import

Type

command

Summary

Creates an image, EPS, audio clip, or video clip and copies the contents of a file into the object.

Syntax

import <type> from file <filePath> [with mask <maskFilePath>]

Description

Use the import command to place a sound, movie, or image in a stack, instead of creating a referenced control that uses an external file.

The imported object is placed in the current stack. To change the current stack before importing, set the defaultStack property to the stack you want to import into, then import the file. Importing a paint file creates an image object on the current card. The import command can import GIF, JPEG, PNG, BMP, XWD, XBM, XPM, or PBM, PGM, or PPM files. On Mac OS systems, PICT files can also be imported (but they cannot be displayed on Unix or Windows systems). Importing an EPS file creates an EPS object on the current card. Importing an audioClip or videoClip file creates an audio clip or video clip in the current stack. Audio files can be in WAV, AIFF, or AU format. Video files can be in AVI, or MPEG format.

note

The import command places the data in the stack file itself. This assures that the information stays with the stack if it's moved, but it also increases the stack's size and the amount of memory used by the stack. If you prefer to keep the data outside the stack file, you can display a picture file without importing it by creating an image and setting its filename property, or by choosing File → New Referenced Control → Image File… from the menubar. To allow playing a sound or movie without importing it, create a player and set its filename prop, or choose File → New Referenced Control → Video File… .

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
type		One of paint, EPS, audioClip, or videoClip.
filePath		The filePath specifies the name and location of the file you want to import from. If you specify a name but not a location, LiveCode assumes the file is in the defaultFolder.
maskFilePath		The maskFilePath specifies the name and location of a one-bit mask file for an image. You can use a mask file only if the file being imported is in the PBM format.

Examples

import paint from file "flowers.jpeg"

import audioClip from file "/sounds/temp/bugsounds.wav"

import paint from file it with mask "/etc/res/oval.pbm"

Related

property: defaultStack, filename, JPEGQuality, paintCompression

command: export, import snapshot, play

function: format, files

glossary: object, referenced control, MPEG, import, video clip, PICT, property, command, Unix, BMP, Mac OS, PBM, GIF, JPEG, XPM, PGM, XWD, audio clip, PPM, XBM, PNG, stack file, Windows, AVI

keyword: file, image, paint

object: EPS, stack

Compatibility and Support

Introduced

LiveCode 1.0

OS

mac

windows

linux

ios

android

Platforms

desktop

mobile