How to Use "Save With Data" in a View

Trouble Viewing Images? Right-click on any image and select "Open in new tab" to view a larger version. You can also zoom in using Ctrl + Mouse Wheel for easier readability.

Article Goal

Learn to use the Save With Data feature in VDM to capture and store View data for offline access without rerunning the query or connecting to the database.

What Is "Save With Data"?

Save With Data saves the entire View result inside the .vdm file. When reopened, VDM lets users load the saved data without querying the database.

Benefit: Users can share or reopen data snapshots without database access.

Why Use Save With Data?

• Enables offline access to query results

• Allows users to review or present data without reconnecting

• Simplifies distribution for training, testing, or demo purposes

• Eliminates variability from real-time data changes

Important Note: Save With Data will embed the actual records in the view file. It is strongly recommended to only use non-sensitive or test data when using this feature.

Download Sample View: ExampleView WD

Video Tutorial:

Steps to Save a View with Data

Step 1: Run the View

1. Open or create your View in VDM

2. Click Run View to retrieve data

Note: You must run the View before using Save With Data, otherwise there will be no data to save.

Step 2: Save With Data

1. Go to the File section in the main ribbon (Home)

2. Click the Save With Data button

Step 3: Save the View

1. Choose a save location and name for your .vdm file

2. This file will now include all returned data from the run

Step 4: Reopen and Verify Saved Data

1. Reopen the saved View file

2. When prompted, select Yes to load the saved data instead of connecting to the database

Tip: If the data loads immediately without querying, you’ve successfully saved the View with data.

Article Summary

The Save With Data option in VDM allows you to package the results of a View inside the .vdm file, enabling offline review, demoing, and simplified distribution. It’s a helpful feature for controlled environments, presentations, or training—but should only be used with non-sensitive data.

Use Case: You’re training new users on how to interact with a view but don’t want to rely on a live database. Use Save With Data to give them a working version with static, example results.