How to select multiple SQL Server database objects in SSMS

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Added by Peter Avila February 8, 2013

My students sometimes ask me how they can script multiple tables, views, or other database objects at once without having to do it one at a time. They correctly point out that you can select only one table at a time in SQL Server Management Studio’s Object Explorer, only one view at a time, one stored procedure at a time, and so on.

There is a way to select multiple tables, views, and other database objects and script them all at once. The Object Explorer Details panel lets you do that. Here’s how:

1. Use the View menu to display both the Object Explorer and the Object Explorer Details panels. While you have the View menu open, notice the shortcuts, F7 and F8. Microsoft wanted to make it real easy to open these two windows (aka view or panel) because they form a very useful combination.

2. Once you have both open, notice how they work together. When you select something in the Object Explorer panel, the Object Explorer Details panel responds by showing the contents, or details, of the item you selected.

Select the Tables folder in the AdventureWorks database and notice that the contents of the folder are displayed in the Object Explorer Details panel.

3. We’re ready to select multiple tables. In the Object Explorer Details panel, hold down the Ctrl key as you click on the Employee, EmployeeAddress, AddressType, and Address tables.

4. Now you just right-click on the selected items to either script them or delete them. Select Script Table as, Create to, New Query Editor Window.

5. Notice the new query window that opens. Scroll through it to see the scripts that create the four tables we selected.

Use this same approach to script views, stored procedures, functions, and other database objects.

Peter Avila
SQL Server Instructor – Interface Technical Training
Phoenix, AZ