Eplan Edz Files Upd File
Technical Paper: Understanding EPLAN EDZ Files – Structure, Usage, and Data Exchange
Error 3: "Part number already exists"
- Cause: You already have this component in your database, and you selected "Skip existing" during import, but the macro has changed.
- Fix: Re-run the import and select "Override all" . Warning: This will delete any custom modifications you made to that part.
Method 2: Importing Macro Files (Drag & Drop)
If the EDZ file contains only graphical macros (without parts database links):
- Open the Macro Navigator: Go to Utilities > Macros > Navigator.
- Drag & Drop: Simply drag the
.edzfile from your Windows File Explorer directly into the Macro Navigator window. - Target Directory: EPLAN will ask where to store the macros (e.g., Company macros, Project macros). Select your preference.
- Insert: You can now drag the macro from the navigator onto your schematic page.
How to inspect an EDZ
- Change file extension from
.edzto.zip. - Extract with any ZIP tool.
- Typical extracted items:
- Project folder(s) with
.elk/.edc/.ahpor EPLAN XML files - Parts/parts management exports (CSV/XML)
- Macros (
.ema,.emz) and symbol libraries - Project settings and metadata files
- Project folder(s) with
Issue 2: The macro imports, but the part number isn't linked.
Cause: The EDZ file contains a macro, but your parts database does not have the corresponding dataset, OR the file path in the EDZ was absolute (e.g., C:\Users\OldPC\...) instead of relative.
Solution:
- Manually link the macro to the part. Open the part in Parts Management, go to the "Macro" tab, and browse to the imported
.emafile. - When exporting your own EDZ files, always use "Relative paths" in the export settings.
Step 2: Navigate to Export
- Go to Tools > Parts > Management.
- Find your device in the parts list.
- Right-click on the specific part number.
- Select "Export" .
Issue 3: The imported 3D model is rotated incorrectly (Pro Panel).
Cause: The manufacturer defined a different mounting orientation (e.g., vertical mount vs. horizontal mount).
Solution:
- Do not delete the EDZ macro. Instead, use "Edit > Other > Rotate" on the 3D body in EPLAN Pro Panel.
- Alternatively, create a "Variant" macro with the corrected rotation and save it to your local library.
9. Conclusion
The EPLAN EDZ file is a powerful, structured container for device data that streamlines automation engineering. By bundling schematics, part information, and documentation, it reduces manual data entry errors and accelerates project setup. Engineers should prefer EDZ over raw CSV/XML when exchanging complete device definitions, while respecting version compatibility and source trust.
References
- EPLAN Help Center – “Importing and exporting EDZ files” (2024).
- EPLAN Platform 2024 – File formats specification.
- EPLAN Data Portal user guide.
Appendix: Quick EDZ Inspection To inspect contents without EPLAN:
- Rename
.edzto.zip - Extract with 7-Zip / Windows Explorer.
- Review
__manifest__.xmland part data XML.
EPLAN Data Zip (EDZ) files are compressed archive files used primarily by EPLAN Electric P8 to store and exchange comprehensive parts data. They serve as a "all-in-one" container, bundling part specifications, macros, 2D/3D graphics, and supporting documentation into a single package for easy import into an EPLAN database. Core Function and Contents eplan edz files
An EDZ file acts as a structured "data archive" that allows manufacturers and users to share complex component information without missing external references. A typical EDZ file includes:
Part Data: XML-based commercial and technical specifications (e.g., part numbers, descriptions).
Macros: Logic, multi-line, and 2D/3D graphical macros for schematic and cabinet layout design.
Multimedia: Product images (typically in formats like JPG or PNG). Cause: You already have this component in your
Documentation: Technical manuals and datasheets in PDF format.
Functional Data: Connection point patterns and drilling patterns for manufacturing. How to Import EDZ Files
For EPLAN versions 2.2 and later, the import tool is built directly into the software. Follow these steps according to the EPLAN Help documentation: EPLAN Data Zip (EDZ file) generation