MicroStation Tips Archive

Replace text strings with Global File Changer.

by Rick Sewell, Customer Support
Global File Changer is exactly what it sounds like. This thing can bulk modify just about anything in multiple design files and fast. It is my personal favorite Axiom product due to its amazing versatility.
While it is true that Global File Changer is incredibly multifaceted, the single most utilized feature by far is its ability to bulk modify text. Global File Changer allows you to change a number of text attributes such as font, justification, size and so on. However, the most commonly desired text-changing feature, in my experience, is the ability to replace an existing text string with a new text string. For this reason, I wanted to write it down for all to use.

Replacing text with Global File Changer
For this example, let’s say “Linkin Street” was misspelled as “Lincoln Street”:

  • Load Global File Changer from the Axiom pull-down menu.

    Global File Changer’s main dialog box is jam-packed with goodies. Its bulk-file-changing capabilities are limited only by your imagination.

  • From the Global File Changer main dialog box, choose Custom|Modify text… and then select the “Replace Text” tab.

  • In the field labeled “Search string”, enter “Lincoln”. In the field labeled “Replacement string”, enter “Linkin”.

    Global File Changer’s Modify text dialog box allows you to replace a text string with another text string in multiple design files at the touch of a button.

  • Since Global File Changer has the ability to process more than one set of search and replace parameters, it is necessary to confirm what you have entered into “Search string” and “Replace string” fields. Press the <Add> button to commit your entries to the list.

  • Choose File|Save As… to load the “Save Modify Text File” dialog box. Enter a name and then navigate to a convenient location to save your text change parameters. Then press <Save>.

  • Press the <OK> button to return to the main Global File Changer dialog box.

  • The “Key-in File:” field will automatically filled in the command needed to change your text, based on the parameter file you created. Ensure that the “Design Files:” field lists the files you intend to process and the “Report File:” field contains the path and file name for the report file you want created.

  • Press <Start>!

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