Export/Import

[RWells]

I want to export a group of individuals that I have marked to a text file. I want to include fields, [name, dob, UID#, occupation]. This I know how to do.

I then want to make changes to the occupation field and import it back into my db file using the UID# to match so that it will only update the occupation fact for that person. I know how to import back but do not know how to match with the UID#.

Is this possible? If so can you give me some hints?

Thanks
Roger

[Deb]

Yes. This is possible.

But, before doing any importing, I recommend making sure you have a recent backup of your family file. (This can be done by choosing File > Save a Backup Copy and clicking Save. Or, if you use Time Machine, do a Time Machine backup.)

Then, after the import has been completed, you would proceed by using Reunion's Match and Merge People feature. (Note: you would select "Unique ID Number" from the "What to check for a match" menu in the match and merge panel.)

Information about using Reunion's Match and Merge feature can be found in the manual by searching for "match merge." To access the manual, open your family file and choose Help -> Contents.

I hope you find this information helpful

[Gregg]

Depending on what you want to change, you might consider making the change using Reunion's Find and Replace rather than importing and exporting.

If you do choose to use Reunion's Find and Replace, Deb's advice about making a backup copy is still a good idea.

[eric.vanbeest]

Just to be sure - what I think you are trying to do will not work.

Exporting people to a text file, then changing the data (like: occupation), then re-importing those people and using Match & Merge by UID will not achieve what you are looking for. Reunion will not replace existing Events or Facts; Events or Facts from imported people will only be added as a result of Match & Merge, unless the item matches exactly, and then only the Source attribution will be copied over (unless it is a Nickname/Alias, then the source attribution is in fact lost).

What will work is as Gregg describes using Reunion's Find & Replace.

Alternatively, if there aren't too many people, what you can do is this:
* Mark all the relevant people
* Showed only Marked people
* Select the first person on the list
* Open up this person for editing - eg. Occupation
* Change the occupation to what you like
* Instead of closing out of the person, click on the next person in the list - this immediately brings you into their relevant field

This avoids closing out one person, then opening another, which is rather tedious.

When doing Import or Match & Merge – ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS make a backup. There are still bugs in (especially) Match & Merge that are impossible to unravel.