Where are the user-related settings stored in Clarity Chromatography Software

Efficient configuration management is essential in analytical laboratories using DataApex Clarity Chromatography Data System (CDS). Each operator may prefer a personalized interface layout, tool arrangement, and data display format. This article explains where and how Clarity stores user-specific settings and customizations, including toolbar setups, window positions, and user option preferences. The information is based on an instructional video from the Clarity training series.

Understanding User-Specific Settings

In Clarity, all user-related interface and configuration data are stored in special files called desktop files.

These files allow each user to maintain a consistent working environment, ensuring that customized layouts and preferences are restored automatically upon login.

Storage Location

• Folder path: All desktop files are located within the CFG subfolder of the Clarity installation directory.
• File extension: Each file uses the .dsk extension (short for desktop).

Purpose of Desktop Files

Desktop files serve as containers for various customization parameters that define how the Clarity interface appears and behaves for a specific user.

Elements Stored in Desktop Files

The desktop file retains a wide range of user interface configurations, including:

Toolbar customization

• Layout and content of toolbars
• Custom button arrangement and visibility

Window sizes and positions

• Remembered placement and dimensions of all open windows
• Support for multiple monitor configurations

Pane layout

• Arrangement of workspace panes (e.g., chromatogram view, method editor, sequence table)

Column width and order

• Customized width of table columns in various data views

Table contents and user-defined columns

• User-specific data display preferences in tables
• Definitions of custom or user columns

User options

• All parameters defined within the User Options dialog are also stored in the same desktop file

These settings together define the entire personalized environment for each Clarity user.

Managing Desktops for Multiple Users

Viewing the Active Desktop

The name of the active desktop is displayed in the header of the User Options dialog.
This allows the operator to confirm which desktop configuration is currently in use.

Assigning Desktops to Users

To manage user-to-desktop assignments:

1. Open the User Accounts dialog from the main Clarity window.
2. In each user profile, specify the desktop file to be used.

By default, Clarity assigns a unique desktop to every user, using a filename identical to the user’s login name.
However, this configuration is flexible — administrators can assign the same desktop file to multiple users, enabling them to share identical interface layouts.

Benefits of Using Desktop Files

• Consistency: Ensures that each user’s workspace remains identical across sessions.
• Flexibility: Supports both individual and shared desktop configurations.
• Efficiency: Saves time otherwise spent re-arranging windows and toolbars.
• Simplified administration: Desktop files can be easily copied or backed up for deployment on multiple workstations.

Conclusion

Clarity’s desktop files provide a robust mechanism for managing user-specific interface settings and system customization.
Located in the CFG subfolder, these files store everything from toolbar layouts to user-defined columns, ensuring each operator can work efficiently within a familiar environment.
Administrators can further streamline workflows by sharing desktops among users who perform similar tasks.

For additional tutorials and video demonstrations, visit the official DataApex Clarity YouTube channel.