Batch Processing

Indium’s core strength is batch processing: applying changes to many DWG files in a single operation. This guide covers the end-to-end workflow and best practices.

File operations (open, reload, and save) are automatically split across multiple parallel workers, so large batches load and save considerably faster than one file at a time.

Workflow

1. Select Files

Add DWG files using the file dialog, drag-and-drop, or by adding a saved .indium collection. Each feature manager has its own file list, so you can work with different file sets in different managers. Use the funnel icon above the file list to filter it by filename.

2. Load Data

Indium reads data from each file and populates the table. A progress bar shows loading status (drag it aside if it’s in the way), and each file displays a status icon (loaded, loading, error, aborted).

3. Filter and Sort

Use column header controls to narrow down the data before editing:

• Sort: Click any column header to sort ascending or descending. Click again to cycle. Sorting applies to one column at a time.
• Filter: Click the dropdown arrow on any column header to open the filter panel:
  • Filter operators: Equals, contains, begins with, ends with, etc.
  • Filter by value: A checkbox list of every unique value in that column. Check or uncheck to show/hide rows.
  • Action bar: Click OK to apply, or Clear to remove the filter.
• Filters can be combined across multiple columns.
• Filters and sorting are automatically cleared when files are added, removed, or reloaded.

Filtering is the primary way to isolate the specific rows you want to edit. For example, filter the Layer Manager by layer name to find all layers called “Defpoints” across every loaded file.

4. Review and Edit

Edit cell values directly in the table. Changed cells are highlighted so you can review what will be saved. Use Undo (toolbar) to revert selected cells to their original values.

5. Find and Replace

Select the cells you want to change, then click the Find/Replace toolbar button. Enter a search value and replacement, then click Replace to apply across the selected cells. Matching is case-insensitive, and read-only cells are left untouched. This is useful for bulk renaming (e.g. changing a layer name prefix across many files).

6. Save

Click Save in the toolbar. Progress is shown per file, and you can Stop a save at any time.

Note

How filters interact with saving differs per manager: the Layer and Layout managers save only changed rows that are currently visible (rows hidden by filters are skipped), while the Block and Xref managers save all changed rows, including hidden ones.

7. Reload

After saving, reload files (Ctrl+R) to verify that changes were applied correctly.

File Collections

For recurring workflows, such as a weekly batch of project drawings, save the file list as a .indium collection so you can reload the same set instantly. See Saving Collections.

Best Practices

• Back up first. Always keep backups of your DWG files before batch-editing.
• Test on a small set. Try your changes on 2-3 files before running across hundreds.
• Use filters to isolate target rows. In the Layer and Layout managers only visible changed rows are saved, so filtering lets you precisely control what gets modified.
• Managers have independent file lists. You can load different files in the Layer Manager and the Layout Manager without interference.
• Review before saving. Changed cells are highlighted, so scan the table to confirm edits look correct before clicking Save.
• Use collections for recurring workflows. Save file lists as .indium files to avoid re-selecting the same files each session.