Feature8 min read · March 2026

How to Extract File Attributes from Autodesk Forma into Spreadsheets

File metadata is locked inside Forma. Here's how to get it out — automatically, accurately, and on a schedule.

The spreadsheet that never stays current

Every construction project has a version of this spreadsheet: a document register, transmittal log, TIDP, or MIDP that someone has to manually update with file names, versions, dates, and status codes from Autodesk Forma. It takes hours to compile and is outdated by the time it's finished.

The data you need is already in Forma — file names, sizes, creation dates, modified dates, version numbers, folder paths, and even custom attributes like Document Status, Suitability, and Discipline. The problem is getting it out.

Hours of copying

Open folders, note file details, paste into Excel. Repeat.

Instantly stale

New files uploaded while you're still compiling.

Hidden metadata

Custom attributes with no bulk export option.

No standard format

Everyone builds reports differently.

What Foreman's Attribute Extract pulls from Forma

Foreman reads every piece of metadata Forma stores about your files — both standard attributes and any custom attributes your project has defined.

15+ Standard Attributes

File Name
File Type
File Size
Version
Created Date
Modified Date
Created By
Modified By
Folder Path
Approval Status
Review Status
Project Name
Storage Size
Hidden Flag
Reserved Status

Unlimited Custom Attributes

Any custom attribute defined in your Forma project is automatically discovered and available for extraction:

Document Status — WIP, Shared, Published, Archive
Suitability — S0–S7 codes per ISO 19650
Discipline — Architecture, Structural, MEP, etc.
Revision — Version tracking beyond Forma's built-in
Approval Status — Approved, Rejected, Under Review

Plus any other custom attributes your project defines. Foreman auto-discovers them.

Three export formats, plus template population

CSV

CSV

Plain comma-separated values. Opens anywhere. Best for data pipelines and quick imports.

XLSX

Excel

Frozen headers, auto-filter, hyperlinks to source files, optional split-by-folder sheets.

JSON

JSON

Structured array of objects. Ideal for integrations, dashboards, and custom tooling.

Your Template

Upload your TIDP, MIDP, or custom Excel template. Foreman populates it with live data automatically.

Populating TIDP and MIDP templates automatically

ISO 19650 requires a Task Information Delivery Plan (TIDP) and Master Information Delivery Plan (MIDP). These documents map what information is being delivered, by whom, when, and in what format. Keeping them current is one of the most time-consuming tasks in information management.

1

Upload your template

Upload your existing TIDP or MIDP Excel template to Foreman. The column structure is preserved exactly as-is.

2

Map columns to attributes

Tell Foreman which template columns correspond to which file attributes. "Document Reference" maps to File Name, "Rev" maps to Version, and so on.

3

Extract and populate

Run the extract. Foreman pulls live metadata from your Forma project and fills in your template. Download the populated file.

4

Schedule it or run once

Save the extract definition and set up a recurring schedule — hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly with a visual picker. Or use "Run once" to execute immediately or after a delay (5 min, 15 min, etc.). Foreman emails you when each report is ready, with a direct link to your Saved Extracts page.

User name resolution included

Forma stores "Created By" and "Modified By" as raw user IDs. Foreman automatically resolves these to real names, so your reports show meaningful author information instead of cryptic identifiers.

Who uses Attribute Extract

Document Controllers

Weekly transmittal registers, document status reports, review and approval tracking, naming convention audits

BIM Managers

TIDP/MIDP population, deliverable tracking, compliance reporting

Project Managers

Progress tracking, deliverable status dashboards, handover documentation

Key takeaway

The data is already in Forma — you just need a way to get it out. Attribute Extract turns hours of manual spreadsheet compilation into a one-click operation. Enable the Review Status toggle to include approval and review states alongside your file metadata. Add scheduling and template population, and your recurring reports update themselves. That's time back in your week for actual project delivery.

Extract file attributes in minutes, not hours

Available on all plans. Start with a 14-day free trial. No credit card required.

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