IMPORTCLIP

Author:- David A Killick


Introduction

This is an  arexx  script  for  DrawStudio  which  by using the 
freely distributable ClipConvert from  Softlogik allows ProDraw 
Clip files to be imported.


How does it work?

The user selects a ProDraw Clip file and this is then converted 
into individual dr2d  files  which  can  then  be  imported. An 
internal check is made by examining the first four bytes of the 
file to confirm that it is a ProDraw Clip. If the file does not 
appear to be a Clip file the  User  is warned and the script is 
aborted. Converting non  Clip  files  may  cause  the system to 
crash!

The individual dr2d images may  then  be imported and placed on 
the current page.


Installation

Copy 'importclip.dsrx' to the DrawStudio/Rexx directory.
The following libraries (not  provided  in this archive) should 
be present in the libs: directory:-

     rexxsupport.library    distributed with arexx

     rexxreqtools.library   util/rexx/rexxreqtools.lha
                            (Also on Aminet Set 1)

     reqtools.library       util/libs/reqtools22c_us.lha
                            (Also on Aminet Set 1)

     rexxtricks.library     util/rexx/RexxTricks_386.lha
                            (Also on Aminet CD 13)

The ClipConvert program from  Softlogik  is also required. This 
is available from the DrawStudio  Web  Site or indeed, from the 
Softlogik Web Site.

If anyone has problems getting hold of these files then drop me 
an email and I'll help you out!

It is now necessary  to  edit  the  'importclip.dsrx' file in a 
text  editor,  changing  the  filepaths  to  the  'Clipconvert' 
program and also the default  directory where your ProDraw Clip 
files are usually kept.

You can now run  the  script  by  selecting Effects/Rexx... and 
choosing 'Importclip'.

Legal Disclaimer

Although  this  script  has   been   tested   on  a  number  of 
configurations, I cannot be  held  responsible if anything goes 
tragically wrong. i.e. You  must  use  this  script at your own 
risk.


Comments

This script was written (on and off)  over a year or so, mainly 
to see if I could get  to  grips  with Arexx. Although I do not 
claim that this  script  is  well  written,  it  does  work! If 
anybody wants  to  tidy  up  the  code  and/or  add  additional 
features then please go ahead!

Furthermore, if anybody has any  comments  or ideas then please 
drop me an email. If  you  have  a requirement for a particular 
script then let me know and I'll  see  what I can do - although 
no guarantees are given ;-).

If you are  interested  in  arexx,  then  I  can  recommend the 
following two books;

Arexx: Your Amiga's Built-In Turbocharger by Toby Simpson

Total! Amiga Arexx by Paul Overaa


For people interested in  Amiga  DTP  then Larry Hickmott's Em! 
Magazine is a definite must.

Finally thanks must go to my Dad for his constant encouragement 
in getting this script finished. Cheers Dad!


If you want to contact me then my email address is

dakillick@enterprise.net


Any comments would be welcomed.