For this process, the FTP project library (NI_FTP.lvlib) located at "C:\Program Files\National Instruments\LabVIEW 20XX\vi.lib\FTP\" will be used as an example. Please follow these steps if you want to unlink VIs from an owning library:
1. Open LabVIEW and create a new project.
2. Save the project.
3. In the Project Explorer right-click on
My Computer >> Add >> File.4. Search for the lvlib that you want to unlink the files from and add it to the project. It is highly recommended to make a copy of the library to avoid modifying the original library since some of the VIs will be unlinked.
5. Drag the files from the project library and drop them under My Computer as follows:
6. Once the files are moved out from the library they will be independent from the lvlib. Please note that if there are any dependencies owned by the library, those will still be linked to the original lvlib. If you want to make sure that no dependencies are left in the library you have to unlink them from the owning library following the same steps.
7. The methodology of successful extraction of files to a new location while preserving all needed dependencies is to use a source distribution with the needed exclusions. Right-click on Build Specifications >> New >> Source Distribution.
8. This will open the properties window, click on Source Files.
9. Move the VIs that you want to unlink to the Always Included section by clicking on the right arrow:
10. Click on Destinations on the left panel and verify that the Directory option is selected in the Destination type:
11- Click on Build and explore the output folder.