2.5 FAQ-412 How do I customize Drag and Drop and File Open for various import file types?

Drag-and-Drop-Import

Last Update: 8/7/2018

When a file is dragged and dropped onto Origin, the following rules are used:

If the file is dropped onto a worksheet and an import filter that matches the file has been saved in the worksheet (template), then that filter is used
If no matching filter is found in the worksheet or the file is dropped outside of a worksheet, then Origin looks first in the data folder containing the file
If the data folder contains one import filter (*.OIF) that matches the file, this filter is used to import the file
If multiple filter files that match the file exist in the data folder, a dialog is opened asking user which one to use
If no filters exist in the data folder, Origin looks in the Group folder and then in the User Files Folder area, under the Filters subfolder
If no filters exist in the Group or User area, Origin looks in the EXE path under the Filters subfolder
In the above cases, if multiple filters exist, a dialog is opened. If a single filter exists, then that filter is used

Origin is shipped with many import filters for various file types. Note that not all filters shipped with Origin may be turned on for drag and drop support. You can configure this setting using the Import Filters Manager tool accessible from the Tools menu.

All import file types supported by Origin may also not be present in the File|Open dialog on the Files of Type drop-down. Note that for any system import filter, or for any custom filter you create, you can select that filter in the Import Filters Manager and click the Edit button to further customize and save the filter. The customization dialog has, among other things, a check box to enable display of that file type in the File|Open dialog.