Desktop App: Operation File

The GoToTags Desktop App utilizes operation files to maintain the status of the tag encoding and reading processes. These files are structured in JSON format and designed for internal app use rather than direct viewing. It is recommended that users should access and modify operation files using the Desktop App. When employing operation files as input for the GoToTags Encoding service, users must review and approve the data within the app, ensuring informed consent for the operations.

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Structure

Operation files can be opened in the Desktop App as long as they are valid GOTOTAGS or JSON files. When created with the Desktop App, operation files are given the “.gototags” extension by default. This extension allows them to launch the app automatically when they are opened. Although the file has this extension, it is just a zip file containing the JSON operation file. The only thing differentiating it from a zip file is the extension name. For users looking to create their own operation files with external software, it is recommended that you create an example operation in the app first and use that as a template. To view the JSON file from an operation created by the Desktop App:

  1. Rename the operation file extension to “.zip”
  2. Extract the files from the zip file
  3. Rename the file with the extension “.gototags” within the extracted folder to “.json”

The resulting JSON file can then be used again directly in the app and will remain a JSON file.

Creating an Operation

Operation files are required for any Desktop App encoding or reading operation. To create an operation file:

  1. Click the “Create Operation” button
  2. In the modal, name the operation
  3. Optionally add notes, an external ID or extra information
  4. For encoding operations, select the “Tags” tab and ensure you have selected a chip type
  5. Click “Create”
  6. Select a location and save the operation file

Opening an Operation

An operation file can be reopened at any time to continue encoding, view operation data or export data in a different format. To open an operation file:

  1. Click the “Open Operation” button
  2. Select and load the operation from the file system