Difference between revisions of "Gramps 3.0 Wiki Manual - Tools"

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{{man index|Gramps 3.0 Wiki Manual - Reports|Gramps 3.0 Wiki Manual - Settings|3.0}}
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== Analysis and Exploration ==
 
== Analysis and Exploration ==
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This section contains tools which analyze and explore the database, but do not alter it. The following analysis and exploration tools are currently available in GRAMPS:
 
This section contains tools which analyze and explore the database, but do not alter it. The following analysis and exploration tools are currently available in GRAMPS:
  
=== Compare Individual Events ===
+
=== Compare Individual Events... ===
  
 
This tool compares events across the selected group of people. The people for this comparison are chosen with the use of custom filters. The custom filters can be created in the Custom Filter Editor (see ''tools-util-cfe'' ) that can be invoked by clicking the {{man button|Custom Filter Editor}} button. The resulting table produced by this tool can be saved as a spreadsheet.
 
This tool compares events across the selected group of people. The people for this comparison are chosen with the use of custom filters. The custom filters can be created in the Custom Filter Editor (see ''tools-util-cfe'' ) that can be invoked by clicking the {{man button|Custom Filter Editor}} button. The resulting table produced by this tool can be saved as a spreadsheet.
  
=== Interactive Descendant Browser ===
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=== Interactive Descendant Browser... ===
 
[[Image:interactivedes.png|right|thumb|200px|Fig. z.z Descendant Browser]]
 
[[Image:interactivedes.png|right|thumb|200px|Fig. z.z Descendant Browser]]
  
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**Filter: in the drop down menu you can select which portion of the database will be processed: you can also select the '''entire database''', '''Descendants''' of the Active Person, '''Descendant families''' of the Active Person, '''Ancestors''' of the Active Person, '''People with common ancestor''' with the Active Person, or any '''custom filter''' (see custom made filters).
 
**Filter: in the drop down menu you can select which portion of the database will be processed: you can also select the '''entire database''', '''Descendants''' of the Active Person, '''Descendant families''' of the Active Person, '''Ancestors''' of the Active Person, '''People with common ancestor''' with the Active Person, or any '''custom filter''' (see custom made filters).
 
**Filter Person: the Active Person is listed in this field, but click on the {{man button|Select a different person}} will bring up a {{man label|Select a person for the report}} window. This window shows a list of people you can choose from. Use the {{man button|down}} arrow or th {{man button|>}} to expand and collapse the nodes. In the table you will see for which persons no birth or death date is available.
 
 
In the left hand side lower corner there is a {{man label|Show all}} tick box. Clicking on this button will show all people in the database.
 
 
**Source text: in this {{man label|text field}} you can fill in the text that will be used in the source reference. Default value is: ''Calculated Date Estimates''.
 
 
Four tick boxes are available:
 
 
** Remove previously added dates
 
** Add estimated birth dates
 
** Add estimated death dates
 
** Display detailed results: will show details for every date entered.
 
 
 
*Config:
 
 
** Maximum age:
 
** Maximum sibling age difference:
 
** Minimum years between generations:
 
** Average years between generations:
 
 
click '''Tools-->Database Processing-->Calculate Estimated Dates...''' brings up a {{man label|Undo history warning}} window:
 
 
{{man warn|Undo history|Proceeding with this tool will erase the undo history for this session. In particular, you will not be able to revert the changes made by this tool or any changes made prior to it. If you think you may want to revert running this tool, please stop here and backup your database.}}
 
 
You then choose {{man button|Stop}} or {{man button|Proceed}}.
 
 
You will be presented with the {{man label|Calculate Estimated Dates}} window. This window has three tabs.
 
 
*Options:
 
 
**Filter: in the drop down menu you can select which portion of the database will be processed: you can also select the '''entire database''', '''Descendants''' of the Active Person, '''Descendent families''' of the Active Person, '''Ancestors''' of the Active Person, '''People with common ancestor''' with the Active Person, or any '''custom filter''' (see custom made filters).
 
  
 
**Filter Person: the Active Person is listed in this field, but click on the {{man button|Select a different person}} will bring up a {{man label|Select a person for the report}} window. This window shows a list of people you can choose from. Use the {{man button|down}} arrow or th {{man button|>}} to expand and collapse the nodes. In the table you will see for which persons no birth or death date is available.
 
**Filter Person: the Active Person is listed in this field, but click on the {{man button|Select a different person}} will bring up a {{man label|Select a person for the report}} window. This window shows a list of people you can choose from. Use the {{man button|down}} arrow or th {{man button|>}} to expand and collapse the nodes. In the table you will see for which persons no birth or death date is available.
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[[Image:dataowner.png|right|thumb|200px|Fig. z.z Owner Info]]
 
[[Image:dataowner.png|right|thumb|200px|Fig. z.z Owner Info]]
  
click '''Tools-->Database Porocessing-->Edit Database Owner information'''. This brings up the {{man label|Database Owner editor}} window, where you can fill in the needed info.
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click '''Tools-->Database Processing-->Edit Database Owner information'''. This brings up the {{man label|Database Owner editor}} window, where you can fill in the needed info.
  
 
*Name:
 
*Name:
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This tool searches the entire database and attempts to extract titles and nicknames that may be embedded in a person's {{man label|Given name}} field. If any information could be extracted, the candidates for fixing will be presented in the table. You may then decide which to repair as suggested and which not to.
 
This tool searches the entire database and attempts to extract titles and nicknames that may be embedded in a person's {{man label|Given name}} field. If any information could be extracted, the candidates for fixing will be presented in the table. You may then decide which to repair as suggested and which not to.
 +
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=== Extract Place Data from a Place Title ===
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 +
This tool attempts to extract city and state/province from a place title.
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=== Extract Event Descriptions from Event Data ===
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Extracts event descriptions from the event data.
  
 
=== Find Possible Duplicate People... ===
 
=== Find Possible Duplicate People... ===
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Finally a {{man label|Potential Merges}} window is presented. This window shows a list with three columns:
 
Finally a {{man label|Potential Merges}} window is presented. This window shows a list with three columns:
*Rating: this gives you an idea of the resemblance between the two people. The higher the ranking, the higher the change to find a duplicate person.
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*Rating: this gives you an idea of the resemblance between the two people. The higher the ranking, the higher the chance that the people are duplicates.
 
*First Person
 
*First Person
 
*Second Person
 
*Second Person
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You can use this tool via '''Tools-->Database Processing-->Fix Capitalization of Family Names...'''.
 
You can use this tool via '''Tools-->Database Processing-->Fix Capitalization of Family Names...'''.
 
 
  
  
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{{man warn|Undo history|Proceeding with this tool will erase the undo history for this session. In particular, you will not be able to revert the changes made by this tool or any changes made prior to it. If you think you may want to revert running this tool, please stop here and backup your database.}}
 
{{man warn|Undo history|Proceeding with this tool will erase the undo history for this session. In particular, you will not be able to revert the changes made by this tool or any changes made prior to it. If you think you may want to revert running this tool, please stop here and backup your database.}}
 
 
 
  
 
You can choose {{man button|Stop}} or {{man button|Proceed with the tool}}.
 
You can choose {{man button|Stop}} or {{man button|Proceed with the tool}}.
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The example shows a renaming of the '''Birth''' event to a '''Baptism''' event.  
 
The example shows a renaming of the '''Birth''' event to a '''Baptism''' event.  
 
 
  
 
Finally use the {{man button|Cancel}} or the {{man button|OK}} button.
 
Finally use the {{man button|Cancel}} or the {{man button|OK}} button.
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=== Reorder GRAMPS ID ===
 
=== Reorder GRAMPS ID ===
  
This tool reorders will change aal the elements in the database to conform to the scheme specified in the database's prefix id's.
+
This tool reorders will change all the elements in the database to conform to the scheme specified in the database's prefix id's.
  
 
You can change those settings in the '''Edit-->Preferences...-->ID Formats''' menu.
 
You can change those settings in the '''Edit-->Preferences...-->ID Formats''' menu.
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This tool checks the database for integrity problems, fixing the problems it can. Specifically, the tool is checking for:
 
This tool checks the database for integrity problems, fixing the problems it can. Specifically, the tool is checking for:
  
Broken family links. These are the cases when a person's record refers to a family while the family's record does not refer to that person, and vice versa.
+
*Broken family links. These are the cases when a person's record refers to a family while the family's record does not refer to that person, and vice versa.
  
Missing media objects. The missing media object is the object whose file is referenced in the database but does not exist. This can happen when the file is accidentally deleted, renamed, or moved to another location.
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*Missing media objects. The missing media object is the object whose file is referenced in the database but does not exist. This can happen when the file is accidentally deleted, renamed, or moved to another location.
  
Empty families. These are the family entries which have no reference to any person as their member.
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*Empty families. These are the family entries which have no reference to any person as their member.
  
Parent relationship. This checks all families to ensure that father and mother are not mixed up. The check is also made that parents have different gender. If they have common gender then their relationship is renamed to "Partners".
+
*Parent relationship. This checks all families to ensure that father and mother are not mixed up. The check is also made that parents have different gender. If they have common gender then their relationship is renamed to "Partners".
  
 
=== Rebuild Reference Maps ===
 
=== Rebuild Reference Maps ===
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 +
This tool rebuilds reference map tables.
  
 
=== Rebuild Secondary Indices ===
 
=== Rebuild Secondary Indices ===
 +
 +
This tool rebuilds secondary indices.
  
 
=== Remove Unused Objects... ===
 
=== Remove Unused Objects... ===
  
This Tool will search your database for pieces of information which are not connected to anything else, and then remove them.
+
This tool will search your database for pieces of information which are not connected to anything else, and then remove them.
  
 
== Debug ==
 
== Debug ==
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=== Generate SoundEx codes ===
 
=== Generate SoundEx codes ===
  
==== SoundeEx what is this? ====
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==== SoundEx what is this? ====
 
This utility generates SoundEx codes for the names of people in the database. Please visit the NARA Soundex Indexing page to learn more about Soundex Indexing System.
 
This utility generates SoundEx codes for the names of people in the database. Please visit the NARA Soundex Indexing page to learn more about Soundex Indexing System.
  
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** Consonant Separators: If a vowel (A, E, I, O, U) separates two consonants that have the same soundex code, the consonant to the right of the vowel is coded. Example:Tymczak is coded as T-522 (T, 5 for the M, 2 for the C, Z ignored (see "Side-by-Side" rule above), 2 for the K). Since the vowel "A" separates the Z and K, the K is coded. If "H" or "W" separate two consonants that have the same soundex code, the consonant to the right of the vowel is not coded. Example: Ashcraft is coded A-261 (A, 2 for the S, C ignored, 6 for the R, 1 for the F). It is not coded A-226.
 
** Consonant Separators: If a vowel (A, E, I, O, U) separates two consonants that have the same soundex code, the consonant to the right of the vowel is coded. Example:Tymczak is coded as T-522 (T, 5 for the M, 2 for the C, Z ignored (see "Side-by-Side" rule above), 2 for the K). Since the vowel "A" separates the Z and K, the K is coded. If "H" or "W" separate two consonants that have the same soundex code, the consonant to the right of the vowel is not coded. Example: Ashcraft is coded A-261 (A, 2 for the S, C ignored, 6 for the R, 1 for the F). It is not coded A-226.
 
  
 
==== Use of SoundEx module in GRAMPS ====
 
==== Use of SoundEx module in GRAMPS ====
 
[[Image:Soundexcode.png|thumb|right|200px|Fig. x.y SoundEx code generator]]
 
[[Image:Soundexcode.png|thumb|right|200px|Fig. x.y SoundEx code generator]]
Clicking via the Toolbar on '''Tools-->Verify the Data...''' you get the {{man label|SoundEx code generator}} window. In the {{man label|Name}} text field you can type in a name or you could use the {{man button|down }} arrow where you can should a name from the drop down list.
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Clicking via the Toolbar on '''Tools-->Utilities --> Soundex generator...''' you get the {{man label|SoundEx code generator}} window. In the {{man label|Name}} text field you can type in a name or you could use the {{man button|down }} arrow where you can should a name from the drop down list.
  
 
The name you put in can by any name even a name not present in your Family Tree.
 
The name you put in can by any name even a name not present in your Family Tree.
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For example, you may want to make sure that nobody in your database had children at the age of 98. Based on common sense, such a record would indicate an error. However, it is not a consistency error in the database. Besides, someone might have a child at the age of 98 (although this rarely happens). The Verify tool will display everything that violates your criteria so that you can check whether the record is erroneous or not. The ultimate decision is yours.
 
For example, you may want to make sure that nobody in your database had children at the age of 98. Based on common sense, such a record would indicate an error. However, it is not a consistency error in the database. Besides, someone might have a child at the age of 98 (although this rarely happens). The Verify tool will display everything that violates your criteria so that you can check whether the record is erroneous or not. The ultimate decision is yours.
  
 
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===Custom Filter Editor===
 
 
----
 
 
 
----
 
 
 
TODO this must be relocated
 
 
 
Custom Filter Editor
 
 
[[Image:cfe-df.png|right|thumb|150px|Fig.3.x Define filter]]
 
[[Image:cfe-df.png|right|thumb|150px|Fig.3.x Define filter]]
 
The Custom Filter Editor builds custom filters that can be used to select people included in reports, exports, and other tools and utilities. This is in fact a very powerful tool in genealogical analysis.
 
The Custom Filter Editor builds custom filters that can be used to select people included in reports, exports, and other tools and utilities. This is in fact a very powerful tool in genealogical analysis.
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{{man note|1=Changes on filters |2=The changes made to the filters only take effect when you click the {{man button|Apply and close}} button.}}
 
{{man note|1=Changes on filters |2=The changes made to the filters only take effect when you click the {{man button|Apply and close}} button.}}
  
Clicking the {{man button|Add...}} button invokes the following {{man label|Define filter}} dialog:
+
===Scratch Pad===
 
 
 
 
Type the name for your new filter into the {{man label|Name}} field.
 
 
 
Enter any comment that would help you identify this filter in the future into the {{man label|Comment}} field. Add as many rules to the {{man label|Rule list}} as you would like to your filter using {{man button|Add...}} button. If the filter has more than one rule, select one of the {{man label|Rule operations}} . This allows you to choose whether all rules must apply, only one (either) rule must apply, or exactly one (either) rule must apply, in order for the filter to generate a match. If your filter has only one rule, this selection has no effect.
 
 
 
Check {{man label|Return values that do not match the filter rules}} to invert the filter rule. For example, inverting "has a common ancestor with I1" rule will match everyone who does not have a common ancestor with that person).
 
 
 
Clicking the {{man button|Add...}} button invokes the following {{man label|Add Rule}} dialog:
 
 
 
[[Image:cfe-ar.png|right|thumb|150px|Fig.3.x Add rule]]
 
 
 
The pane on the left-hand side displays available filter rules arranged by their categories in an expandable tree. For detailed filter rule reference, see ''append-filtref'' . Click on the arrows to fold/unfold the appropriate category. Select the rule from the tree by clicking on its name. The right-hand side displays the name, the description, and the values for the currently selected rule. Once you are satisfied with your rule selection and its values, click {{man button|OK}} to add this rule to the rule list of the currently edited filter. Clicking {{man button|Cancel}} will abort adding the rule to the filter.
 
 
 
{{man tip| Tip |A filter you have already designed may be used as a rule for another filter. This gives you nearly infinite flexibility in custom-tailoring your selection criteria that can be later used in most of the exports, reports, and some of the tools (such as comparing individual events).}}
 
 
 
Scratch Pad
 
  
 
This tool provides a temporary note pad to store database records for easy reuse. In short, this is a sort of the copy-and-paste functionality extended from textual objects to other types of records used in GRAMPS.
 
This tool provides a temporary note pad to store database records for easy reuse. In short, this is a sort of the copy-and-paste functionality extended from textual objects to other types of records used in GRAMPS.
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{{man index|Gramps 3.0 Wiki Manual - Reports|Gramps 3.0 Wiki Manual - Settings}}
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{{man index|Gramps 3.0 Wiki Manual - Reports|Gramps 3.0 Wiki Manual - Settings|3.0}}
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[[Category:Documentation]][[Category:Plugins]]
  
[[Category:Documentation]]
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{{languages|Gramps_3.0_Wiki_Manual_-_Tools}}

Latest revision as of 09:27, 6 February 2009

This chapter describes the various tools available in GRAMPS.

GRAMPS tools allow you to perform various types of analysis of your genealogical data. Typically, the tools do not produce output in form of printouts or files. Instead, they produce screen output immediately available for the researcher. However, when appropriate, you can save the results of running a tool into a file. Tools present one of the major strengths of GRAMPS compared to the most genealogical software.

The tools can be accessed through the menu by choosing Tools ->Tool Section ->Particular Tool . Alternatively, you can browse the complete selection of available tools along with their brief descriptions in a Tool Selection dialog invoked by clicking the Tools icon on the toolbar.

Gnome-important.png Special copyright notice: All edits to this page need to be under two different copyright licenses:

These licenses allow the Gramps project to maximally use this wiki manual as free content in future Gramps versions. If you do not agree with this dual license, then do not edit this page. You may only link to other pages within the wiki which fall only under the GFDL license via external links (using the syntax: [https://www.gramps-project.org/...]), not via internal links.
Also, only use the known Typographical conventions


Previous Index Next



Analysis and Exploration

This section contains tools which analyze and explore the database, but do not alter it. The following analysis and exploration tools are currently available in GRAMPS:

Compare Individual Events...

This tool compares events across the selected group of people. The people for this comparison are chosen with the use of custom filters. The custom filters can be created in the Custom Filter Editor (see tools-util-cfe ) that can be invoked by clicking the Custom Filter Editor button. The resulting table produced by this tool can be saved as a spreadsheet.

Interactive Descendant Browser...

Fig. z.z Descendant Browser


First you have to select a person or you start with the current Active Person.

Click on the menu Tools-->Analysis and Exploration-->Interactive Descendant Browser.

This tool builds a tree with the Active Person being the root. Children branch from their parents in the usual manner.

You can click the down or > buttons to expand or collapse the nodes.

Use this tool for a quick glance of a person's descendants.


Tango-Dialog-information.png
Tip

Double-clicking on tree node will bring up the Edit Person dialog allowing to view or modify the personal data.


The Help button will bring you to this page and with the Close you close the Descendant Browser window.

Database Processing

This section contains tools which may modify your database. The tools from this section are used mostly for finding and correcting errors in the data. The following database processing tools are currently available in GRAMPS:

Gramps-notes.png
Note

The modifications will only be performed upon your explicit consent, except for the automatic fixes performed by Check and repair Database tool.

Calculate Estimated Dates

Fig. z.z Calculate Estimated Dates

Click Tools-->Database Processing-->Calculate Estimated Dates... brings up a Undo history warning window:







Gnome-important.png
Undo history

Proceeding with this tool will erase the undo history for this session. In particular, you will not be able to revert the changes made by this tool or any changes made prior to it. If you think you may want to revert running this tool, please stop here and backup your database.

You then choose Stop or Proceed.

You will be presented with the Calculate Estimated Dates window. This window has three tabs.

  • Options:
    • Filter: in the drop down menu you can select which portion of the database will be processed: you can also select the entire database, Descendants of the Active Person, Descendant families of the Active Person, Ancestors of the Active Person, People with common ancestor with the Active Person, or any custom filter (see custom made filters).
    • Filter Person: the Active Person is listed in this field, but click on the Select a different person will bring up a Select a person for the report window. This window shows a list of people you can choose from. Use the down arrow or th > to expand and collapse the nodes. In the table you will see for which persons no birth or death date is available.

In the left hand side lower corner there is a Show all tick box. Clicking on this button will show all people in the database.

    • Source text: in this text field you can fill in the text that will be used in the source reference. Default value is: Calculated Date Estimates.

Four tick boxes are available:

    • Remove previously added dates
    • Add estimated birth dates
    • Add estimated death dates
    • Display detailed results: will show details for every date entered.


  • Config:
    • Maximum age:
    • Maximum sibling age difference:
    • Minimum years between generations:
    • Average years between generations:

Edit Database Owner Information

Fig. z.z Owner Info

click Tools-->Database Processing-->Edit Database Owner information. This brings up the Database Owner editor window, where you can fill in the needed info.

  • Name:
  • Adress:
  • City:
  • State/Province:
  • Country:
  • ZIP/Postal Code:
  • Phone:
  • Email:

Extract Information from Names

This tool searches the entire database and attempts to extract titles and nicknames that may be embedded in a person's Given name field. If any information could be extracted, the candidates for fixing will be presented in the table. You may then decide which to repair as suggested and which not to.

Extract Place Data from a Place Title

This tool attempts to extract city and state/province from a place title.

Extract Event Descriptions from Event Data

Extracts event descriptions from the event data.

Find Possible Duplicate People...

Fig. z.z Duplicate People

This tool searches the entire database, looking for the entries that may represent the same person.

You can access this tool via Tool->Database Processing...->Find Possible Duplicate People....

Two options are available:

  • Match Threshold: choose between High, Medium and Low from the drop down menu.
  • Options: a check box to enable or disable the use of soundex codes.

Only three buttons are present: Help brings you to this page, a Cancel to stop processing and an OK button to start processing the data.

If you hit the OK button, the data will be processes in two passes.

Pass 1: building preliminary lists Pass 2: calculating potential matches. A progress bar will be shown and depending the speed of the cpu and the amount of people in the database this can take some time.

Finally a Potential Merges window is presented. This window shows a list with three columns:

  • Rating: this gives you an idea of the resemblance between the two people. The higher the ranking, the higher the chance that the people are duplicates.
  • First Person
  • Second Person

If you select a row you can check the details with the Compare button or you can double-click on the selected row.

Three buttons are present: Help brings you to this page, a Close to close the window and a Compare button to which brings up a Compare People window which was explain in detail in the Merge People Dialog. Here you can select with the radio buttons one of the persons and eventually use the Merge and close button to merge the data if you find the two persons are duplicates.

Hitting the Cancel button brings you back to the list.

Fix Capitalization of Family Names...

Fig. z.z Fix Capitalization

This tool searches the entire database and attempts to fix the capitalization of family names. The aim is to have conventional capitalization: capital first letter and lower case for the rest of the family name. If deviations from this rule are detected, the candidates for fixing will be presented in the table. You may then decide which to repair as suggested and which not to.

You can use this tool via Tools-->Database Processing-->Fix Capitalization of Family Names....





Gnome-important.png
Undo history

Proceeding with this tool will erase the undo history for this session. In particular, you will not be able to revert the changes made by this tool or any changes made prior to it. If you think you may want to revert running this tool, please stop here and backup your database.

You can choose Stop or Proceed with the tool.

If there where changes to Capitalization of Names you will be presented with the Capitalization changes window. The window shows a list of the family names that GRAMPS can convert to correct capitalization. In the list you will see a three columns: Select check box(es), Original Name and Capitalization Change.

Select the names you want to be changed, then hit the Accept changes and close button. Or use the Cancel button to abort changes.

Rename Event Types

Fig. z.z Change type

This tool allows all the events of a certain name to be renamed to a new name.








Gnome-important.png
Undo history

Proceeding with this tool will erase the undo history for this session. In particular, you will not be able to revert the changes made by this tool or any changes made prior to it. If you think you may want to revert running this tool, please stop here and backup your database.

The Change Event Types window is presented. This tool will rename all events of one type to a different type.

  • Original event type: fill in the text field or use the drop down menu and select an original event type
  • New event type: fill in the text field (you can create a complete new type here) or use the drop down menu and select a new type

The example shows a renaming of the Birth event to a Baptism event.

Finally use the Cancel or the OK button.

Gnome-important.png
Renaming events

Once completed, this cannot be undone by the regular Undo function.

Reorder GRAMPS ID

This tool reorders will change all the elements in the database to conform to the scheme specified in the database's prefix id's.

You can change those settings in the Edit-->Preferences...-->ID Formats menu.

You can use this tool via Tools-->Database Processing-->Reorder GRAMPS IDs.

Gnome-important.png
Undo history

Proceeding with this tool will erase the undo history for this session. In particular, you will not be able to revert the changes made by this tool or any changes made prior to it. If you think you may want to revert running this tool, please stop here and backup your database.

The window will show a progress bar.

In different steps following IDs' are reordered: Reordering People IDs', Reordering Family IDs', Reordering Event IDs', Reordering Media Object IDs', Reordering Source IDs', Reordering Place IDs', Reordering Repository IDs' and finally Reordering Note IDs'.

In a next step unused IDs' are searched for and assigned.


Gnome-important.png
Custom IDs'

If you customized your IDs', all those setting are replaced by the default setting. So take care before you use this tool!

Database Repair

Check and repair database

This tool checks the database for integrity problems, fixing the problems it can. Specifically, the tool is checking for:

  • Broken family links. These are the cases when a person's record refers to a family while the family's record does not refer to that person, and vice versa.
  • Missing media objects. The missing media object is the object whose file is referenced in the database but does not exist. This can happen when the file is accidentally deleted, renamed, or moved to another location.
  • Empty families. These are the family entries which have no reference to any person as their member.
  • Parent relationship. This checks all families to ensure that father and mother are not mixed up. The check is also made that parents have different gender. If they have common gender then their relationship is renamed to "Partners".

Rebuild Reference Maps

This tool rebuilds reference map tables.

Rebuild Secondary Indices

This tool rebuilds secondary indices.

Remove Unused Objects...

This tool will search your database for pieces of information which are not connected to anything else, and then remove them.

Debug

Python Evaluation window...

Reload Plugins

As the name suggests this unloads and reloads all the plugins. In the GRAMPS system all the Reports and Tools are plugins, so this can help flush unwanted settings and load new plugins which you've added to the system since GRAMPS started.

Show uncollected Objects

Utilities

This section contains tools allowing you to perform a simple operation on a portion of data. The results can be saved in your database, but they will not modify your existing data. The following utilities are currently available in GRAMPS:

Generate SoundEx codes

SoundEx what is this?

This utility generates SoundEx codes for the names of people in the database. Please visit the NARA Soundex Indexing page to learn more about Soundex Indexing System.

The soundex is a coded surname (last name) index based on the way a surname sounds rather than the way it is spelled. Surnames that sound the same, but are spelled differently, like SMITH and SMYTH, have the same code and are filed together. The soundex coding system was developed so that you can find a surname even though it may have been recorded under various spellings.

First applied to the 1880 census, Soundex is a phonetic index, not a strictly alphabetical one. Its key feature is that it codes surnames (last names) based on the way a name sounds rather than on how it is spelled. It was to help researchers find a surname quickly even though it may have received different spellings.

Those doing census lookups must use the same method to encode surnames as the census takers did when they generated the database.

To search for a particular surname, you must first work out its code.

  • Basic Soundex Coding Rule:

Every soundex code consists of a letter and three numbers, such as W-252. The letter is always the first letter of the surname. The numbers are assigned to the remaining letters of the surname according to the soundex guide shown below. Zeroes are added at the end if necessary to produce a four-character code. Additional letters are disregarded. Examples: Washington is coded W-252 (W, 2 for the S, 5 for the N, 2 for the G, remaining letters disregarded). Lee is coded L-000 (L, 000 added).

Number Represents the Letters

1 B, F, P, V

2 C, G, J, K, Q, S, X, Z

3 D, T

4 L

5 M, N

6 R

Disregard the letters A, E, I, O, U, H, W, and Y.

  • Additional Soundex Coding Rules:
    • Names With Double Letters: If the surname has any double letters, they should be treated as one letter. For example:

Gutierrez is coded G-362 (G, 3 for the T, 6 for the first R, second R ignored, 2 for the Z).

    • Names with Letters Side-by-Side that have the Same Soundex Code Number: If the surname has different letters side-by-side that have the same number in the soundex coding guide, they should be treated as one letter. Examples:
      • Pfister is coded as P-236 (P, F ignored, 2 for the S, 3 for the T, 6 for the R).
      • Jackson is coded as J-250 (J, 2 for the C, K ignored, S ignored, 5 for the N, 0 added).
      • Tymczak is coded as T-522 (T, 5 for the M, 2 for the C, Z ignored, 2 for the K). Since the vowel "A" separates the Z and K, the K is coded.
    • Names with Prefixes: If a surname has a prefix, such as Van, Con, De, Di, La, or Le, code both with and without the prefix because the surname might be listed under either code. Note, however, that Mc and Mac are not considered prefixes.For example, VanDeusen might be coded two ways:V-532 (V, 5 for N, 3 for D, 2 for S) or D-250 (D, 2 for the S, 5 for the N, 0 added).
    • Consonant Separators: If a vowel (A, E, I, O, U) separates two consonants that have the same soundex code, the consonant to the right of the vowel is coded. Example:Tymczak is coded as T-522 (T, 5 for the M, 2 for the C, Z ignored (see "Side-by-Side" rule above), 2 for the K). Since the vowel "A" separates the Z and K, the K is coded. If "H" or "W" separate two consonants that have the same soundex code, the consonant to the right of the vowel is not coded. Example: Ashcraft is coded A-261 (A, 2 for the S, C ignored, 6 for the R, 1 for the F). It is not coded A-226.

Use of SoundEx module in GRAMPS

Fig. x.y SoundEx code generator

Clicking via the Toolbar on Tools-->Utilities --> Soundex generator... you get the SoundEx code generator window. In the Name text field you can type in a name or you could use the down arrow where you can should a name from the drop down list.

The name you put in can by any name even a name not present in your Family Tree.



The result is shown automatically: R236


A Help button is available which brings you to this page. With the Close button (or hitting <alt+c>) you close this generator window.

Media Manager...

Fig. z.z Final confirmation window

This tool allows batch operations on media objects stored in GRAMPS. An important distinction must be made between a GRAMPS media object and its file.

The GRAMPS media object is a collection of data about the media object file: its filename and/or path, its description, its ID, notes, source references, etc. These data do not include the file itself.

The files containing image, sound, video, etc. exist separately on your hard drive. These files are not managed by GRAMPS and are not included in the GRAMPS database. The GRAMPS database only stores the path and file names.

This tool allows you to only modify the records within your GRAMPS database. If you want to move or rename the files then you need to do it on your own, outside of GRAMPS. Then you can adjust the paths using this tool so that th media objects store the correct file locations.

If you click the Forward button (or hit <Alt+F>) you will get a window with three radio buttons:

  • Replace substrings in the path: Selecting this radio button will bring up a Replace substring settings window where you can type in any string in the Replace text field and the With text field. At any time you can click on the Cancel button or the Back button. Clicking the Forward button will bring up the Final confirmation window.
  • Convert paths from relative to absolute
  • Convert paths from absolute to relative

Relationship calculator

This utility calculates and displays the relationship of any person to the Active Person.

Verify the Data...

Fig. z.z Verify the Data...

This utility allows you to verify the database based on the set of criteria specified by you.

For example, you may want to make sure that nobody in your database had children at the age of 98. Based on common sense, such a record would indicate an error. However, it is not a consistency error in the database. Besides, someone might have a child at the age of 98 (although this rarely happens). The Verify tool will display everything that violates your criteria so that you can check whether the record is erroneous or not. The ultimate decision is yours.


Clicking on Tools-->Utilities-->Verify the Data... you will get a Database Verify Tool window. The window has four tabs. Those tabs show a list with criteria and a input field where you can alter the criteria value. In the lists below I show some workable values.

  • General:
    • maximum age: 95
    • minimum age to marry 16
    • maximum age to marry 60
    • maximum spouses for a person 4
    • maximum number of consecutive years of widowhood before next marriage 30
    • maximum age for an unmarried person 99

There is a check box: estimate missing dates.

  • Women:
    • minimum age to bear a child 16
    • maximum age to bear a child 51
    • maximum number of children 15
  • Men
    • minimum age to father a child 18
    • maximum age to father a child 65
    • maximum number of children 15
  • Families
    • maximum husband-wife age difference 41
    • maximum number of years between children 11
    • maximum span of years for all children 32


If you are OK with the criteria click the Run button (or hit <Alt+R> and you will be presented with a Database Verification Results window.

Depending on your criteria and your data a list will be shown. Some possibilities of findings are listed below. But there are others.

  • Disconnected individuals : TODO further explain what how
  • old/dead father
  • marriage after death/ before birth
  • large year span for all children
  • early/late marriage
  • young/unborn mother
  • husband and wife with the same surname
  • same sex marriage/ female husband
  • ...

To show how handy this Utility is, here two live examples from real data:

The warning showed 'female husband': checking the data I found a family with father : Anna Roelants. Luckily in the Description I read: The marriage of Adam Roelants and Cornelia Crabbe. It was clearly a typo: Anna i.s.o. Adam. Without this Tool it would be very hard to find.

The warning showed 'late marriage': checking the data: male person °1738 female person °1756 : marriage X 1804 [French Republican Calender] : Everything seemed to be OK: so they (re)married at the age of 66 and 48 years! The warning showed up because the General criteria was set to 60.

On the bottom of the window four check boxes are available to make a selection easier. Those are Mark All, Unmark All, Invert Marks, and Hide Marked.

Double-clicking on a row will give you a possibility to view and or edit the data.

With the Close button (or hit <Alt+C>) you close the Results window. With the Help button (or hitting <Alt+H>) you will get to this page.




Tango-Dialog-information.png
Difference between Verify tool and previously described Check tool

The Check tool detects inconsistencies in the database structure. The Verify tool,however, is detecting the records that do not satisfy your particular criteria.


For example, you may want to make sure that nobody in your database had children at the age of 98. Based on common sense, such a record would indicate an error. However, it is not a consistency error in the database. Besides, someone might have a child at the age of 98 (although this rarely happens). The Verify tool will display everything that violates your criteria so that you can check whether the record is erroneous or not. The ultimate decision is yours.

Custom Filter Editor

Fig.3.x Define filter

The Custom Filter Editor builds custom filters that can be used to select people included in reports, exports, and other tools and utilities. This is in fact a very powerful tool in genealogical analysis.

When you launch it, the User defined filters dialog appears that lists all the filters (if any) previously defined by you. Click the Add... button to define a new filter. Once you have designed your filters, you can edit, test, and delete selected filters using the Edit... , Test... , and Delete buttons, respectively. All the filters displayed in the list will be automatically saved along with your database and will be available with subsequent sessions of GRAMPS.

Gramps-notes.png
Changes on filters

The changes made to the filters only take effect when you click the Apply and close button.

Scratch Pad

This tool provides a temporary note pad to store database records for easy reuse. In short, this is a sort of the copy-and-paste functionality extended from textual objects to other types of records used in GRAMPS.

Tango-Dialog-information.png
Tip

Scratch Pad makes extensive use of drag-and-drop technique.


To invoke Scratch Pad, either choose Tools ->Utilities ->Scratch Pad or click the ScratchPad button on the toolbar. The following window will appear:

Fig.3.xx Scratch pad

Scratch Pad supports addresses, attributes (both personal and family), events (both personal and family), names, media objects references, source references, URLs, and of course textual information of notes and comments. To store any type of these records, simply drag the existing record on to the Scratch Pad from the corresponding editor dialog. To reuse the record, drag it from the Scratch Pad on to the corresponding place in the editor, e.g. Address tab, Attribute tab, etc.

Tango-Dialog-information.png
Tip

Some objects are showing the link icon on the left. This indicates that dragging such selection will produce a reference to an existing object, not copy the object itself.


For example, the media object file will not be duplicated. Instead, the reference will be made to an existing media object, which will result in the local gallery entry.

Tango-Dialog-information.png
Tip

Scratch Pad storage is persistent within a single GRAMPS session. Closing the window will not lose the stored records. However, exiting GRAMPS will.


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