GREP Batch Processor v5.00

Professional Documentation & User Guide

Overview

GREP Batch Processor is a professional automation tool for Adobe InDesign that enables users to execute multiple GREP Find/Change queries in a single operation. Designed for publishing professionals, typesetters, and book designers, this script dramatically reduces the time required for repetitive text formatting and cleanup tasks.

What It Does

• Scans and loads all saved GREP queries from InDesign's Find/Change Queries folder
• Allows users to select multiple queries and define their execution order
• Saves query selections as reusable presets
• Executes queries sequentially with customizable scope options
• Provides automatic backup functionality before making changes
• Supports all InDesign locale versions through intelligent folder detection

The Problem It Solves

When formatting books or long documents, typesetters often need to run dozens of GREP Find/Change operations: fixing typography, standardizing punctuation, applying character styles, cleaning up imported text, and more. Manually running each query through InDesign's Find/Change dialog is:

• Time-consuming: Each query requires multiple clicks and waiting
• Error-prone: Easy to forget queries or run them in wrong order
• Inconsistent: Different operators may apply different queries
• Non-repeatable: No easy way to save and reuse query sets

GREP Batch Processor solves all of these problems by automating the entire process.

Who Should Use This Script

• Book designers formatting manuscripts for print or digital publication
• Typesetters working with multiple documents requiring consistent formatting
• Publishing houses needing standardized workflows across team members
• Self-publishers who want professional-quality typography
• Prepress technicians preparing files for production
• Anyone who regularly uses GREP Find/Change in InDesign

Key Features

Core Functionality

Feature	Description
Batch Execution	Run unlimited GREP queries in a single operation
Preset System	Save and load query selections for repeated use
Custom Ordering	Define exact execution sequence for queries
Scope Control	Choose which document areas to include/exclude
Backup Protection	Automatic document backup before changes
Multi-locale Support	Works with all international InDesign versions

User Interface

Feature	Description
4-Tab Interface	Organized, uncluttered workspace
Real-time Filter	Instantly find queries in large collections
Visual Feedback	Clear indication of selected queries and order
Preset Preview	See preset contents before running
Progress Reporting	Track execution status and results

System Requirements

Requirement	Specification
Adobe InDesign	CS6 or later (CC 2018+ recommended)
Operating System	Windows 10/11 or macOS 10.14+
Script Format	ExtendScript (.jsx / .jsxbin)

Prerequisites

Before using GREP Batch Processor, you should have:

1. Saved GREP Queries: The script works with queries saved through InDesign's Find/Change dialog (Query → Save Query). Without saved queries, there is nothing to batch process.
2. Basic GREP Knowledge: Understanding of what GREP queries do and how they affect your document.
3. Document Backup Awareness: While the script includes backup functionality, always maintain your own backup copies of important documents.

Installation

Step 1: Locate the Scripts Folder

Windows:

C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\InDesign\Version [X]\[Locale]\Scripts\Scripts Panel\

macOS:

~/Library/Preferences/Adobe InDesign/Version [X]/[Locale]/Scripts/Scripts Panel/

Alternative Method:

1. Open InDesign
2. Go to Window → Utilities → Scripts
3. Right-click on "User" folder
4. Select "Reveal in Explorer" (Windows) or "Reveal in Finder" (macOS)

Step 2: Install the Script

1. Download GREPBatchProcessor_v5.00.jsxbin
2. Copy the file to your Scripts Panel folder
3. The script will appear in the Scripts panel immediately

Step 3: Verify Installation

1. Open InDesign
2. Open the Scripts panel (Window → Utilities → Scripts)
3. Expand the "User" folder
4. You should see "GREPBatchProcessor_v5.00"

User Interface

GREP Batch Processor features a modern 4-tab interface designed for efficient workflow management:

Tab	Purpose
Queries	Browse, select, and organize queries. Build and save presets.
Run Preset	Quick access to execute saved presets
Help	Built-in documentation and tips
Settings	Configure backup, folder paths, and preferences

Working with Queries

Query List

The query list displays all GREP queries found in your InDesign GREP folders. Each query shows:

• Checkbox: Select/deselect query for inclusion
• Query Name: Name of the saved GREP query
• Order (#): Execution order number (if assigned)

Assigning Order

Queries execute in the order you specify. To assign order:

1. Select a query in the list
2. Enter a number in the "Set #" field
3. Click "Apply"

Queries run from lowest to highest number. Queries without numbers execute after numbered queries.

Search Options

Option	Description
Use query settings	Use each query's saved scope settings
Footnotes	Include footnote text in search
Master Pages	Include master page items
Hidden Layers	Include hidden layer content
Locked Layers	Include locked layer content
Locked Stories	Include locked story content

Working with Presets

What Are Presets?

Presets save your query selection and execution order so you can reuse them later. Great for:

• Recurring book series with consistent formatting needs
• Client-specific cleanup workflows
• Team standardization
• Different document types (novels, textbooks, magazines)

Creating a Preset

1. Select queries and assign order numbers
2. Enter a preset name in the "Save Preset" field
3. Click "Save"

Running a Preset

1. Go to the "Run Preset" tab
2. Select preset from dropdown
3. Review the preset contents shown below
4. Click "Run Preset"

Backup System

GREP Batch Processor includes an intelligent backup system to protect your work.

How It Works

• Before any changes, creates a copy of your document
• Saves to a _backups subfolder in the document's location
• Filename includes timestamp for easy identification
• Optional: auto-delete backup if no changes were made

Troubleshooting

"No GREP Queries Found"

Solutions:

• Click the gear icon (⚙) in Settings
• Manually browse to your GREP folder location
• The script will remember this path for future use
• Use "Show All Scanned Folders" to see where the script is looking

"No Queries Have Order Numbers"

Solution: You must assign execution order numbers (#) to queries. Click a query, enter a number, and click Apply. Only queries with numbers will execute.

Script Runs Slowly

Possible causes:

• Very large document
• Complex GREP patterns
• Many queries running

Solutions:

• Process document in sections
• Simplify complex patterns
• Run in smaller batches
• Test on a small document first

GREP Folder Locations

Windows:

C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe InDesign [Version]\Presets\Find-Change Queries\GREP\
C:\Users\[You]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\InDesign\[Version]\[Language]\Find-Change Queries\GREP\

Mac:

/Applications/Adobe InDesign [Version]/Presets/Find-Change Queries/GREP/
~/Library/Preferences/Adobe InDesign/[Version]/[Language]/Find-Change Queries/GREP/

Why .jsxbin Format?

What is .jsxbin?

.jsxbin is Adobe's official binary format for ExtendScript files. It's not a proprietary or suspicious format — it's created using Adobe's own ExtendScript Toolkit "Export as Binary" feature, which has been part of Adobe's development tools for many years.

Why Use Binary Instead of Plain .jsx?

This script took hundreds of hours to develop, test, and refine. The binary format helps protect the code from:

• Unauthorized copying and redistribution
• Resale by bad actors who didn't create it
• Modifications that could break functionality or introduce issues

While I'm happy to share this tool for free, I also want to protect the work that went into creating it.

Is It Safe?

Absolutely. Here's why you can trust this script:

• Runs 100% locally — The script executes entirely on your computer
• No internet connection — It doesn't send data anywhere, doesn't phone home, doesn't track you
• Only does Find/Change — It only performs GREP operations that YOU define through your own queries
• Adobe standard — The .jsxbin format is recognized and executed by InDesign just like .jsx files
• Community tested — Hundreds of designers and typesetters use this script daily

Can I Review the Source Code?

For legitimate purposes such as:

• Educational review
• Security audit by your IT department
• Corporate compliance requirements

Please contact me at feedback@autolayoutai.com and I'll be happy to discuss options.

Best Practices

Before Running

• Save your document manually
• Enable backup in Settings
• Test on a copy for new presets
• Review query order for dependencies

Creating Effective Presets

• Group related queries (all typography, all cleanup)
• Order carefully (general → specific)
• Name descriptively (include purpose)
• Document externally (note what each does)

Query Design Tips

• Keep patterns focused (one task per query)
• Test thoroughly before adding to preset
• Consider order dependencies
• Use descriptive query names (e.g., "01_Fix_Em_Dashes")

Credits & Acknowledgments

Contributor	Contribution
Jean-Claude Tremblay	Locale folder mapping data enabling international support
Mohammad Hasanain	Original inspiration from GREP Toolkit concept
InDesign Community	Testing, feedback, and feature suggestions

Resources Used

• Adobe InDesign Scripting Guide
• InDesign ExtendScript API Documentation
• GREP in InDesign by Peter Kahrel
• InDesignSecrets.com community

About the Author

Legal Disclaimer & Trademarks

Trademark Notice

Adobe®, InDesign®, and Creative Cloud® are registered trademarks of Adobe Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. macOS® is a trademark of Apple Inc. Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

GREP Batch Processor is an independent project and is NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or in any way officially connected with Adobe Inc., Apple Inc., Microsoft Corporation, or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates.

This is a community-created automation script that works within the Adobe InDesign scripting environment. It is provided as a productivity tool for the publishing community.

Use at Your Own Risk

By downloading and using GREP Batch Processor, you acknowledge and agree that:

• You use this script entirely at your own risk
• The author makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding the script's functionality, reliability, or fitness for any particular purpose
• The author is not responsible for any damages, data loss, file corruption, or any other issues resulting from the use of this script
• You are solely responsible for backing up your documents before running any batch operations
• You should test the script on non-critical documents before using it on important work

No Warranty

THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES, OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF, OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.

Limitation of Liability

Under no circumstances shall the author be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or related to your use of this script, regardless of whether such damages arise from breach of contract, tort (including negligence), or any other legal theory, even if the author has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

License

GREP Batch Processor is provided free of charge for personal and commercial use.

Why Free?

I created this tool to help fellow designers and typesetters save time on repetitive tasks. The publishing community has given me so much knowledge over the years, and this is my way of giving back. Knowledge should be shared, not sold.

You MAY:

• Use the script for any purpose (personal or commercial)
• Share the script with others
• Use in commercial workflows and client projects
• Modify for personal use
• Include in your workflow without any fees

You MAY NOT:

• Sell the script or charge money for it
• Remove attribution/credits
• Claim authorship
• Redistribute modified versions as original

Attribution

When sharing or referencing this script, please credit:

• Script: GREP Batch Processor
• Version: 5.00
• Author: Marko Markovic
• Website: autolayoutai.com
• Feedback: [email protected]

Version History

Version 5.00 (Current)

Release Date: 2025

• Complete UI redesign with 4-tab interface
• New Run Preset tab for quick execution
• Dedicated Help tab with documentation
• Real-time query filter
• Preset content preview
• Enhanced locale detection
• Improved error handling