Batch Updates

This article provides a guide on how to utilize the batch update feature in the Knack Builder.

What is a batch update?

Batch updates allow you to update multiple records at once based on set criteria from the Knack Builder.

Updating individual records from the Records section of the Builder is a simple and convenient way to make changes to your data. However, when it comes to updating multiple records, this method may not be the most efficient option, especially if you have a large number of records to update.

Knack gives you two ways to update batches of records: 

  • Manually selecting records to update by using checkboxes to select individual records.

  • Filtering records to update using set criteria by using the "Update" button with the batch update feature.

Note: You can also perform batch updates via import by matching your records to a unique field. See the Importing Records article for details on matching to update existing records.

 

Manually Selecting Records to Update

To manually update individual records, simply select the checkboxes to the left of each record. You can select multiple records at once.

Once you have chosen the records you want to update, click on the "Update" button located in the top navigation menu. 

Image of the Update button highlighted in the Knack Builder

Once you have selected the “Update” button, this will open the toolbox to define which values you wish to update. Here you can choose to update any field in the table. 

Image of the Update Records editor on the left side of the Builder when using the batch update feature

After adding fields and values to include in the update, select “Next”. Selecting "Next" opens a confirmation page showing the number of records being updated.

From there, you can confirm the update with the “Update Records” button. Once you have confirmed the update, a progress popup will appear at the bottom of the Builder.  

Note:  Additionally, users have the option to choose the "Update records" icon without having to manually select records as explained above. This feature enables users to input specific criteria for updating desired records or update all records if no criteria is specified (see the section directly below this one).

Filtering Records to Update Using Set Criteria

To update a large number of records or avoid manual selection, you can utilize the Batch Update feature. This feature is available in the Records section of the Builder.

Simply select the table you want to update and click on the "Update" button in the top navigation menu. This allows you to filter the specific records you want to update and specify the fields and values to be used in the update.

Image of the Update records button highlighted in the Knack Builder

 

Selecting the “Update” button will open up the toolbox on the left side of the Builder. From there,  you can add your criteria to filter which records you wish to update.

Once you have added your criteria, select “Next” to go to the next step to choose which fields to update. 

Image of the Update Records toolbox on the left side of the Knack Builder

 

From this point, you have the ability to specify which values you want to update, allowing you to update any field on the table according to your preferences.

Image of the Update Records toolbox on the left side of the Knack Builder

After adding fields and values to include in the update, select “Next”. This opens a confirmation page showing the number of records being updated.

From there, you can confirm the update with the “Update Records” button. Once you have confirmed the update, a progress popup will appear at the bottom of the Builder.  

Image of the Update Records button in the toolbox from the Knack Builder

Tip:  To learn about integrating with Make or Zapier to update your records, see the following articles: