SI Explorer File Menu - Search and Replace

This command can be executed from the SI Explorer's File menu and Right-click menu.

This command allows you to search a Job, Master, or selected Sections for the text or tag entered in the Search area.  When searching for tagsSpecsIntact relies on tags to control content, and formatting, automate processes, and generate reports. These special markers, like <SEC> and </SEC>, define elements and attributes within the specifications. Some tags, like <Page />, function independently. In essence, tags are the building blocks of SpecsIntact documents, enter the tag including the angle brackets -- If you were searching for Reference Identifiers you would enter <RID>.  If you were searching for TailoringTagged elements <TAI> </TAI> inserted by the Master Specification writer to indicate specific elements within a specification. These tags allow them to include or exclude requirements based on factors like agency or product. This pre-editing removes irrelevant requirements, simplifying customization for each project Options you would enter <TAI (excluding the closing angle bracket).

In addition, the text (but not tags) can also be globally replaced with any other text entered in the Replace With area.  If you leave the Replace With area empty, and click the Replace button, you can remove all instances of the text in the Find area.

The SectionA set of files within the Division of a Master or Job that covers specific aspects of construction with results from your Search and Replace is placed in a temporary subfolder called Result Files, located in the SI Explorer under the Job or Master folder. This subfolder will remain only until SpecsIntact is closed. The results of any subsequent Search and Replace in the same Job or Master will replace the previous results in the subfolder.  Using this function, you can also conduct a secondary search on the Result Files subfolder. When executing a secondary search, make certain that the Result Files subfolder is selected, not the Job or Master folder.

You can also perform any of the regular functions (such as drag-and-drop, open for editing or printing) on Sections located in the Result Files subfolder.

If you want to search only selected Sections in a Job or Master, use the Sections > Search and Replace command.

Since the SI Explorer can search for text or tags, the search results may differ from the SI Editor's Find feature.  For example, often times the search term may be a Tailoring Option, therefore you must use the View menu and choose Tailoring Options to see the text.

The Section with results from your Search and Replace is placed in a temporary subfolder called Result Files, located in the SI Explorer under the Job or Master folder.  This subfolder will remain only until SpecsIntact is closed.  The results of any subsequent Search and Replace in the same Job or Master will replace the previous results. The files in this subfolder are your working copy and should not be deleted from this location.

The Replace function is permanent and cannot be reversed.  Using the BackupA process used to backup a Job, Master, Supplemental Reference List, or Templates from the specified location (Drive or other device) button to make a copy of your Job or Master before performing replacements is strongly advised.

Search Options

Ignore Lowercase/Uppercase

This option controls how the search treats capitalization. When checked, it finds results with any capitalization (UPPERCASE, lowercase, or mixed), even if you sear with a specific case (e.g., "tile" would find "TILE, "Tile," and "tile").

When searching for tags, type the three-letter tag in ALL CAPS and do not check the 'Ignore lowercase/uppercase option.

Exclude Redlines

Checking this box when will ignore the text that has been deleted and surrounded by a set of DEL tags.

Exclude Notes

Checking this box will ignore the search term in the Find area if it is contained within a Note.

Search Whole Word

Checking this box finds the exact search term. For a broader search where variations might be relevant, leave it unchecked.  For instance, if you entered "excava" in the 'Find. area, your results would contain "excavate, excavation and excavating."

Mark Revisions

This option only pertains to the Replace function. If you want to use the Revisions function so that ADD and DEL tags are inserted for the results of your Replace action, check this box.

For example, if you check the box, enter "white" in the Find box, and "black" in the Replace with box, the text in the Sections would be tagged <DEL>white</DEL><ADD>black</ADD>.  If this box is not checked, the word "black" would appear in the text where "white" had been without revisionsThe Revisions command reveals or conceals Revisions that are tagged in the text. Text to be added is identified with underscoring and the addition tags, <ADD> and </ADD>. Whereas text to be deleted, or Redlined, is identified with overstriking and the delete tags, <DEL> and </DEL>.

Find Files Without Search Term

When checked, this feature will locate Sections that do not contain the search term in the Find area.

For example, if you enter "SUBMITTALS" In the find area and check this box along with Ignore Lowercase/Uppercase, the results would display the Sections that do not contain a Submittal Article.

Search button

Searches the Job or Master for the text in the Find area.

Replace button

Replaces the text in the Find area with the text in the Replace with area.

If you leave the Replace with area blank, it will replace

Backup

This option will Open the File menu > Backup and Restore:  Restore command so you can back up the Job or Master prior to replacing the text throughout your Job or Master.

Standard Windows Commands

The Cancel button will close the window without recording any selections or changes entered.

The Help button will open the Help Topic for this window.

How To Use This Feature

How to Search Text

1. In the SpecsIntact Explorer, select the Job or Master you want to perform a Search

2. In the File menu, choose Search and Replace, or right-clickTo press the right button of a mouse and release it to open a menu on the Job or Master and choose Search and Replace

3. When the Search and Replace window opens, place the cursor in the Search box and type the search term

4. Below Search Options, check the options needed to perform the search

5. Select the Search button

6. After reviewing the Occurrences Found message box, select OK

How to Perform a Secondary Search

1. After performing the initial Search, right-click on the Result Files subfolder and choose Search and Replace Again

2. In the Search and Replace window, place the cursor in the Search area and type the search term

3. Below Search Options, check the options needed to perform the search

4. Select the Search button

5. After reviewing the Occurrences Found message box, select OK

How to Search and Replace Text

Before performing replacements, we strongly recommend backing up the Job or Master.

1. In the SpecsIntact Explorer, select the Job or Master you want to perform a Search

2. In the File menu, choose Search and Replace, or right-click on the Job or Master and choose Search and Replace

3. In the Search and Replace window, place the cursor in the Search box and type the search term

4. In the Replace with box, type the replacement text

5. Below Search Options, check the options needed to perform the search

6. Select the Replace button

7. After reviewing the Occurrences Found message box, select OK

After you have completed your Search, you have the option to Export the Search Results List.

Technical Support Information

Users are encouraged to visit the SpecsIntact Website's Support & Help Center for access to all of our User Tools, including eLearning (video tutorials), printable Guides, a Knowledge Base containing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), Technical Notes and Release Notes, and Web-Based Help.

CONTACT US:
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