File Tab Overview
The File tab opens Volvicon's backstage view—a dedicated interface for project-level operations. This design follows established conventions from productivity applications, presenting a left navigation panel with command categories and a right content area that displays the selected page.
The backstage consolidates all file operations, project management, data exchange, and application configuration in a single location, separate from the main workspace where image processing and analysis occur.
The backstage operates on the active project. Most actions require an open project, and switching between projects or exiting the application will prompt you to save unsaved changes.
Backstage Navigation
The left navigation panel lists the pages in the order they appear, top to bottom.
| Command | Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Back | Esc | Leaves the backstage and returns to the workspace |
| Home | Landing page with recent projects, folders, learning resources, and news | |
| New | Ctrl+Shift+N | Create a project from a data source or a blank volume |
| Open | Ctrl+O | Load an existing project from local storage or a registered cloud place |
| Properties | View and edit project metadata, content counts, and statistics | |
| Save | Ctrl+S | Write changes to the current project file |
| Save As | Ctrl+Shift+S | Save a copy to a new location |
| Import | Add data to the current project from external sources | |
| Export | Write project content to external file formats | |
| Record Video | Ctrl+Alt+R | Open the Video Recorder to capture the application or a view |
| Save Screenshot | Ctrl+Shift+P | Capture a still image of the application or a view |
Ctrl+P | Send the current views to a printer as a report | |
| Close | Ctrl+W | Close the current project while keeping Volvicon running |
| Account | Licence and product details, registration, updates, and the application theme | |
| Preferences | Alt+F7 | Configure application-wide settings |
| Exit | Close Volvicon |
Every shortcut in the table works from the workspace as well, without opening the backstage first.
The pages between Properties and Close act on an open project, so they are hidden until one exists. Home, New, Open, Account, Preferences, and Exit are always available.
Data Sources and Formats
Supported Input Formats
| Category | Formats | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3D Images | .mha, .mhd, .nii, .nii.gz, .nrrd, .nhdr, .hdr, .img.gz, .gipl, .lsm, .vti | Volume formats that carry their own dimensions and spacing |
| 3D Raw Image | .raw, .vol, .bin, .img | Headerless voxel data; dimensions, spacing, and data type are supplied in the import dialog |
| Image Stack | .bmp, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .tif, .tiff, .pic | Ordered 2D images assembled into a volume |
| DICOM | .dcm, .dicom | Chosen as a folder; series are grouped, sorted, and reoriented on import |
| 3D Images as Masks | .mha, .mhd, .nii, .nii.gz, .vti | Label images imported as mask objects |
| Surface CAD/STL Models | .stl, .ply, .obj, .wrl, .vrml, .gltf, .glb, .amf, .step, .stp, .iges, .igs, .vtp, .xyz | Triangle meshes, tessellated CAD, and point sets |
| Volume Mesh Models | .inp, .bdf, .nas, .k, .dyn, .key, .cdb, .msh, .foam, .vtu, .vtk | Solver and VTK mesh formats |
Export Capabilities
| Target | Formats |
|---|---|
| Volume Image | .mha, .mhd, .nii, .nii.gz, .nrrd, .nhdr, .hdr, .img.gz, .gipl, .lsm, .vti |
| Volume Image As Image Stack | .bmp, .jpg, .png |
| Volume Image As Video | AVI, MP4 |
| Volume Image As DICOM Images | DICOM series |
| Mask Image | .mha, .mhd, .nii, .nii.gz, .vti |
| Surface Model | .stl, .ply, .obj, .wrl, .u3d, .3mf, .amf, .gltf, .step, .iges, .vtp, .x3d, .iv, .xyz, and 3D PDF |
| Volume Mesh Model | .vtu, .vtk. Solver formats are written from the FEM Mesh Export tools |
| 3D Scene | 3D PDF, .u3d, .3mf, .amf, .wrl, .stl, .ply, .obj |
See Import and Export for the per-format detail, the options each dialog offers, and the limitations that apply.
Cloud Storage Integration
Volvicon supports cloud storage providers for project access and backup. Use the Add a Place option in the Open or Save As pages to register cloud providers, then browse and interact with cloud-hosted files directly from the backstage.
When opening cloud-hosted projects, Volvicon downloads the file to a temporary location, opens it, and cleans up the temporary copy after loading. Progress dialogs indicate download status for large files.
Quick Reference: Common Workflows
Starting a New Analysis
- Click File to open the backstage
- Select New from the navigation
- Choose the appropriate data source (DICOM, 3D Images, etc.)
- Configure import parameters in the dialog
- The project opens with imported data ready for processing
Saving Work
- Click File → Save to update the current project
- For a new location, use File → Save As and choose a destination
- Recent folders appear for quick access; use Browse for other locations
Sharing Results
- Navigate to File → Export
- Select the appropriate export type (Surface Model, Volume Image, etc.)
- Configure format-specific options
- Choose the destination and complete the export
Capturing Documentation
- Set up the desired view (position, zoom, visible objects)
- Navigate to File → Save Screenshot or Record Video
- Select the target (application window, specific view, etc.)
- Save to file, clipboard, or print
Related Topics
- Home - Recent projects and learning resources
- New Project - Creating projects from various data sources
- Open Project - Loading existing projects
- Import - Adding data to projects
- Export - Writing data to external formats
- Account - License details, registration, updates, and theme
- Preferences - Application configuration