## 8 Spreadsheet attribute editor

### 8.1 Introduction to lepton-attrib

`lepton-attrib` is Lepton’s attribute editor. It reads a set of schematic files (`.sch`), and creates a spreadsheet showing all components in rows, with the associated component attributes listed in the columns. It allows the user to add, modify, or delete component attributes outside of `lepton-schematic`, and then save the `.sch` files back out. When it is completed, it will allow the user to edit attributes attached to components.

`lepton-attrib` is useful in situations where you need to view, add, modify, or delete a number of attributes all at once. It saves you the pain of clicking on each component and repeatedly using `lepton-schematic`’s attribute editor to modify component attributes. For example, if you create a large design with generic components, and then later want to attach `footprint` attributes to your components, it is a real hassle to do so using `lepton-schematic`. In this situation, you can run `lepton-attrib` on your design files to attach the `footprint` attributes all at once using an easy-to-use spreadsheet.

> Warning: While `lepton-attrib` has been tested on many designs, it is not guaranteed to work properly in all cases. It may even trash your design! Therefore, always keep a back-up copy of your design files. Note that this is good advice when using any software on critical files.