Easy way to bulk/ mass updating 100+ rules using replace?

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Moderator: Mr_Noodle

Hi experts,

I have 100+ rules that uses multiple tags (ie. hierarchy of tags) then is later consumed by DevonThink.

I am looking for an easy way to:
1. Mass update tags within the rules? (ie. FY18 now needs to change to FY19)
- ie. do a search and replace on an XML or some file?
2. Is there a way to copy and paste in the tags from rule to rule?
- eg. Is there a delimiter or special character that Hazel uses to break up the tags? (ie like CSV '|', tab, comma etc)

I saw a thread about mass creating rules which is not possible.
https://www.noodlesoft.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=5114&p=16383&hilit=mass+create+rules#p16383
jamwithtoast
 
Posts: 9
Joined: Tue Sep 12, 2017 9:22 am

Can you describe in more detail what the changes are? You can match patterns on the tags and also use dynamic tags to create new tags on the fly.
Mr_Noodle
Site Admin
 
Posts: 11195
Joined: Sun Sep 03, 2006 1:30 am
Location: New York City

Most of the rules are looking at invoices from banks, various vendors, bank statements.

If i am thinking along the same lines, you are suggesting at simplifying the number of rules (where possible) and make use of dynamic tags?

My rules are pretty straightforward, ideally i'd like to change from FY19 to FY20 and so on. or if i decide to change my tag structure, i can do a search and replace.

Perhaps seeing a working example? - search for list of keywords (ie. vendors) and where found - use the result of that search variable as part of that 'tag'? [or in my case below, just hardcode the tag (ie. financial/ or bank statements etc)

examples:
https://ibb.co/jfCtD0
https://ibb.co/hbyB0f
https://ibb.co/jzodff
jamwithtoast
 
Posts: 9
Joined: Tue Sep 12, 2017 9:22 am

Are you looking to search and replace in the rules or files? For the latter, you can use Finder/Spotlight/Smart Folders.

You can search for rules by clicking on the magnifying glass icon under the rules list but there's no automatic replace option. You will have edit the rules individually.

I assume, FY19 refers to the fiscal year? If that is the case, you should be able to create a dynamic tag which incorporates the year instead of having to update that tag every time. I don't know what other changes you need to make but that one seems like the most obvious.
Mr_Noodle
Site Admin
 
Posts: 11195
Joined: Sun Sep 03, 2006 1:30 am
Location: New York City

^ i was looking to replace the rules.
Thanks for pointing the FY19 out, it would be the obvious based on date.

thx. I'll have to spend some time combining the rules into a mega rule via pattern matching content search...
jamwithtoast
 
Posts: 9
Joined: Tue Sep 12, 2017 9:22 am


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