Batch Processing (almost) any tool in QGIS
Included in this tutorial
Two options for Accessing the option to batch process a tool
The Batch Processing dialogue box
Software version in examples: QGIS 3.26.2 (Windows OS)
Credits: L. Meisterlin (2022)
You can run almost any processing tool in QGIS as a batch process, which allows you to execute the tool multiple times (varying the input parameters as needed). This tutorial shows how to access batch processing and reviews the “batch processing” version of a tool’s dialogue box.
Access the option to Batch Process a tool
Option 1: from the Processing list
Whereas you would typically double-click a tool’s name to summon its parameters and dialogue box, right-clicking on its name will give the option of to Execute as Batch Process.
execute as Batch Process, as an option when right-clicking a tool’s name in the Processing list
Option 2: from within the Tool’s Dialogue box
Any tool that can be executed in batches will offer this option at the bottom of the single-process dialogue box. The button is labeled “Run as Batch Process…”
the Run as Batch Process option at the bottom of a tool’s dialogue box
The Batch Processing dialogue box
You’ll notice first that the Batch Processing dialogue does not provide much (or any) explanation of the tool or it’s parameters. The assumption is that a user is comfortable with a tool before running it in batches.
The Batch Processing dialogue box arranges the tool’s input parameters to establish a table: each parameter defines a column, and each process in the “batch” constitutes a rows (one row per process). Across each row, you can fill in each parameter’s values.
Tool Parameters are arranged horizontally, creating columns of parameters.
There are four control buttons at the top-left of the dialogue:
To add a new process to the list, click the green plus button.
To remove a process from the batch list, click the red minus button.
To load a batch processing table, click the yellow folder button.
To save the batch processing table, click the blue floppy disk button.