# Batch Identify **URL:** \ **Category:** Data Entry\ **Tags:** Specify-7\ **Created:** [August 28, 2026, 2:40pm UTC](https://speciforum.org/t/batch-identify/3979 "2026-08-28T14:40:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Grant](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/speciforum.org/grant/32/4255_2.png) [@Grant](https://speciforum.org/u/Grant)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2026, 2:40pm UTC](https://speciforum.org/t/batch-identify/3979/1 "2026-08-28T14:40:00Z")
> πŸ“– This guide details the **Batch Identify** feature, which provides a fast way to apply one determination to many Collection Objects at once. It explains how to select records by catalog number or Record Set, review and refine the selected set, enter a determination, and save it to all chosen records. ## Overview _Batch Identify_ in Specify 7 is a two-step workflow for applying one determination to multiple Collection Objects. Unlike editing records one at a time, Batch Identify is designed for bulk redeterminations. It is available from **User Tools \> Tools** and opens as a dedicated overlay. The workflow supports two ways to choose records: - Enter catalog numbers directly - Select an existing Record Set The tool also understands mixed catalog-number input from scanners or pasted text, including prefixes, separators, and numeric ranges. ## Using Batch Identify ### Opening the Tool 1. Open **User Tools**. 2. Under the **Tools** section, select **Batch Identify**. ![Batch Identify in User Tools](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/specifysoftware/original/2X/d/dd32f783706d8321f7971f0a5160fa2f7032646b.jpeg) Batch Identify will open in a new dialog and begins on the record selection step. ![Batch Identify numbers dialog](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/specifysoftware/original/2X/2/2fb96fd83b84947fe07dba5d1d9f094bd993d7c8.jpeg) ### Selecting Records by Catalog Number Batch Identify accepts free-form numeric catalog number input in a text box. For clarify, this corresponds only to `CatalogNumber` field values in the `CollectionObject` table. > [!note] Catalog Number Format > Catalog number entry only supports **fully numeric** (`#########`) or **year-based** (`YYYY-######`) catalog numbers at this time. If your catalog numbers include prefixes or other formats, you can use the **Record Set** option. It treats any non-numeric characters as delimiters, which makes it friendly for barcode scanner input and pasted text. It also supports numeric ranges with a dash. Examples of accepted input: - `000200300, 000200301, 000200302` - `SEMC000271806SEMC000687972SEMC000601108` - `SEMC000271806, 000687972` - `0001 - 0150` - `2025-000001` The tool will parse these as the matching catalog numbers or ranges and validate them before continuing. #### Validation Behavior As you enter data into the field, Batch Identify validates the input and shows feedback for: - Catalog numbers that do not match any Collection Object - Collection Objects that belong to different taxon trees - Invalid or empty input If no numeric catalog numbers can be parsed, the tool shows an error asking for at least one numeric catalog number. ### Selecting Records from a Record Set Instead of entering catalog numbers, you can also choose an existing Record Set. If the Record Set contains Collection Objects from more than one taxon tree, Batch Identify shows a mixed-record-set warning and asks you to choose a different Record Set. If the Record Set is valid, the tool proceeds to the identification step. ### Handling Multiple Taxon Trees If the selected Collection Objects span multiple taxon trees, Batch Identify does not proceed immediately. Instead, it shows a grouping view with: - The taxon tree name - The number of Collection Objects in each group - The Collection Object types in each group You then choose which group to continue with. > [!tip] > This is especially useful when a collection has multiple Collection Object types mapped to different taxon trees. ## Identification Step ![Batch Identify identification step](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/specifysoftware/original/2X/0/016ad6f308be3e8ba550b8352bd947aa7b41e75b.jpeg) Once the records are validated, Batch Identify opens a split view: - The top pane contains the standard Determination form - The bottom pane contains a preview table of the selected Collection Objects The Determination form uses the selected taxon tree context when one is available. ### Determination Form The top pane is the normal Specify determination editor. It supports the same standard form behavior users expect in the standard data entry form, including the usual query-combo and picklist-driven fields. This is using the form definition named `Determination` (just as the Collection Object uses by default). The form starts with a current determination, so the default behavior is to create a new current determination for the selected records. ### Preview Table The bottom pane lists the selected Collection Objects and supports row selection, removal, and record lookup. The preview shows these columns: - Catalog Number - Determined Date - Type Status - Preferred Name - Taxon Name Users can: - Select rows and remove them from the batch (using the :minus_: (minus) icon) - Search for additional records (using the :search_: (search) icon) - Click a row to open that record in a read-only verification dialog (using Browse In Forms) ## Saving the Batch Once Identify is clicked, Specify will create a determination for _every_ selected Collection Object. If the determination is marked current, existing current determinations are replaced so the new one becomes the current determination on those records. After saving, the tool shows a success message: ![β€œAll records were identified to the specified taxon.” success dialog](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/specifysoftware/original/2X/e/e67c46479ecb9cc1feabb4845f7531d9c1a9b789.jpeg) This dialog provides two follow-up actions: - **Create Record Set** to manually create a Record Set from the identified records, if the user has Record Set create permission - **Browse In Forms** to review the updated records in a read-only record browser