> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.abbyy.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Registration parameters of batches and documents

> Define string metadata fields like scan date or operator name — added to batches and documents and sent along to Vantage.

**Registration parameters** are string properties that identify documents and batches — for example, the scan date or the name of the scanning operator. Values flow to Vantage along with the batch for further processing.

Registration parameters can be attached to either a **batch type** or a **document type**. If you use one batch type to process different kinds of documents, you can create multiple document types with different parameter sets.

## Where to configure

You can define registration parameters when you create a batch type in the [Batch Type Wizard](/vantage/documentation/scanning-station/interface/batch-type-wizard) or later in the [Batch Type Properties](/vantage/documentation/scanning-station/interface/batch-type-properties-dbox) dialog box.

Operators edit values — as long as the parameter isn't read-only — on the **Batch** and **Document** tabs of the [Registration Parameters window](/vantage/documentation/scanning-station/interface/registration-params-window).

The setup flow is the same for batch types and document types, except document types let you choose between two parameter types: **Text** or **Drop-down list**.

## Add a registration parameter

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the right list">
    In the [Batch Type Properties](/vantage/documentation/scanning-station/interface/batch-type-properties-dbox) dialog box:

    * **For a batch type** — on the **Batch Registration Parameters** tab, click **New\...**.
    * **For a document type** — on the **Document Types** tab, click **Add...** next to the registration parameters list.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Name the parameter">
    In the **Registration Parameter** dialog box, type a name.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pick a type">
    From the **Type** drop-down, select **Text** or **Drop-down list**. The available settings below depend on the type you pick.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Text parameters

Text parameters are non-empty strings. The value can come from what the Operator types, from auto-generated tags, or a combination.

The **Default value** field holds the user-entered text and any auto-insertion tags.

### Auto-insertion tags

Select any of the following to include the value automatically in the parameter:

| Tag            | Inserts                                                | Token |
| :------------- | :----------------------------------------------------- | :---- |
| **Operator**   | Name of the user who started the Scanning Station      | `<O>` |
| **Station**    | Name of the computer on which the program is installed | `<S>` |
| **Station ID** | Identifier of the Scanning Station                     | `<I>` |
| **Date**       | Date the batch or document was created                 | `<D>` |
| **Time**       | Time the batch or document was created                 | `<T>` |

### Validation

* **Check using regular expression** — validates the parameter value against a pattern. If a batch contains a value that doesn't match, Scanning Station blocks the export and shows a message.
* **Read-only** — prevents the Operator from changing the default value. Not compatible with **Check using regular expression**.

## Drop-down list parameters

Drop-down-list parameters offer values from a list. Populate the list manually, from a TXT file, or from an external source.

### Add values manually

Click **Add...** next to the drop-down list, then type a value in the dialog box that opens.

### Import from a TXT file

Click **Import**, choose a TXT file, and Scanning Station adds one parameter value per line to the list.

### Import from an external source

Select **Use external source of values**, then pick the source type in the **Values Source Settings** dialog box. Make sure every Scanning Station that will use this source can reach it.

For example, to bind a TXT file as an external source, click **Browse** and pick the file in the **Source of Values** dialog box.

<Note>
  Values from an external source are refreshed only when the batch type is created or edited — not continuously.
</Note>

### Re-import

To re-import registration parameters from the source, click **Import...** on the **Batch Registration Parameters** tab of the [Batch Type Properties](/vantage/documentation/scanning-station/interface/batch-type-properties-dbox) dialog box. On re-import:

* Manually added parameters are preserved.
* Imported parameters are refreshed with the source's latest values.

You can remove any parameter and change the **Required** flag on imported parameters.

## Options for both types

| Option       | Description                                                                                  |
| :----------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Required** | The parameter must have a value. A batch can't be exported if a required parameter is empty. |
| **Comment**  | Free-form comment about the parameter.                                                       |

## Related topics

* [Registration Parameters window](/vantage/documentation/scanning-station/interface/registration-params-window)
* [Specify registration parameters](/vantage/documentation/scanning-station/operator/specify-registration)
* [Document types](/vantage/documentation/scanning-station/interface/document-types)
* [Alphabet used in regular expressions](/vantage/documentation/scanning-station/appendix/alphabet-regex)
* [Interface](/vantage/documentation/scanning-station/interface/interface)