Help
The File Menu
The File menu contains the commands for projects, cloud storage, data exchange, catalogues and command-station connections.
New Project and Open Project
New Project creates an empty layout and lets you choose the catalogue that supplies the available track geometry. Open Project opens an existing RailKernel XML layout file from the projects directory or another location. Save important work regularly and keep backup copies before making large structural changes.
Import TCD(Z) Layout
The layout import deliberately works in two phases. In phase one, choose a supported TCD or compressed TCDZ source file. RailKernel first converts the physical track geometry and creates a RailKernel XML project with the same base name. Open that project, inspect the complete layout and use Project Statistics to find open connectors or unreachable elements. Correct the imported drawing and save it as a clean, consistent RailKernel project before continuing.
Phase two starts when you select that cleaned XML project as the import source while the matching original TCD or TCDZ file is available. RailKernel then overlays the operational definitions that depend on the corrected geometry: accessories, feedback contacts and blocks. At the end, choose a normal track catalogue for the project. RailKernel combines it with the special imported geometry so that imported pieces remain usable while you can gradually replace them with ordinary catalogue track. Keeping geometry and operational data in separate phases prevents small conversion defects from contaminating blocks and addresses.
Download from RailKernel Cloud
Download retrieves a RailKernel layout that was previously saved in RailKernel Cloud and stores it as a local RailKernel project file. This is useful when moving a project between computers, restoring a cloud copy or opening a layout that another user has made available to you.
Save and Save As
Save writes changes to the current RailKernel XML project file. Save As writes the same project under a new name or in another location. Use Save As for milestones, experiments and backup copies so that a known working version remains available.
Upload to RailKernel Cloud
Upload is a cloud save of the current RailKernel layout. You choose its cloud name, may add a comment and decide whether other users may download it. Keep a layout private for your own backup, or make it available when you want to share a design or ask for troubleshooting help. A shared cloud layout gives another person the exact project structure instead of relying only on screenshots or descriptions.
Export CSV Files
Export creates a ZIP archive containing CSV files for blocks, accessories, locomotives, feedback contacts and signals, together with a README. The archive receives the project name and is written next to the saved project XML file. These files are intended for inspection, analysis, documentation and exchanging structured project information with other tools.
New Catalogue and Open Catalogue
Catalogues define the components that can be placed on a layout. You can open and edit an existing catalogue, create a catalogue for your own track system or extend one with additional articles and geometry. Standard catalogues are synchronized by RailKernel; if such a local catalogue is deleted, a fresh copy is obtained automatically during a later start. Keep a separate backup of catalogues containing your own unpublished changes.
Connections
Connections opens the same command-station configuration described in the previous Help chapter. Here you can scan the network, add or remove command stations, change their addresses and ports, and enable only the stations required for the current setup.
Command Stations
Command Stations opens the control and information window for the configured stations. Depending on the station type, it provides connection details, power controls, product documentation, device information and additional control views. The next Help chapter explains this window and its station-specific capabilities.
Function Templates
Function Templates manages reusable locomotive-function definitions and icons. Because templates influence locomotive control throughout RailKernel, they are covered in their own Help chapter rather than on this File-menu overview.
Exit
Exit closes RailKernel in a controlled way. If the current project contains unsaved changes, RailKernel gives you the opportunity to save them before it shuts down its connections and windows.