Ability to export/import blueprints

[Kadaban]

I'd like to suggest adding a function that allows us to export and import blueprints to make it possible to share "elaborate contraptions" with other players.
Example: Player A built a complex belt/factory/inserter complex and player B wants to duplicate it.
Player A exports to "blueprint file"/clipboard and hands it over to player B.
Player B now imports into a blank blueprint and goes on being a lazy ... and goes on with his merry life.
If it's something "pastebin" compatible it could also be used on the WIKI as a template library.

I do realize this makes it way too easy to NOT get involved with the game at all (simply copy and past the "best" solution) but let's face it: It's going to happen one way or another.

[ssilk]

https://forums.factorio.com/forum/vie ... f=5&t=1575

The next to last point: "made a super-cool train-station. Now I want to share it. "

And before that, we need to save it at all.

[Lichische]

I've registered just to ask for the same thing.

[ludsoe]

We should make a machine that reads a folder in the game folder for blueprint files, and to access them we just give the machine a empty blueprint and it prints to it.
This would allow a easy interface to import/export blueprints, and allow easy sharing of said blueprints. Also we can make a external app that makes blueprints for those blueprints that we cant just make in-game because they are so big and don't fit on the screen.

[ssilk]

Like. Yes, a copy-machine, which copies blueprints.

It has some interfaces:
- file-access, blueprint is loaded/saved as file.
- Internet, download, upload
- from other players
- ...

[Koub]

I know this thread is a little old, and I don't know if moderators prefer a little necro (for a good cause) or a new topic start, but I feel it would end up as a thread fusion, so I'll go for the slight necro.

I really feel that Factorio needs this feature : the ability to import/export blueprints, either via a simple menu "Import/export blueprint" (the quick and dirty but nonetheless efficient style), or via an ingame facility (which would need quite a development, but would be slightly more elegant).

[TheCardinal]

I also think this would be a good addition to Factorio. My main use wouldn't be so much sharing with other players as using a (blue print) design in more than one game. A good design is a good design and it shouldn't bave to be replicated everytime one starts a new game.