File Format Filtering

Under the File Filtering tab, users and administrators can specify which document types should be processed by the BiBatchConverter Server Service Manager. Every other file type will be ignored.

For example:

If only the Microsoft Word Documents option is selected, the BiBatchConverter Server Service Manager will process only Microsoft Word files with the extensions .DOCX, .DOCM, and .DOC.

File Filtering with Include and Exclude Masks

The File Filtering with Include and Exclude Mask feature lets you control which files are processed and which are skipped in the BiBatchConverter conversion service by each conversion task.

By defining simple text-based masks, you can easily focus on specific files (like only invoices) or ignore unwanted ones (like temporary or confidential files).

Why It’s Useful

·         Prevents unnecessary conversions of irrelevant or temporary files.

·         Helps keep your conversion queues clean and focused.

·         Reduces processing time and errors caused by unwanted documents.

·         Gives you precise control over file handling in monitored folders.

How to Enable File Filtering

1.    Open BiBatchConverter Service Manager.

2.    Select the task you want to configure.

3.    Go to Task Settings > File Filtering.

4.    Enable Include Mask or Exclude Mask using the checkboxes.

5.    In the corresponding text box, enter one or more masks.

o   Separate multiple masks with semicolons (;).

o   Example:

o   Include Mask: invoice-*;sales-* 

o   Exclude Mask: *confidential*;*.tmp

6.    Click Apply or Save to store the configuration.

(The settings will take effect the next time the task runs.)

How It Works

Include Mask

·         Defines which filenames should be processed.

·         If left empty, all files are included by default (unless excluded).

·         Example:

o   Mask: invoice-*;sales-*

o   Matches: invoice-001.pdf, sales-2025.docx

o   Does not match: report-01.pdf

Only files that match at least one Include Mask pattern will be processed.

Exclude Mask

·         Defines which filenames should be skipped.

·         If a file matches any Exclude Mask pattern, it will not be processed, even if it matches the Include Mask.

·         Example:

o   Mask: *confidential*;*.tmp

o   Skips: invoice-confidential.docx, notes.tmp

If a pattern appears in both Include and Exclude lists, the file will be excluded (skipped).

How Wildcards Work

·         *— Matches any number of characters (including none).

o   Example: invoice*.pdf → matches invoice.pdf, invoice-2025.pdf

·         Masks are not case-sensitive.

·         You can combine multiple masks with semicolons:

·         invoice-*;sales-*.pdf;*.docx

Behavior Notes

·         Masking checks only the filename, not the full folder path or file extension.

·         Folder names, slashes (/ or \), or drive letters are not supported inside masks.

·         Invalid characters such as < > & " ' : / \ | are not allowed in masks.

Examples

Useful Tips for using the Masks

·         Start with only an Exclude Mask (like *.tmp;~*) to remove obvious unwanted files.

·         Use Include Mask when you want to limit conversions to specific document names or patterns.

·         Test your patterns on a small sample folder first to make sure the results match your expectations.

·         Keep masks simple — avoid overlapping or contradictory entries.