Working with SPANA
There are two types of files:
- input data files (names ending with dat), and
- output plot files (names ending with plt).
SPANA reads an input data file, and asks you what do you want to change before
making the diagram and displaying it. DATABASE is used
to make input data files.
By default the name of the output plot file is the same as that of the
input data file. For example, if the name of the input file is
Fe2.dat, then the name of the diagram is by default
Fe2.plt. But you can, and should, choose any other name
when making the diagram.
There are several ways to open a file with SPANA:
- Drag-and-drop: in the Windows’ File Explorer drag the file and drop it into the
main SPANA window
- Use the File menu of the main SPANA window
- Associate a file extension with SPANA and
double-click on the file name in the Windows’ File Explorer
When a file is opened it is added to one of the two file lists:
Selecting a plot file from the plot-file list will display the diagram and bring
it on top of all other windows.
The input data file selected in the data-file list is used when selecting
the menu Run / Make a Diagram.
Working without the mouse
- The Tab and Shift-Tab keys will move the focus
to different fields in a window (only if there are fields and/or buttons; in a diagram
window nothing happens). Tab moves the focus in one direction
(usually downwards) and Shift-Tab moves in the opposite direction.
- To exit a window:
- Press the space bar while the OK or Cancel buttons
are focussed (change the focus between buttons with the Tab or
Shift-Tab keys).
- The Esc key is equivalent to a Cancel button.
- Alt-X and Alt-Enter will
exit any window: they are equivalent to the OK button if
there is one in the window.
- Captions in fields and menus have an underlined letter and they may be invoked
by using the Alt-letter combination. For example select the menu
File by typing Alt-F.