Minimum Software Version8.18.10
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This article explains how to create document families using metadata import. Metadata imports can be used to establish relationships between documents, including translations, attachments, duplicates, email threads, and custom relationship types. 


Document families allow related documents to be grouped using a defined relationship type. While relationships can be created manually through the Relationships dialog, they can also be created in bulk using a metadata import.

This method is particularly useful when:

  • Large numbers of document relationships need to be created
  • Existing relationship data is available in a spreadsheet
  • Document families have been identified before loading content into Opus 2

Common relationship types include:

  • Translation
  • Attachment
  • Duplicate
  • Email Thread
  • Custodian Copy
  • Custom Relationship Types

The relationship is created by importing metadata that references the related document using the relevant relationship field.

Step 1: Identify the Documents

  1. Navigate to the appropriate project.
  2. Locate the documents that need to be grouped into a family.
  3. Using the checkboxes, select all of the documents to be grouped into a family. 
  4. Export the selected documents as either an .xlsx or .csv file

Step 2: Update the Metadata Spreadsheet

The spreadsheet should contain:

  • An Opus-ID column
  • A column matching the relationship type you wish to create
Important: The Opus ID used in the relationship column should identify the document that will act as the principal document within the family.

Step 3: Import the Metadata

  1. Navigate to Manage > Import Metadata.
  2. Select the spreadsheet containing the relationship data.
  3. In the Import Document Metadata dialog:
    • Match On: Opus ID
    • Map the relationship column to the corresponding relationship field.
      Spreadsheet ColumnPlatform Field
      TranslationTranslation
      AttachmentAttachments
      DuplicateDuplicates
      Email ThreadEmail Thread
      RedactedRedacted
      Source formatsSource Formats
  4. Click Import.
Note: When importing records into a Custom Relationship, the Custom Relationship must already exist in the Platform before the import is performed. New Custom Relationships cannot be created as part of the import process.


Step 4: Review the Family

  1. Navigate to the Documents page.
  2. Select any document that was included in the import.
  3. Open the Details Pane.
  4. Select the Related Documents tab.
  5. Verify and Confirm that:
    • Related documents are displayed
    • The correct relationship type has been applied
    • Documents appear in the expected family grouping

Understanding Family Structure

When relationships are imported:

  • The referenced document becomes the Principal Document
  • All related documents become members of the same family
  • The family is displayed in the Related Documents tab
  • Users can navigate between related documents directly

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