DFM File – What is .dfm file and how to open it?

Definition of a DFM File

A DFM file is a data file format used by the Midas ViewPoint software, a legacy system for managing information related to capital projects and construction processes. The file stores information about the graphical user interface (GUI) of a form used within the Midas ViewPoint application. It typically includes definitions for various form elements, such as buttons, labels, text boxes, and other controls. DFM files are utilized to design and define the layout and appearance of forms in the software.

Usage of DFM Files

DFM files provide a structured format for defining form GUIs, enabling developers to separate the form’s layout from its underlying functionality. By storing the GUI elements in a dedicated file, developers can easily modify the form’s appearance without affecting its code. This separation simplifies maintenance and allows for greater flexibility in customizing the user interface. DFM files are particularly useful for creating custom forms with specific requirements or for modifying existing forms to meet different needs. They facilitate the rapid development of tailored interfaces that align with specific project or user requirements.

Using Midas ViewPoint

Midas ViewPoint is the proprietary software associated with .DFM files. It is a data analysis and visualization tool developed by Sentel Advance. To open a .DFM file in Midas ViewPoint:

1. Launch Midas ViewPoint.
2. Click on “File” menu > “Open” (or press Ctrl+O).
3. Navigate to the location of the .DFM file.
4. Select the file and click “Open.”

Midas ViewPoint will load the .DFM file and display its contents, typically consisting of tables, charts, and visualizations representing data analysis results. You can interact with the data by adjusting filters, sorting fields, and creating custom reports.

Using a Text Editor

Due to the simplistic text-based nature of .DFM files, they can also be opened and viewed using a simple text editor such as Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (macOS). However, this approach is only suitable for examining the raw data and will not provide the interactive data analysis capabilities of Midas ViewPoint.

To open a .DFM file in a text editor:

1. Right-click on the .DFM file and select “Open with” (or equivalent).
2. Choose a text editor from the list of options.

The text editor will display the contents of the .DFM file as plain text. You can scroll through the data and search for specific values or patterns. However, you will not be able to visualize or analyze the data in the same way as in Midas ViewPoint.

Definition and Usage

The DFM file extension denotes Midas ViewPoint Display Form files, developed by Sentel Advance. These files are primarily associated with the Midas ViewPoint software, an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system used in the construction industry. DFM files contain the display formats or layouts for forms used within the Midas ViewPoint environment. They define the appearance, structure, and data fields displayed on these forms.

Structure and Content

DFM files are text-based files that follow a structured format. They contain a series of definitions that specify the form’s properties, such as its name, size, and position. Additionally, they include definitions for the individual fields within the form, including their data type, size, and label. The contents of the DFM file are used by Midas ViewPoint to create and display forms with the desired appearance and functionality. DFM files allow users to customize and modify forms within the Midas ViewPoint environment to meet their specific requirements and workflows.

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