Learning patterns/Uploading files using Pattypan

A learning pattern forGLAM

Learning Pattern Library

Uploading files using Pattypan

problemHow to successfully prepare and process batch upload using the tool Pattypan

solution.

creator• Yarl

discuss

endorse

created on18:03, 5 July 2016 (UTC)

status:DRAFT

What problem does this solve?

Upload batches of files with extended description templates like Artwork or Photograph and be able to check for possible errors, and preview results before uploading.

What is the solution?

Install Pattypan

Before installing, make sure that the latest version of Java is installed on your computer. Download Java here: https://www.java.com/download/
Download Pattypan from: https://github.com/yarl/pattypan/releases and save the .jar file.
If there is an issue in opening the .jar file even after installation of latest version of Java, then you can download jarfix.exe software that easily opens any jar file.

Prepare a folder containing the files you wish to upload to Wikimedia Commons on your computer.

(Note: It can help to provide recognizable names for files in that folder).

Create a spreadsheet to be filled in

Run the pattypan.jar file,
Click Generate spreadsheet and navigate to a folder on your computer containing the files you would like to upload.
Choose columns: Select the fields, which you would like to include in the file descriptions (e.g. date, dimensions, institution, source, etc.) The selected values will be converted into column headings — you will then be able to fill the columns with appropriate information. At this stage, you can pre-fill selected fields with repetitive information by writing it into the provided boxes.
After selecting your chosen fields, click Create File. The spreadsheet will be created in the same folder in which your image files (to be uploaded) are placed.
Click Open to open the generated spreadsheet.

Name column

Beware that the name column will be the filename of the image. If you have names as 1993-001 or 123445 they can't be uploaded. Try to fill it with correct title names.

Fill in the spreadsheet with file descriptions

Pattypan generated xml sheet

Fill in the fields (Author, title, and all your chosen fields) with appropriate information.
- To enter multiple target categories on Wikimedia Commons in the spreadsheet, separate them by a semicolon (;). Example: Raphus cucullatus;Crocodilia Note: All fields can (but do not have to) be filled in using wikicode; the License field must be filled in using wikicode, e.g. {{cc-by-sa-4.0}}. Find the right license here: Copyright tags
Click File --> Save.
Go back to Pattypan, navigate to the starting screen and click Validate and upload.
Navigate to the folder on the computer containing the spreadsheet (and images) and select the spreadsheet. Check for error notifications (empty fields, other errors). You can also click through to test views of file descriptions to preview them before uploading. Then click Next.
Login with your Wikimedia Commons username and password. Click Upload to upload all items and descriptions to Wikimedia Commons.

Things to consider

Make sure that the latest version of Java is installed on your computer. Download Java here: https://www.java.com/download/
To enter multiple target categories on Wikimedia Commons in the spreadsheet, separate them by a semicolon (;). Example: Raphus cucullatus;Crocodilia
Instructions with screenshots can be found on Commons:Pattypan/Simple manual.
If you make a copy of the sheet generated by Pattypan, make sure to copy both the pages - data and template, otherwise during the sheet upload, it will keep showing error.

When to use

When uploading a batch of files with repetitive description fields (e.g. Artist, Photographer, Institution, License)
When flexibility and control over descriptions is needed
For GLAM projects: in order to create a custom description format
This software can be downloaded for Windows and its app version has been created for Mac as well.

When you cannot use

This tool unlike VicuñaUploader cannot upload files to any other project apart from Wikimedia Commons.

Endorsements

This is such an amazing tool, Earl. Thanks for creating and sharing it here. We've started using it for batch uploading pronunciation of Odia-language words under the scope of the Kathabhidhana project (example). Thanks to Shrijagannatha who shared this with me. --Subhashish Panigrahi (talk) 12:06, 8 March 2017 (UTC)[reply]
Love this tool. It can help in uploading batch files in structured way. It was useful learning pattern. Helped me in uploading files for Heritage GLAM project.Wikilover90 (talk) 19:10, 25 September 2019 (UTC)[reply]
It works great! Theklan (talk) 09:20, 7 October 2019 (UTC)[reply]