Open

There are several ways to open files in Microlucida software.

Drag and drop

Perhaps the easiest way to open files is to simply drag and drop them onto the Microlucida software window using Windows explorer. Depending on the file(s), a dialog may open for you to enter additional information about how you want Microlucida to handle the file(s).

File > Open

Go to File > Open to access the full list of file-opening functions:

	Data File: The options that appear will depend on what files (if any) are open in Microlucida.
	Image: Depending on the file(s), a dialog may open for you to enter additional information about how you want Microlucida to handle the file(s).
	Image Stack: Open a single file or multiple files that represent more than one image plane.
	Data Files into Serial Sections: Combine data files for sections of a given specimen into a single data file with serial sections.
	Images in Grid Layout: Opens selected images in a grid layout.
	Biolucida Server: Open the Biolucida Server dialog box to log in, and select images to open.
	Image in Original Position: Open images that include location information (image-acquisition coordinates). This may be useful when opening multiple images with location information, or when combining image files with their associated data files.

"Merge and open" was previously an option in the File>Open menu for merging separate images files into a single RGB image. Download the free Microfile+ tool to access this function, plus many other features for file conversion, compression and curation.

Quick Access toolbar open buttons

There are Quick Access toolbars at the top left of the Main window and the 3D Visualization window.

	Open Image: Click the button on the Quick access toolbar of the Main window or the 3D window. In the Image Open dialog, navigate to and choose the image file(s) you want to open. Depending on the file(s), a dialog may open that asks you to specify how you want Microlucida to handle the file(s).
	Open Data File: Click the button on the Quick access toolbar of the Main window or the 3D window to remove traced data and open an existing data file. In the Open dialog, navigate to and choose the data file(s) you want to open. Depending on the file(s), a dialog may open that asks you to specify how you want Microlucida to handle the file(s).