Customizing the Default Data Directory
- Updated2026-05-01
- 1 minute(s) read
Customizing the Default Data Directory
Select a default data directory to set a new default location for any measurement data files that LabVIEW generates, such as .lvm or .txt files.
LabVIEW installs the LabVIEW Data directory in the default file directory for your operating system to help you organize and locate the data files that LabVIEW generates. For example, on Windows, the default install location of LabVIEW Data is C:\Users\<username>\Documents\LabVIEW Data.
The default data directory differs from the default directory, which is the directory you specify for new VIs, custom controls, VI templates, or other LabVIEW documents you create.
The default data directory applies to the following elements of the LabVIEW API:
- Read From Measurement File Express VI
- Write To Measurement File Express VI
- Default Data Directory constant
- Default Data Directory property
To customize the default data directory, complete the following steps.
- Select .
- Select Paths from the Category list.
-
Select
Default Data Directory
from the pull-down menu.
The dialog box displays the currently assigned default data directory.
- To enable changing the default path, remove the checkmark from Use default.
-
Define a new default data directory in any of the following ways:
- Enter a new path in the text box.
- Click the Browse button to select a directory and then click Replace.
- To enter the <osdatadir> symbolic path, click !. <osdatadir> represents the path to the default file directory on the operating system.
- Click OK.
- To have LabVIEW apply the new default data directory, restart LabVIEW.
Related Information
- Symbolic Paths
A symbolic path (or pseudopath) is a predefined short form of a path that you can use in LabVIEW. Use symbolic paths to point to a path that resolves to different file locations based on the execution environment.
- Organization of LabVIEW File Structure
Learn about the structure of the LabVIEW file system and the suggested locations for saving files.