
9. The message, "Reading record..." appears on the screen as it imports and counts the records. The import procedure is now complete.
