How to export a SIF file from Canvas

Easily export your Product List into a SIF file to use with software for contract office furniture specification and procurement.

This SIF export feature is only available at the Studio subscription tier. See our pricing page for more details.

Exporting a SIF file from Canoa enables seamless integration with your other tools, allowing you to manage products without manufacturer or catalog codes directly within the same program used to create final specifications and quotes.

This section specifically pertains to SIF export from the Canvas. For a followup tutorial on exporting from My Catalog, go here.

How to access your Product List:

• When in your Canvas click on the Product List icon on the top tool bar.

• Filter the Product List by Area to select the products you wish to add. Refer to the Areas Help Doc for more tips and tricks.

How to export your Product List

• Click the bottom arrow of the Product List to Export as a SIF file.

• The SIF file will download to your computer and the SIF file will be sent to your email.

• Open the SIF file in your preferred program that accepts this file type.

Click on the Product List to activate the Export button

Select SIF

Product fields will be mapped to SIF equivalent field when exported

What is the SIF file format?

The Simple Interchange Format (SIF) is a text-based file format used for data interchange between systems. It typically consists of key-value pairs, where each key represents a specific attribute of a product or configuration, and the value is the corresponding data. The keys and values are separated by an equal sign (=), and each pair is usually placed on a new line. Entries (which represent individual records, such as products) are separated by a blank line.

SIF files are compatible with many furniture specification programs such as, CET, Spec, Worksheet and Hedberg.

Structure of a SIF File

SIF files are text files structured as "Key-Value pairs" on each line.

• Each line contains a key and its corresponding value in the format key=value.

• If a value is not available, the format key= is used, leaving the value empty.

• Products are delineated by the starting code PN which contains the product code of the product if known. If the product code is not known, Canoa will subsitute SKU as a unique identifier, however, most applications that handle SIF files will also accept an empty PNcode to delineate products.

Example SIF File

Here's an example of a SIF file format:

PN=102813-
PD=*Cut Key,UM Series
MC=FMS
GC=R
P1=2.00
P2=2.40
P4=10.00
P5=99.00
WT=0.00
VO=0.00
NT=1
G0=0000126471
PN=1B2JK7-
PD=*Lock Plug and Key,Chrome UM Series
MC=FMS
GC=R
P1=10.00
P2=12.00
P4=10.00
P5=99.00
WT=0.00
VO=0.00
NT=1
G0=0000126471
PN=232092-
PD=*Lock Plug and Key,Black UM Series
MC=FMS
GC=R
P1=10.00
P2=12.00
P4=10.00
P5=99.00
WT=0.00
VO=0.00
NT=1
G0=0000126471

Usage

SIF files are useful for:

• Data Interchange: Transferring product information between different systems in a structured and standardized format.

• Data Import/Export: Facilitating the import and export of data between systems, ensuring consistency and accuracy.

The example provided gives a basic overview of how data is structured in a SIF file. The actual keys and their meanings may vary depending on the specific application and requirements of the systems involved.

File Structure

• Each product or configuration entry is separated by a blank line.

• Each attribute within an entry is represented as key=value.

• If an attribute value is empty, the format is key=.

This specification ensures a standardized format for all SIF files generated using the common schema, facilitating seamless data integration and interchange across various systems.

Can SIF Files Contain Links to Other Files?

Yes, SIF files can contain links to other files. However, this depends on the specific implementation and the system using the SIF file. In a general context, SIF files are designed to store structured data in key-value pairs, and you can include URLs or file paths as values associated with specific keys.

How to Include Links in SIF Files

To include links to other files in a SIF file, you can add key-value pairs where the value is the URL or file path to the other file. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Identify the Key: Determine the appropriate key in your schema to store the link. This could be a new key or an existing one like Product URL, Image URL, or similar.

2. Add the Link as a Value: Ensure the value associated with the key is the URL or file path to the other file.

Example SIF Entry with Links

Here’s an example of a SIF entry that includes links to other files:

makefileCopy codePN=12345
PD=Example Product
MC=Example Manufacturer
P1=100.00
P2=90.00
P4=10.00
P5=5.00
VO=0.5
WT=1.0
G0=Example Vendor
GC=Example Category
NT=10
ProductURL=https://example.com/product/12345
ImageURL=https://example.com/images/product_12345.jpg

How to download a Product List