Customize existing generators

With dbForge Data Generator for SQL Server, you can:

Change the configurations

When you select a column to populate with data, dbForge Data Generator automatically assigns a generator. You can change a generator as well as customize its settings. For example, for the StartDate column you can change the minimum or maximum value. Just enter the values you need in the appropriate fields.

Change the configurations

Similarly you can change the settings for the Address Type generator. For example, to add the Business address, edit the field listing all address types in the Fill settings group of options.

Change the fill settings

In the same way, to add the Sir title to the list of the Honorific prefixes generator, click the Green plus button and enter Sir in the last field in the list.

Change the Title generator

Data Generator for SQL Server allows customizing generators settings in a convenient way.

Create custom lists

Certain generators use dictionaries or predefined lists of values to load data from. Thus, the Color generator uses the list Colors.txt

Generator files location

You can create your own dictionary. To do this, create a text file having each value on a new line. Then click the … button and select your file. The generator will use your list after this.

Note

The default location to store custom data generation settings is

C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Devart\dbForge Data Generator for SQL Server\Data Generators, and while it is not possible to change it, you can specify a custom location of .dgen files by modifying the registry at:

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Devart\dbForge Data Generator for SQL Server\Folders.

Create custom lists

Edit custom lists

For some generators it is possible to edit lists of values right from the Data Generator UI.

To edit a dictionary:

1. Double click the file you want to edit to open it in the new window.

Open a list to edit

2. Make the necessary alterations to a list of values.

Edit a generator list

3. Close the window with the list and click Yes to save the changes.

Alternatively, you can find the necessary file on your machine and make changes to it.

Save custom generators

After you’ve set a generator for you needs, you can save a custom generator for further reuse:

To save a generator:

1. Select a generator and make all the necessary changes to it.

2. Click a 3.5-inch disk icon.

3. Provide a name and description for your new generator.

4. Click Save.

Save a generator

The saved generator will appear in the Generator list, in the User Defined category. Now you can use this generator for compatible columns.