How can I save and load an LVL file in Surfer?

For information on the specific LVL file format to create one from scratch, see the Help page Level File Format.

Contour Map:

To save an LVL file containing contour level properties for contour maps:

1. Click the Contours layer in the Contents window.
2. In the Properties window, click the Levels tab.
3. Set the Level method to Advanced.
4. Click the Edit Levels button.
5. In the Levels for Map dialog, change any of the contour parameters, including the contour levels, line properties, fill properties, contour labels, and hachure information. Additional information about the advanced level properties can be found in the help here.
6. After the settings are what you want to save, click the Save button.
   
7. In the Save As dialog, enter a File name for the level file and click Save.
   

To use a level file with any contour map:

1. In the Contents window select the Contours layer.
2. In the Properties window click the Levels tab.
3. Change the Level method to Advanced.
4. Click the Edit Levels button.
5. In the Levels for Map dialog, click Load.
6. In the Open dialog, select the LVL file and click Open.
7. Click OK to update the contour map.

All contour maps using the level file must have comparable Z data ranges, otherwise contour lines and fill will not appear on the map.

3D Wireframe Map:

To save an LVL file containing level and line property information for a 3D wireframe map:

1. In the Contents windowselect the 3D Wireframe layer.
2. In the Properties window, click the Z Levels tab or the Color Zones tab. 
3. Click the Edit Levels button.
4. Change any of the parameters, including the contour levels or line properties.
5. When finished, click Save.
6. In the Save As dialog, name the level file and click Save.
7. Click OK. The LVL file is saved. 

To use an existing LVL file with any wireframe map:

1. In the Contents windowselect the 3D Wireframe.
2. In the Properties window select either the Z Levels tab or the Color Zones tab. 
3. Click the Edit Levels button.
4. In the Properties dialog, click Load.
5. In the Open dialog select the LVL file and click Open.
6. Click OK to close the dialog. The wireframe map updates.

See also:

Can I Save My Surfer Contour Level Information To Use Again?

Updated December 6, 2021