Besides a function to search and replace in the current .eaf file it also possible to search and replace in multiple annotation files. To do so, click Search > Find and replace in multiple files .... Elan first warns you that the changes cannot be undone and that you should have copies of the files you are about to change. If you click Yes, Elan shows the main dialog window. First define the search domain, i.e. the .eaf files to search and replace in, by clicking the Define search domain button. Then do one of the following:
*.eaf
) to select it.
It now appears in the rightmost box. Alternatively, you can click on the
annotation file name and click the >>
button.
Repeat this for every annotation file you want to include.
It is also possible to select a complete directory. All
.eaf
files in a selected directory will be
included.
The second step is to select the tiers to search and replace in. You can select either All tiers or Selected tiers. When selecting the latter, click the ... button to specify the tiers. In the new dialog, select the tier(s) in which you want to search and replace and click OK.
Next, enter a search string and a replace string. The search string may be a regular expression (see Appendix A, REGULAR EXPRESSION SEARCH) and may be case sensitive. If it is, check the corresponding checkbox.
Finally, click Find and Replace and start the process by clicking Yes in the warning window. You can watch the progress in the progress bar.
After the process has finished, Elan shows a Process Report that tells you what is replaced in what files.