About the Document Import Tool

The Document Import Tool is a powerful way to import large numbers of documents into a vault more conveniently than with drag and drop. It works like the Database Import Wizard available to system administrators in the Configurator, but is a little simpler and easier for end users to manage. With the Document Import Tool, you can:

  • Import any number of documents from various locations using a single data file
  • Import property data from standard ODBC-compatible data files
  • Let the import run unattended while you do other things
  • Import multiple hybrid document files into a single hybrid document
  • Import data from CAD drawing title blocks
  • Import entire assemblies or subassemblies while maintaining references
  • Populate the properties of imported documents from the data file or with fixed values
  • Import new revisions of documents already residing in a vault
  • Save different combinations of import options as templates for reuse later
  • Monitor import progress and statistics

Configuring these options correctly takes a little time, but the settings can be saved to configuration files and reused for similar import projects.

Important!

Before attempting a large import, back up the vault first. That way, if the import does not go as planned, you can reverse the import easily by restoring the backup. Contact your system administrator about performing the Prepare For Backup operation before using the Document Import Tool.

Note:
  • To import CAD assemblies and their references, use the Assembly Import Wizard described in Importing assemblies.

  • This tool is not supported in PowerWeb. Consider using import packages as described in Working with packages instead.

Note:

Perform very large imports after business hours so that server performance is maintained for production work. Importing thousands of documents with the Document Import Tool can cause delays that are unacceptable to other users.