Short answer: Odoo’s built-in multi-edit changes a field on several selected records, but only for fields shown as list columns, and it keeps no record of the old values. To bulk update any stored field on any model, with a log of every old and new value, install Bulk Field Update Wizard by Vayasoft. An administrator creates a rule once, and a Bulk Update action appears in that list view’s Actions menu.
What’s wrong with Odoo’s built-in multi-edit?
Multi-edit is handy for quick fixes, but it has limits that matter when data is sensitive:
- It works only on fields already shown as a column in the list.
- It keeps no record of what each value used to be.
- It adds no restriction beyond ordinary access rights.
- It doesn’t tell you how many records are about to change.
Odoo multi-edit vs. Bulk Field Update Wizard
| Need | Odoo multi-edit | Bulk Field Update Wizard |
|---|---|---|
| Update a field not shown in the list | Not possible | Any stored field, any model |
| Audit trail of old and new values | No | Yes, per record |
| Limit who can bulk-edit a field | No | Optional group restriction per rule |
| See the record count before applying | No | Yes |
| Respect access rights and record rules | Yes | Yes, it uses Odoo’s normal write |
How do I bulk update a field in Odoo?
- Install Bulk Field Update Wizard. No action appears anywhere until you create a rule.
- Go to Settings > Technical > Security > Bulk Update Rules.
- Create a rule: pick a model and a field. The list only shows safe field types.
- Optionally, restrict the rule to specific groups. Leave it empty and anyone with write access to that model can use it.
- Save. Bulk Update appears in that model’s Actions menu straight away.
- Select records, open Actions > Bulk Update, enter the new value in the field’s own widget, check the record count, and click Apply.
Common uses
- Reassigning a salesperson or sales team across hundreds of customers.
- Changing payment terms or a pricelist for a group of customers.
- Setting a product category or responsible user after an import.
- Fixing a wrong country, state or tag on contacts after a migration.
Is it safe?
The update runs as the current user, through the same write method every other part of Odoo uses. There’s no superuser mode, so your access rights and record rules still apply. If any selected record fails validation, the whole update rolls back and nothing is left half-applied.
Frequently asked questions
Does it work on Odoo Community?
Yes. It doesn’t depend on any Enterprise feature or other paid app.
Can I undo a bulk update?
There’s no one-click undo. The audit log records the exact old value for every record, so you always know what to put back, but reverting is a manual step.
Which field types are supported?
Text, long text, number, date, date and time, boolean, selection and many2one. Binary, one2many and many2many fields aren’t offered.
Who can create the rules?
Settings administrators only. Using a rule can be limited further to specific groups.
Can it run on a schedule?
No. It’s a manual wizard you trigger from a list view.
Talk to Vayasoft
Cleaning up data after a migration or a messy import? Vayasoft handles Odoo data clean-up, migrations and version upgrades. Book a free 30-minute call.
Links: Bulk Field Update Wizard on the Odoo App Store
About Vayasoft: Vayasoft is an official Odoo Ready Partner based in India. We build Odoo apps and implement, upgrade and support Odoo for trading, manufacturing, solar EPC, retail and healthcare businesses.