There are 2 types of files that can be imported into Personal Lexicon, a full lexicon file and a lexical item selection file. A full lexicon file usually has an extenstion of .plf and can contain lexical items, themes, and tests. Importing a full lexicon file causes a new lexicon to be created. A lexical item selection file usually has an extension of .plx and contains lexical items and themes. These files are imported into an existing lexicon.
Importing a full lexicon file is quite simple. Just follow these 3 easy steps:
- Close any open lexicon.
- Go to the File menu and select Import.
- In the file dialog, find and double click on the file.
Whua la! The new lexicon is created and automatically opened.
Importing a lexical item selection file can be just as easy, but that depends on how the lexical items in your lexicon match up with those in the import file. The initial steps are similar to importing a full lexicon:
- Make sure that the lexicon you are importing into is open.
- Go to the File menu and select Import.
- In the file dialog, find and double click on the file.
If there aren’t any conflicts with the import file and your lexicon’s configuration, and there aren’t any duplicate items in the import file then the import will complete without any more action on your part. However, if there are any differences between the lexical types defined in the import file and those in your lexicon then you will be asked how you want to resolve the conflicts. Also, if there are duplicate items in the import file that already exist in your lexicon then you’ll be asked if you want to skip importing the item, replace the one in your lexicon with the import item, or merge the two items. For more details on importing a lexical item selection file see the manual.