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Excel & DAT Conversion Guide

This utility provides a high-speed, two-way bridge between database files (.dat) and Microsoft Excel (.xlsx). It is designed to facilitate bulk library management, allowing you to leverage spreadsheet features to build complex tool databases efficiently.

Supported Database Files

This tool is optimized for database files commonly found in the \MACH\resource\library directory, including:

  • tool_database.dat
  • holder_database.dat
  • shank_database.dat
  • feeds_speeds.dat
  • cut_methods.dat
  • tool_materials.dat

Bulk Library Management

  1. Initial Export: Drag a .dat file into the app to generate an Excel template structure.
  2. Mass Editing: Use Excel's features to update hundreds of values simultaneously.
  3. Re-Import: Drag the updated .xlsx file back into the app. The converter will validate the data and reconstruct the .dat file.
Excel Bulk Management
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Excel Conditional Formatting

When converting a database file to Excel, the application automatically injects conditional formatting rules into the generated spreadsheet. This highlights problematic cells in red if they violate data rules, allowing you to spot and correct validation errors before importing the data back.