How To Build Rules Faster & Better with Blackout CSV Import Templates

Jeffrey Levinson
1 day ago
2 min read

Many times, markup rules must be written manually in Relativity. So if you've been tasked with creating a comprehensive list of redaction or highlight rules, but then found yourself saying: “There’s got to be an easier or faster way to do this!” Well:

You were right!

Blackout for Relativity’s CSV import templates can save you a ton of time and eliminate the typical hassles of dealing with projects that require a lot of markup rules.

When Manual Doesn't Make Sense

When you’re working with huge datasets, tight deadlines, or complicated redaction needs, manually entering rules one by one might not ensure the best work.

Say goodbye to repetitive typing and clicking because CSV import templates save the day with a single upload. They enable you to add and make use of large batches of rules for any Blackout projects—whether you’re redacting sensitive information for the final production of a GDPR case or FOIA matter, or highlighting key terms in early litigation and will be working iteratively with your end client over months or years.

What CVS Templates Make Sense

Blackout's CSV templates are setup for projects based on file types and their specific needs. Those are:

Excel files
Images
PDFs

Each template also guides users through the essential criteria for that format, so there is also no guesswork.

Tip from Expert Rule-Writer Cooper Legg: If you’re using a macro-enabled template, make sure to Save As → CSV before you upload it. If Excel pops up a warning about losing multiple sheets, don’t worry—that’s normal and nothing to stress about.

How to Populate, Upload, and Go

After downloading the template, put it to work!

Fill in rules by specifying:
- The words, phrases, or regular expressions
- The markup types (redaction or highlight)
- The subtypes (redaction type or highlight color)
- The markup scope (for example, a spreadsheet cell or an image paragraph)
Optionally, provide a markup reason.
- When possible, providing more context for markups enables better decision-making during later review and QC.
Save the file as a CSV.
Open a Blackout Project in Relativity, upload the CSV, and click the upload arrow.

Blackout takes it from there!

Once imported, Blackout confirms how many rules were recognized. If any are not or the numbers seem off, simply double-check the CSV's formatting, review for typos or missed fields, and resave. If there are still technical issues with the import, live support ticketing is available via Milyli.com/Support.

Run the Project and Review the Results

Once rules are uploaded, all that is left to do is run the project.

Navigate to click "Run" and Blackout will queue and process the documents automatically and when finished, populate a breakdown of:

Documents Processed
Pages Reviewed
Markups Applied

In minutes, not hours, documents are ready for review and QC work!

What's more, with time, using templates helps establish consistency when working on similar matters or with the same clients. With templates, you get better results, and you set yourself up for simpler, more thorough work in the future.