The best way to share a transformer is to export it and distribute it just like any other file.
Transformer files are saved as .fmx
files in a separate location. By default, the location of the Transformers folder on Windows 7 is C:\Users\<user>\Documents\FME\Transformers
. You can change the default location.
The Export as Custom Transformer dialog opens.
Use the default name that appears in this field, or type a new name. If you specify a duplicate name, you will be prompted to confirm the file replacement.
You can assign an existing category to the transformer, create a new one, or leave the field blank. If you leave the field blank, the transformer will be listed only in the All category of the Transformer Gallery.
The insert mode (Linked or Embedded) for the transformer determines how it is used in the workspace.
Linked by Default: The default insert mode is Linked but you can still Embed the transformer.
Linked Always: If the transformer will be frequently updated, you might want to select this option so that updates in a shared directory can be more easily controlled.
Note: Remember that when you link to a transformer, and you move or share the workspace to which it is linked, you must also move or send the transformer separately. If you open a workspace containing a link to a custom transformer that is not installed on your system, you will see an error. This is not always easy to spot, since custom transformers can be embedded inside one another. Either way, you will need to obtain any missing custom transformers to run the workspace properly.
Embedded by Default: The default insert mode is Embedded but you can still choose to Link the transformer.
Embedded Always: The transformer will be embedded into the workspace. This option is useful if the transformer is not part of a larger workflow, and will not be shared or reused.
You might want to change the location for sharing purposes but to use the transformer in a workspace, it must reside in the default location.
Note: Workbench cannot use transformers if they are stored outside the default location on your local drive, which by default on Windows 7, is ..\Documents\FME\Transformers
. (To change this location, see Default Paths.) Transformers that are not stored here will not be listed in the Transformer Gallery.
After defining the parameters for the exported transformer, click the OK button in the Export as Custom Transformer dialog.
A second FME Workbench application will start, and the transformer appears on the new canvas. The title bar will display the transformer name and location. The transformer name is now stored in the Transformer Gallery either in the category specified above, or in the All folder.
See Sharing Custom Transformers and Installing a Custom Transformer.