diff --git a/processing/misc/yieldSurface.py b/processing/misc/yieldSurface.py
index 97d9f229f..7f6324d0c 100755
--- a/processing/misc/yieldSurface.py
+++ b/processing/misc/yieldSurface.py
@@ -189,7 +189,7 @@ def doSim(delay,thread):
     while line < lines:
       if table.data[line,9]>= threshold:
         upper,lower = table.data[line,9],table.data[line-1,9]                                       # values for linear interpolation
-        yieldStress[i] = table.data[line-1 0:9] * (upper-threshold)/(upper-lower) \
+        yieldStress[i] = table.data[line-1,0:9] * (upper-threshold)/(upper-lower) \
                        + table.data[line  ,0:9] * (threshold-lower)/(upper-lower)                   # linear interpolation of stress values
         break
       else:
diff --git a/processing/post/3Dvisualize.py b/processing/post/3Dvisualize.py
index 201b98339..4a8fa4f33 100755
--- a/processing/post/3Dvisualize.py
+++ b/processing/post/3Dvisualize.py
@@ -263,19 +263,19 @@ Coordinates are taken from (consecutive) x, y, and z columns.
 """, version = scriptID)
 
 sepChoices = ['n','t','s']
-parser.add_option('-s', '--scalar', dest='scalar', action='extend', type='string', metavar = '<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-s', '--scalar', dest='scalar', action='extend', metavar = '<string LIST>',
                                     help='list of single scalars to visualize')
-parser.add_option(      '--double', dest='double', action='extend', type='string', metavar = '<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option(      '--double', dest='double', action='extend', metavar = '<string LIST>',
                                     help='list of two scalars to visualize')
-parser.add_option(      '--triple', dest='triple', action='extend', type='string', metavar = '<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option(      '--triple', dest='triple', action='extend', metavar = '<string LIST>',
                                     help='list of three scalars to visualize')
-parser.add_option(      '--quadruple', dest='quadruple', action='extend', type='string', metavar = '<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option(      '--quadruple', dest='quadruple', action='extend', metavar = '<string LIST>',
                                     help='list of four scalars to visualize')
-parser.add_option('-v', '--vector', dest='vector', action='extend', type='string', metavar = '<string LIST>', 
+parser.add_option('-v', '--vector', dest='vector', action='extend', metavar = '<string LIST>', 
                                     help='list of vectors to visualize')
-parser.add_option('-t', '--tensor', dest='tensor', action='extend', type='string', metavar = '<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-t', '--tensor', dest='tensor', action='extend', metavar = '<string LIST>',
                                     help='list of tensors to visualize')
-parser.add_option('-d', '--deformation', dest='defgrad', action='store', type='string', metavar = 'string',
+parser.add_option('-d', '--deformation', dest='defgrad', metavar = 'string',
                                     help='heading of deformation gradient columns [%default]')
 parser.add_option('--reference',    dest='undeformed', action='store_true',
                                     help='map results to reference (undeformed) configuration [%default]')
@@ -291,15 +291,15 @@ parser.add_option('--points',       dest='output_points', action='store_true',
                                     help='produce VTK points file [%default]')
 parser.add_option('--nopoints',     dest='output_points', action='store_false',
                                     help='omit VTK points file')
-parser.add_option('--separator',    dest='separator', action='store', type='choice', choices=sepChoices, metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('--separator',    dest='separator', type='choice', choices=sepChoices, metavar='string',
                                     help='data separator (%s) [t]'%(','.join(map(str,sepChoices))))
 parser.add_option('--scaling',      dest='scaling', action='extend', type='string',
                                     help='scaling of fluctuation', metavar = '<float LIST>')
-parser.add_option('-u', '--unitlength', dest='unitlength', action='store', type='float', metavar = 'float',
+parser.add_option('-u', '--unitlength', dest='unitlength', type='float', metavar = 'float',
                                     help='set unit length for 2D model [%default]')
-parser.add_option('--filenodalcoords', dest='filenodalcoords', action='store', type='string', metavar = 'string',
+parser.add_option('--filenodalcoords', dest='filenodalcoords', metavar = 'string',
                                     help='ASCII table containing nodal coords')
-parser.add_option('--labelnodalcoords', dest='labelnodalcoords', action='store', type='string', nargs=3,
+parser.add_option('--labelnodalcoords', dest='labelnodalcoords', nargs=3,
                                     help='labels of nodal coords in ASCII table %default', metavar = 'string string string')
 parser.add_option('-l', '--linear', dest='linearreconstruction', action='store_true',
                                     help='use linear reconstruction of geometry [%default]')
diff --git a/processing/post/addCalculation.py b/processing/post/addCalculation.py
index 0bb1f874b..f01a6c473 100755
--- a/processing/post/addCalculation.py
+++ b/processing/post/addCalculation.py
@@ -26,9 +26,9 @@ Example: distance to IP coordinates -- "math.sqrt( #ip.x#**2 + #ip.y#**2 + round
 
 """, version = scriptID)
 
-parser.add_option('-l','--label',   dest='labels', action='extend', type='string', metavar='<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-l','--label',   dest='labels', action='extend', metavar='<string LIST>',
                                     help='(list of) new column labels')
-parser.add_option('-f','--formula', dest='formulas', action='extend', type='string', metavar='<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-f','--formula', dest='formulas', action='extend', metavar='<string LIST>',
                                     help='(list of) formulas corresponding to labels')
 parser.set_defaults(labels= [])
 parser.set_defaults(formulas= [])
diff --git a/processing/post/addCauchy.py b/processing/post/addCauchy.py
index 6d3bb081c..8f46292ee 100755
--- a/processing/post/addCauchy.py
+++ b/processing/post/addCauchy.py
@@ -19,9 +19,9 @@ Add column(s) containing Cauchy stress based on given column(s) of deformation g
 
 """, version = scriptID)
 
-parser.add_option('-f','--defgrad',     dest='defgrad', action='store', type='string', metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('-f','--defgrad',     dest='defgrad', metavar='string',
                                         help='heading of columns containing deformation gradient [%default]')
-parser.add_option('-p','--stress',      dest='stress', action='store', type='string', metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('-p','--stress',      dest='stress', metavar='string',
                                         help='heading of columns containing first Piola--Kirchhoff stress [%default]')
 parser.set_defaults(defgrad = 'f')
 parser.set_defaults(stress = 'p')
diff --git a/processing/post/addCauchyX.py b/processing/post/addCauchyX.py
index 29a2cb0e7..982bb6961 100755
--- a/processing/post/addCauchyX.py
+++ b/processing/post/addCauchyX.py
@@ -38,11 +38,11 @@ deformation gradient and first Piola--Kirchhoff stress.
 )
 
 
-parser.add_option('-f','--defgrad',     dest='defgrad', type='string', \
+parser.add_option('-f','--defgrad',     dest='defgrad', \
                                         help='heading of columns containing deformation gradient [%default]')
-parser.add_option('-p','--stress',      dest='stress', type='string', \
+parser.add_option('-p','--stress',      dest='stress', \
                                         help='heading of columns containing first Piola--Kirchhoff stress [%default]')
-parser.add_option('-o','--output',      dest='output', type='string', \
+parser.add_option('-o','--output',      dest='output', \
                                         help='group containing requested data [%default]')
 parser.set_defaults(defgrad = 'f')
 parser.set_defaults(stress  = 'p')
diff --git a/processing/post/addCompatibilityMismatch.py b/processing/post/addCompatibilityMismatch.py
index 26d44f81c..050845929 100755
--- a/processing/post/addCompatibilityMismatch.py
+++ b/processing/post/addCompatibilityMismatch.py
@@ -24,9 +24,9 @@ parser.add_option('--no-shape','-s',    dest='noShape', action='store_false',
                                         help='do not calcuate shape mismatch [%default]')
 parser.add_option('--no-volume','-v',   dest='noVolume', action='store_false',
                                         help='do not calculate volume mismatch [%default]')
-parser.add_option('-c','--coordinates', dest='coords', action='store', type='string', metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('-c','--coordinates', dest='coords', metavar='string',
                                         help='column heading for coordinates [%default]')
-parser.add_option('-f','--defgrad',     dest='defgrad', action='store', type='string', metavar='string ',
+parser.add_option('-f','--defgrad',     dest='defgrad', metavar='string ',
                                         help='column heading for coordinates [%defgrad]')
 parser.set_defaults(noVolume = False)
 parser.set_defaults(noShape = False)
diff --git a/processing/post/addCurl.py b/processing/post/addCurl.py
index 6cf137cba..3b502fad2 100755
--- a/processing/post/addCurl.py
+++ b/processing/post/addCurl.py
@@ -21,11 +21,11 @@ Deals with both vector- and tensor-valued fields.
 
 """, version = scriptID)
 
-parser.add_option('-c','--coordinates', dest='coords', action='store', type='string', metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('-c','--coordinates', dest='coords', metavar='string',
                                         help='column heading for coordinates [%default]')
-parser.add_option('-v','--vector',      dest='vector', action='extend', type='string', metavar='<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-v','--vector',      dest='vector', action='extend', metavar='<string LIST>',
                                         help='heading of columns containing vector field values')
-parser.add_option('-t','--tensor',      dest='tensor', action='extend', type='string', metavar='<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-t','--tensor',      dest='tensor', action='extend', metavar='<string LIST>',
                                         help='heading of columns containing tensor field values')
 parser.set_defaults(coords = 'ip')
 parser.set_defaults(vector = [])
diff --git a/processing/post/addDeformedConfiguration.py b/processing/post/addDeformedConfiguration.py
index 92d564e80..696779de8 100755
--- a/processing/post/addDeformedConfiguration.py
+++ b/processing/post/addDeformedConfiguration.py
@@ -20,9 +20,9 @@ Operates on periodic ordered three-dimensional data sets.
 
 """, version = scriptID)
 
-parser.add_option('-c','--coordinates', dest='coords', action='store', type='string', metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('-c','--coordinates', dest='coords', metavar='string',
                                         help='column heading for coordinates [%default]')
-parser.add_option('-f','--defgrad',     dest='defgrad', action='store', type='string', metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('-f','--defgrad',     dest='defgrad', metavar='string',
                                         help='heading of columns containing tensor field values')
 parser.add_option('-l', '--linear',     dest='linearreconstruction', action='store_true',
                                         help='use linear reconstruction of geometry [%default]')
diff --git a/processing/post/addDeterminant.py b/processing/post/addDeterminant.py
index ea07b6b77..c889f442a 100755
--- a/processing/post/addDeterminant.py
+++ b/processing/post/addDeterminant.py
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ Add column(s) containing determinant of requested tensor column(s).
 
 """, version = scriptID)
 
-parser.add_option('-t','--tensor',      dest='tensor', action='extend', type='string', metavar='<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-t','--tensor',      dest='tensor', action='extend', metavar='<string LIST>',
                                         help='heading of columns containing tensor field values')
 parser.set_defaults(tensor = [])
 
diff --git a/processing/post/addDivergence.py b/processing/post/addDivergence.py
index aa93bdc8f..25a22310c 100755
--- a/processing/post/addDivergence.py
+++ b/processing/post/addDivergence.py
@@ -22,15 +22,15 @@ Deals with both vector- and tensor-valued fields.
 """, version = scriptID)
 
 accuracyChoices = ['2','4','6','8']
-parser.add_option('--fdm',              dest='accuracy', action='extend', type='string', metavar='<int LIST>',
+parser.add_option('--fdm',              dest='accuracy', action='extend', metavar='<int LIST>',
                                         help='degree of central difference accuracy (%s)'%(','.join(accuracyChoices)))
 parser.add_option('--fft',              dest='fft', action='store_true',
                                         help='calculate divergence in Fourier space')
-parser.add_option('-c','--coordinates', dest='coords', action='store', type='string', metavar = 'string',
+parser.add_option('-c','--coordinates', dest='coords', metavar = 'string',
                                         help='column heading for coordinates [%default]')
-parser.add_option('-v','--vector',      dest='vector', action='extend', type='string', metavar='<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-v','--vector',      dest='vector', action='extend', metavar='<string LIST>',
                                         help='heading of columns containing vector field values')
-parser.add_option('-t','--tensor',      dest='tensor', action='extend', type='string', metavar='<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-t','--tensor',      dest='tensor', action='extend', metavar='<string LIST>',
                                         help='heading of columns containing tensor field values')
 parser.set_defaults(coords = 'ip')
 parser.set_defaults(accuracy = [])
diff --git a/processing/post/addEhkl.py b/processing/post/addEhkl.py
index 3e6505473..5aabe56d1 100755
--- a/processing/post/addEhkl.py
+++ b/processing/post/addEhkl.py
@@ -36,10 +36,10 @@ Add column(s) containing directional stiffness based on given cubic stiffness va
 
 """, version = scriptID)
 
-parser.add_option('-c','--stiffness',   dest='vector', action='extend', type='string', metavar='<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-c','--stiffness',   dest='vector', action='extend', metavar='<string LIST>',
                                         help='heading of column containing C11 (followed by C12, C44) field values')
 parser.add_option('-d','--direction', \
-                       '--hkl',         dest='hkl', action='store', type='int', nargs=3, metavar='int int int',
+                       '--hkl',         dest='hkl', type='int', nargs=3, metavar='int int int',
                                         help='direction of elastic modulus %default')
 parser.set_defaults(vector = [])
 parser.set_defaults(hkl = [1,1,1])
diff --git a/processing/post/addEuclideanDistance.py b/processing/post/addEuclideanDistance.py
index 9b9adbed5..296971a9b 100755
--- a/processing/post/addEuclideanDistance.py
+++ b/processing/post/addEuclideanDistance.py
@@ -87,13 +87,13 @@ Add column(s) containing Euclidean distance to grain structural features: bounda
 
 """, version = scriptID)
 
-parser.add_option('-c','--coordinates', dest='coords', action='store', type='string', metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('-c','--coordinates', dest='coords', metavar='string',
                                         help='column heading for coordinates [%default]')
-parser.add_option('-i','--identifier',  dest='id', action='store', type='string', metavar = 'string',
+parser.add_option('-i','--identifier',  dest='id', metavar = 'string',
                                         help='heading of column containing grain identifier [%default]')
-parser.add_option('-t','--type',        dest='type', action='extend', type='string', metavar='<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-t','--type',        dest='type', action='extend', metavar='<string LIST>',
                                         help='feature type (%s)'%(', '.join(map(lambda x:', '.join([x['name']]),features))))
-parser.add_option('-n','--neighborhood',dest='neigborhood', action='store', type='choice', 
+parser.add_option('-n','--neighborhood',dest='neigborhood', type='choice', 
                                         choices=neighborhoods.keys(), metavar='string',
                                         help='type of neighborhood (%s) [neumann]'%(', '.join(neighborhoods.keys())))
 parser.set_defaults(type = [])
diff --git a/processing/post/addIPFcolor.py b/processing/post/addIPFcolor.py
index a17320286..c7509026c 100755
--- a/processing/post/addIPFcolor.py
+++ b/processing/post/addIPFcolor.py
@@ -18,24 +18,24 @@ Add RGB color value corresponding to TSL-OIM scheme for inverse pole figures.
 
 """, version = scriptID)
 
-parser.add_option('-p', '--pole',       dest='pole', action='store', type='float', nargs=3, metavar='float float float',
+parser.add_option('-p', '--pole',       dest='pole', type='float', nargs=3, metavar='float float float',
                                         help = 'lab frame direction for inverse pole figure %default')
-parser.add_option('-s', '--symmetry',   dest='symmetry', action='store', type='choice', 
+parser.add_option('-s', '--symmetry',   dest='symmetry', type='choice', 
                                         choices=damask.Symmetry.lattices[1:], metavar='string',
                                         help = 'crystal symmetry (%s) [cubic]'%(', '.join(damask.Symmetry.lattices[1:])))
-parser.add_option('-e', '--eulers',     dest='eulers', action='store', type='string', metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('-e', '--eulers',     dest='eulers', metavar='string',
                                         help = 'Euler angles label')
 parser.add_option('-d', '--degrees',    dest='degrees', action='store_true',
                                         help = 'Euler angles are given in degrees [%default]')
-parser.add_option('-m', '--matrix',     dest='matrix', action='store', type='string', metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('-m', '--matrix',     dest='matrix', metavar='string',
                                         help = 'orientation matrix label')
-parser.add_option('-a',                 dest='a', action='store', type='string', metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('-a',                 dest='a', metavar='string',
                                         help = 'crystal frame a vector label')
-parser.add_option('-b',                 dest='b', action='store', type='string', metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('-b',                 dest='b', metavar='string',
                                         help = 'crystal frame b vector label')
-parser.add_option('-c',                 dest='c', action='store', type='string', metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('-c',                 dest='c', metavar='string',
                                         help = 'crystal frame c vector label')
-parser.add_option('-q', '--quaternion', dest='quaternion', action='store', type='string', metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('-q', '--quaternion', dest='quaternion', metavar='string',
                                         help = 'quaternion label')
 parser.set_defaults(pole = [0.0,0.0,1.0])
 parser.set_defaults(symmetry = 'cubic')
diff --git a/processing/post/addMapped.py b/processing/post/addMapped.py
index ae43a3c28..3bdc1f389 100755
--- a/processing/post/addMapped.py
+++ b/processing/post/addMapped.py
@@ -17,19 +17,19 @@ Add data in column(s) of second ASCIItable selected from row that is given by th
 
 """, version = scriptID)
 
-parser.add_option('-a','--asciitable',  dest='asciitable', action='store', type='string', metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('-a','--asciitable',  dest='asciitable', metavar='string',
                                         help='mapped ASCIItable')
-parser.add_option('-c','--map',         dest='map', action='store', type='string', metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('-c','--map',         dest='map', metavar='string',
                                         help='heading of column containing row mapping')
-parser.add_option('-o','--offset',      dest='offset', action='store', type='int', metavar='int',
+parser.add_option('-o','--offset',      dest='offset', type='int', metavar='int',
                                         help='offset between mapped column value and row')
-parser.add_option('-v','--vector',      dest='vector', action='extend', type='string', metavar='<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-v','--vector',      dest='vector', action='extend', metavar='<string LIST>',
                                         help='heading of columns containing vector field values')
-parser.add_option('-t','--tensor',      dest='tensor', action='extend', type='string', metavar='<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-t','--tensor',      dest='tensor', action='extend', metavar='<string LIST>',
                                         help='heading of columns containing tensor field values')
-parser.add_option('-s','--special',     dest='special', action='extend', type='string', metavar='<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-s','--special',     dest='special', action='extend', metavar='<string LIST>',
                                         help='heading of columns containing field values of special dimension')
-parser.add_option('-d','--dimension',   dest='N', action='store', type='int', metavar='int',
+parser.add_option('-d','--dimension',   dest='N', type='int', metavar='int',
                                         help='dimension of special field values [%default]')
 parser.set_defaults(vector = [])
 parser.set_defaults(tensor = [])
diff --git a/processing/post/addMises.py b/processing/post/addMises.py
index 7ff7f3100..f552010af 100755
--- a/processing/post/addMises.py
+++ b/processing/post/addMises.py
@@ -29,9 +29,9 @@ Add vonMises equivalent values for symmetric part of requested strains and/or st
 
 """, version = scriptID)
 
-parser.add_option('-e','--strain', dest='strain', action='extend', type='string', metavar='<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-e','--strain', dest='strain', action='extend', metavar='<string LIST>',
                                    help='heading(s) of columns containing strain tensors')
-parser.add_option('-s','--stress', dest='stress', action='extend', type='string', metavar='<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-s','--stress', dest='stress', action='extend', metavar='<string LIST>',
                                    help='heading(s) of columns containing stress tensors')
 parser.set_defaults(strain = [])
 parser.set_defaults(stress = [])
diff --git a/processing/post/addNorm.py b/processing/post/addNorm.py
index 2c89e1fdb..e55d944ce 100755
--- a/processing/post/addNorm.py
+++ b/processing/post/addNorm.py
@@ -29,15 +29,15 @@ Add column(s) containing norm of requested column(s) being either vectors or ten
 """, version = scriptID)
 
 normChoices = ['abs','frobenius','max']
-parser.add_option('-n','--norm',        dest='norm', action='store', type='choice', choices=normChoices, metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('-n','--norm',        dest='norm', type='choice', choices=normChoices, metavar='string',
                                         help='type of element-wise p-norm (%s) [frobenius]'%(','.join(map(str,normChoices))))
-parser.add_option('-v','--vector',      dest='vector', action='extend', type='string', metavar='<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-v','--vector',      dest='vector', action='extend', metavar='<string LIST>',
                                         help='heading of columns containing vector field values')
-parser.add_option('-t','--tensor',      dest='tensor', action='extend', type='string', metavar='<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-t','--tensor',      dest='tensor', action='extend', metavar='<string LIST>',
                                         help='heading of columns containing tensor field values')
-parser.add_option('-s','--special',     dest='special', action='extend', type='string', metavar='<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-s','--special',     dest='special', action='extend', metavar='<string LIST>',
                                         help='heading of columns containing field values of special dimension')
-parser.add_option('-d','--dimension',   dest='N', action='store', type='int', metavar='int',
+parser.add_option('-d','--dimension',   dest='N', type='int', metavar='int',
                                         help='dimension of special field values [%default]')
 parser.set_defaults(norm = 'frobenius')
 parser.set_defaults(vector = [])
diff --git a/processing/post/addOrientations.py b/processing/post/addOrientations.py
index a88eb78f1..9c6c88894 100755
--- a/processing/post/addOrientations.py
+++ b/processing/post/addOrientations.py
@@ -20,26 +20,26 @@ Orientation is given by quaternion, Euler angles, rotation matrix, or crystal fr
 """, version = scriptID)
 
 outputChoices = ['quaternion','eulers']
-parser.add_option('-o', '--output',     dest='output', action='extend', type='string', metavar='<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-o', '--output',     dest='output', action='extend', metavar='<string LIST>',
                                         help = 'output orientation formats (%s)'%(','.join(outputChoices)))
-parser.add_option('-s', '--symmetry',   dest='symmetry', action='store', type='choice', 
+parser.add_option('-s', '--symmetry',   dest='symmetry', type='choice', 
                                         choices=damask.Symmetry.lattices[1:], metavar='string',
                                         help = 'crystal symmetry (%s) [cubic]'%(', '.join(damask.Symmetry.lattices[1:])))
-parser.add_option('-r', '--rotation',   dest='rotation', action='store', type='float', nargs=4, metavar='float float float float',
+parser.add_option('-r', '--rotation',   dest='rotation', type='float', nargs=4, metavar='float float float float',
                                         help = 'angle and axis to (pre)rotate orientation')
-parser.add_option('-e', '--eulers',     dest='eulers', action='store', type='string', metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('-e', '--eulers',     dest='eulers', metavar='string',
                                         help = 'Euler angles label')
 parser.add_option('-d', '--degrees',    dest='degrees', action='store_true',
                                         help = 'Euler angles are given in degrees [%default]')
-parser.add_option('-m', '--matrix',     dest='matrix', action='store', type='string', metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('-m', '--matrix',     dest='matrix', metavar='string',
                                         help = 'orientation matrix label')
-parser.add_option('-a',                 dest='a', action='store', type='string', metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('-a',                 dest='a', metavar='string',
                                         help = 'crystal frame a vector label')
-parser.add_option('-b',                 dest='b', action='store', type='string', metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('-b',                 dest='b', metavar='string',
                                         help = 'crystal frame b vector label')
-parser.add_option('-c',                 dest='c', action='store', type='string', metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('-c',                 dest='c', metavar='string',
                                         help = 'crystal frame c vector label')
-parser.add_option('-q', '--quaternion', dest='quaternion', action='store', type='string', metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('-q', '--quaternion', dest='quaternion', metavar='string',
                                         help = 'quaternion label')
 parser.set_defaults(output = [])
 parser.set_defaults(symmetry = 'cubic')
diff --git a/processing/post/addPK2.py b/processing/post/addPK2.py
index d5e8326fb..32b199dc4 100755
--- a/processing/post/addPK2.py
+++ b/processing/post/addPK2.py
@@ -19,9 +19,9 @@ Add column(s) containing Second Piola--Kirchhoff stress based on given column(s)
 
 """, version = scriptID)
 
-parser.add_option('-f','--defgrad',     dest='defgrad', action='store', type='string', metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('-f','--defgrad',     dest='defgrad', metavar='string',
                                         help='heading of columns containing deformation gradient [%default]')
-parser.add_option('-p','--stress',      dest='stress', action='store', type='string', metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('-p','--stress',      dest='stress', metavar='string',
                                         help='heading of columns containing first Piola--Kirchhoff stress [%default]')
 parser.set_defaults(defgrad = 'f')
 parser.set_defaults(stress = 'p')
diff --git a/processing/post/addSchmidfactors.py b/processing/post/addSchmidfactors.py
index 4e0f07468..82f241c71 100755
--- a/processing/post/addSchmidfactors.py
+++ b/processing/post/addSchmidfactors.py
@@ -247,20 +247,20 @@ Add columns listing Schmid factors (and optional trace vector of selected system
 
 """, version = scriptID)
 
-parser.add_option('-l','--lattice',   dest='lattice', action='store', type='choice',
+parser.add_option('-l','--lattice',   dest='lattice', type='choice',
                                       choices=('fcc','bcc','hex'), metavar='string',
                                       help="type of neighborhood ('fcc','bcc','hex') [%default]")
-parser.add_option('--direction',      dest='forcedirection', action='store', type='int', nargs=3, metavar='int int int',
+parser.add_option('--direction',      dest='forcedirection', type='int', nargs=3, metavar='int int int',
                                       help='force direction in lab coordinates %default')
-parser.add_option('-n','--normal',    dest='stressnormal', action='store', type='int', nargs=3, metavar='int int int',
+parser.add_option('-n','--normal',    dest='stressnormal', type='int', nargs=3, metavar='int int int',
                                       help='stress plane normal in lab coordinates ')
-parser.add_option('--trace',          dest='traceplane', action='store', type='int', nargs=3, metavar='int int int',
+parser.add_option('--trace',          dest='traceplane', type='int', nargs=3, metavar='int int int',
                                       help='normal (in lab coordinates) of plane on which the plane trace of the Schmid factor(s) is reported')
-parser.add_option('--covera',         dest='CoverA', action='store', type='float', metavar='float',
+parser.add_option('--covera',         dest='CoverA', type='float', metavar='float',
                                       help='C over A ratio for hexagonal systems')
-parser.add_option('-r','--rank',      dest='rank', action='store', type='int', nargs=3, metavar='int int int',
+parser.add_option('-r','--rank',      dest='rank', type='int', nargs=3, metavar='int int int',
                                       help="report trace of r'th highest Schmid factor [%default]")
-parser.add_option('-e', '--eulers',   dest='eulers', action='store', type='string', metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('-e', '--eulers',   dest='eulers', metavar='string',
                                       help='Euler angles label')
 parser.add_option('-d', '--degrees',  dest='degrees', action='store_true',
                                       help = 'Euler angles are given in degrees [%default]')
diff --git a/processing/post/addSpectralDecomposition.py b/processing/post/addSpectralDecomposition.py
index 78653efb1..caf1c5827 100755
--- a/processing/post/addSpectralDecomposition.py
+++ b/processing/post/addSpectralDecomposition.py
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ Add column(s) containing eigenvalues and eigenvectors of requested tensor column
 
 """, version = scriptID)
 
-parser.add_option('-t','--tensor',      dest='tensor', action='extend', type='string', metavar='<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-t','--tensor',      dest='tensor', action='extend', metavar='<string LIST>',
                                         help='heading of columns containing tensor field values')
 parser.set_defaults(tensor = [])
 
diff --git a/processing/post/addStrainTensors.py b/processing/post/addStrainTensors.py
index 463eb69db..6223d4671 100755
--- a/processing/post/addStrainTensors.py
+++ b/processing/post/addStrainTensors.py
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ parser.add_option('-b','-1','--biot',   dest='biot', action='store_true',
                                         help='calculate biot strain tensor [%default]')
 parser.add_option('-g','-2','--green',  dest='green', action='store_true',
                                         help='calculate green strain tensor [%default]')
-parser.add_option('-f','--defgrad',     dest='defgrad', action='extend', type='string', metavar = '<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-f','--defgrad',     dest='defgrad', action='extend', metavar = '<string LIST>',
                                         help='heading(s) of columns containing deformation tensor values %default')
 parser.set_defaults(right       = False)
 parser.set_defaults(left        = False)
diff --git a/processing/post/averageDown.py b/processing/post/averageDown.py
index 535754484..22ed7e8d3 100755
--- a/processing/post/averageDown.py
+++ b/processing/post/averageDown.py
@@ -18,15 +18,15 @@ Average each data block of size 'packing' into single values thus reducing the f
 
 """, version = scriptID)
 
-parser.add_option('-c','--coordinates', dest='coords', action='store', type='string', metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('-c','--coordinates', dest='coords', metavar='string',
                                         help='column heading for coordinates [%default]')
-parser.add_option('-p','--packing',     dest='packing', action='store', type='int', nargs=3, metavar='int int int',
+parser.add_option('-p','--packing',     dest='packing', type='int', nargs=3, metavar='int int int',
                                         help='size of packed group %default')
-parser.add_option('--shift',            dest='shift', action='store', type='int', nargs=3, metavar='int int int',
+parser.add_option('--shift',            dest='shift', type='int', nargs=3, metavar='int int int',
                                         help='shift vector of packing stencil %default')
-parser.add_option('-g', '--grid',       dest='grid', action='store', type='int', nargs=3, metavar='int int int',
+parser.add_option('-g', '--grid',       dest='grid', type='int', nargs=3, metavar='int int int',
                                         help='grid in x,y,z [autodetect]')
-parser.add_option('-s', '--size',       dest='size', action='store', type='float', nargs=3, metavar='float float float',
+parser.add_option('-s', '--size',       dest='size', type='float', nargs=3, metavar='float float float',
                                         help='size in x,y,z [autodetect]')
 parser.set_defaults(coords  = 'ip')
 parser.set_defaults(packing = [2,2,2])
diff --git a/processing/post/binXY.py b/processing/post/binXY.py
index e1cf90ade..141837438 100755
--- a/processing/post/binXY.py
+++ b/processing/post/binXY.py
@@ -18,19 +18,19 @@ Produces a binned grid of two columns from an ASCIItable, i.e. a two-dimensional
 
 """, version = scriptID)
 
-parser.add_option('-d','--data',    dest='data', action='store', nargs=2, type='int', metavar='int int',
+parser.add_option('-d','--data',    dest='data', nargs=2, type='int', metavar='int int',
                                     help='columns containing x and y %default')
-parser.add_option('-w','--weight',  dest='weight', action='store', metavar='int',
+parser.add_option('-w','--weight',  dest='weight', metavar='int',
                                     help='column containing weight of (x,y) point [%default]')
-parser.add_option('-b','--bins',    dest='bins', action='store', nargs=2, type='int', metavar='int int',
+parser.add_option('-b','--bins',    dest='bins', nargs=2, type='int', metavar='int int',
                                     help='number of bins in x and y direction %default')
-parser.add_option('-t','--type',    dest='type', action='store', nargs=3, type='string', metavar='string string string',
+parser.add_option('-t','--type',    dest='type', nargs=3, metavar='string string string',
                                     help='type (linear/log) of x, y, and z axis [linear]')
-parser.add_option('-x','--xrange',  dest='xrange', action='store', nargs=2, type='float', metavar='float float',
+parser.add_option('-x','--xrange',  dest='xrange', nargs=2, type='float', metavar='float float',
                                     help='value range in x direction [auto]')
-parser.add_option('-y','--yrange',  dest='yrange', action='store', nargs=2, type='float', metavar='float float',
+parser.add_option('-y','--yrange',  dest='yrange', nargs=2, type='float', metavar='float float',
                                     help='value range in y direction [auto]')
-parser.add_option('-z','--zrange',  dest='zrange', action='store', nargs=2, type='float', metavar='float float',
+parser.add_option('-z','--zrange',  dest='zrange', nargs=2, type='float', metavar='float float',
                                     help='value range in z direction [auto]')
 parser.add_option('-i','--invert',  dest='invert', action='store_true',
                                     help='invert probability density [%default]')
diff --git a/processing/post/blowUp.py b/processing/post/blowUp.py
index c7688ca3e..93c89acf8 100755
--- a/processing/post/blowUp.py
+++ b/processing/post/blowUp.py
@@ -19,13 +19,13 @@ to resolution*packing.
 
 """, version = scriptID)
 
-parser.add_option('-c','--coordinates', dest='coords', action='store', type='string', metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('-c','--coordinates', dest='coords', metavar='string',
                                         help='column heading for coordinates [%default]')
-parser.add_option('-p','--packing',     dest='packing', action='store', type='int', nargs=3, metavar='int int int',
+parser.add_option('-p','--packing',     dest='packing', type='int', nargs=3, metavar='int int int',
                                         help='dimension of packed group %default')
-parser.add_option('-g','--grid',        dest='resolution', action='store', type='int', nargs=3, metavar='int int int',
+parser.add_option('-g','--grid',        dest='resolution', type='int', nargs=3, metavar='int int int',
                                         help='resolution in x,y,z [autodetect]')
-parser.add_option('-s','--size',        dest='dimension', action='store', type='float', nargs=3, metavar='int int int',
+parser.add_option('-s','--size',        dest='dimension', type='float', nargs=3, metavar='int int int',
                                         help='dimension in x,y,z [autodetect]')
 parser.set_defaults(coords  = 'ip')
 parser.set_defaults(packing = [2,2,2])
diff --git a/processing/post/deleteColumn.py b/processing/post/deleteColumn.py
index 4ae55c3f3..a968cbdaf 100755
--- a/processing/post/deleteColumn.py
+++ b/processing/post/deleteColumn.py
@@ -17,13 +17,13 @@ Remove column(s) containing scalar, vectorial, and/or tensorial data.
 
 """, version = scriptID)
 
-parser.add_option('-v','--vector',      dest='vector', action='extend', type='string', metavar='<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-v','--vector',      dest='vector', action='extend', metavar='<string LIST>',
                                         help='heading of columns containing 3x1 vector field values')
-parser.add_option('-t','--tensor',      dest='tensor', action='extend', type='string', metavar='<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-t','--tensor',      dest='tensor', action='extend', metavar='<string LIST>',
                                         help='heading of columns containing 3x3 tensor field values')
-parser.add_option('-s','--special',     dest='special', action='extend', type='string', metavar='<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-s','--special',     dest='special', action='extend', metavar='<string LIST>',
                                         help='heading of columns containing field values of special dimension')
-parser.add_option('-d','--dimension',   dest='N', action='store', type='int', metavar='int',
+parser.add_option('-d','--dimension',   dest='N', type='int', metavar='int',
                                         help='dimension of special field values [%default]')
 
 parser.set_defaults(vector = [])
diff --git a/processing/post/filterTable.py b/processing/post/filterTable.py
index 8515e098d..1416a6a75 100755
--- a/processing/post/filterTable.py
+++ b/processing/post/filterTable.py
@@ -21,11 +21,11 @@ All rows where label 'foo' equals 'bar' -- " #foo# == \"bar\" "
 
 """, version = scriptID)
 
-parser.add_option('-w','--white',   dest='whitelist', action='extend', type='string', metavar='<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-w','--white',   dest='whitelist', action='extend', metavar='<string LIST>',
                                     help='white list of column labels (a,b,c,...)')
-parser.add_option('-b','--black',   dest='blacklist', action='extend', type='string', metavar='<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-b','--black',   dest='blacklist', action='extend', metavar='<string LIST>',
                                     help='black list of column labels (a,b,c,...)')
-parser.add_option('-c','--condition', dest='condition', type='string', metavar='string',
+parser.add_option('-c','--condition', dest='condition', metavar='string',
                                     help='condition to filter rows')
 
 parser.set_defaults(whitelist = [])
diff --git a/processing/post/marc_extractData.py b/processing/post/marc_extractData.py
index 87add0cc8..5be8530ac 100755
--- a/processing/post/marc_extractData.py
+++ b/processing/post/marc_extractData.py
@@ -305,11 +305,11 @@ parser.add_option('-t','--type', dest='type', type='choice', choices=['ipbased',
 
 group_material = OptionGroup(parser,'Material identifier')
 
-group_material.add_option('--homogenization', dest='homog', type='string', \
+group_material.add_option('--homogenization', dest='homog', \
                           help='homogenization identifier (as string or integer [%default])', metavar='<ID>')
-group_material.add_option('--crystallite', dest='cryst', type='string', \
+group_material.add_option('--crystallite', dest='cryst', \
                           help='crystallite identifier (as string or integer [%default])', metavar='<ID>')
-group_material.add_option('--phase', dest='phase', type='string', \
+group_material.add_option('--phase', dest='phase', \
                           help='phase identifier (as string or integer [%default])', metavar='<ID>')
 
 parser.add_option_group(group_material)
diff --git a/processing/post/postResults.py b/processing/post/postResults.py
index 4ae8d3c47..73056c171 100755
--- a/processing/post/postResults.py
+++ b/processing/post/postResults.py
@@ -682,44 +682,44 @@ parser.add_option('-r','--range', dest='range', type='int', nargs=3, \
                   help='range of positions (or increments) to output (start, end, step) [all]')
 parser.add_option('--increments', action='store_true', dest='getIncrements', \
                   help='switch to increment range [%default]')
-parser.add_option('-m','--map', dest='func', type='string', \
+parser.add_option('-m','--map', dest='func', \
                   help='data reduction mapping ["%default"] out of min, max, avg, avgabs, sum, sumabs or user-lambda')
-parser.add_option('-p','--type', dest='filetype', type='string', \
+parser.add_option('-p','--type', dest='filetype', \
                   help = 'type of result file [auto]')
 
 group_material = OptionGroup(parser,'Material identifier')
 
-group_material.add_option('--homogenization', dest='homog', type='string', \
+group_material.add_option('--homogenization', dest='homog', \
                           help='homogenization identifier (as string or integer [%default])', metavar='<ID>')
-group_material.add_option('--crystallite', dest='cryst', type='string', \
+group_material.add_option('--crystallite', dest='cryst', \
                           help='crystallite identifier (as string or integer [%default])', metavar='<ID>')
-group_material.add_option('--phase', dest='phase', type='string', \
+group_material.add_option('--phase', dest='phase', \
                           help='phase identifier (as string or integer [%default])', metavar='<ID>')
 
 group_special  = OptionGroup(parser,'Special outputs')
 
 group_special.add_option('-t','--time', action='store_true', dest='time', \
                          help='output time of increment [%default]')
-group_special.add_option('-f','--filter', dest='filter', type='string', \
+group_special.add_option('-f','--filter', dest='filter', \
                          help='condition(s) to filter results [%default]', metavar='<CODE>')
-group_special.add_option('--separation', action='extend', dest='sep', type='string', \
+group_special.add_option('--separation', action='extend', dest='sep', \
                          help='properties to separate results [%default]', metavar='<LIST>')
-group_special.add_option('--sort', action='extend', dest='sort', type='string', \
+group_special.add_option('--sort', action='extend', dest='sort', \
                          help='properties to sort results [%default]', metavar='<LIST>')
 
 group_general  = OptionGroup(parser,'General outputs')
 
-group_general.add_option('--ns', action='extend', dest='nodalScalar', type='string', \
+group_general.add_option('--ns', action='extend', dest='nodalScalar', \
                          help='nodal scalars to extract', metavar='<LIST>')
-group_general.add_option('--es', action='extend', dest='elemScalar', type='string', \
+group_general.add_option('--es', action='extend', dest='elemScalar', \
                          help='elemental scalars to extract', metavar='<LIST>')
-group_general.add_option('--et', action='extend', dest='elemTensor', type='string', \
+group_general.add_option('--et', action='extend', dest='elemTensor', \
                          help='elemental tensors to extract', metavar='<LIST>')
-group_general.add_option('--ho', action='extend', dest='homogenizationResult', type='string', \
+group_general.add_option('--ho', action='extend', dest='homogenizationResult', \
                          help='homogenization results to extract', metavar='<LIST>')
-group_general.add_option('--cr', action='extend', dest='crystalliteResult', type='string', \
+group_general.add_option('--cr', action='extend', dest='crystalliteResult', \
                          help='crystallite results to extract', metavar='<LIST>')
-group_general.add_option('--co', action='extend', dest='constitutiveResult', type='string', \
+group_general.add_option('--co', action='extend', dest='constitutiveResult', \
                          help='constitutive results to extract', metavar='<LIST>')
 
 parser.add_option_group(group_material)
diff --git a/processing/post/scaleData.py b/processing/post/scaleData.py
index 69931865e..fbc10352c 100755
--- a/processing/post/scaleData.py
+++ b/processing/post/scaleData.py
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ Uniformly scale values scalar/special, vector, or tensor columns by given factor
 
 """, version = scriptID)
 
-parser.add_option('-s','--special',  dest='special', action='extend', type='string', metavar='<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-s','--special',  dest='special', action='extend', metavar='<string LIST>',
                                      help='heading of columns containing field values of special dimension')
 parser.add_option('-d','--dimension',dest='N', type='int', metavar='int',
                                      help='dimension of special field values [%default]')
diff --git a/processing/post/shiftData.py b/processing/post/shiftData.py
index 61fb46d54..66b2e1f4e 100755
--- a/processing/post/shiftData.py
+++ b/processing/post/shiftData.py
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ Shift values of scalar/special, vector, or tensor columns by given offset.
 
 """, version = scriptID)
 
-parser.add_option('-s','--special',  dest='special', action='extend', type='string', metavar='<string LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-s','--special',  dest='special', action='extend', metavar='<string LIST>',
                                      help='heading of columns containing field values of special dimension')
 parser.add_option('-d','--dimension',dest='N', type='int', metavar='int',
                                      help='dimension of special field values [%default]')
diff --git a/processing/post/sortTable.py b/processing/post/sortTable.py
index e157fc5e0..3f2762e2f 100755
--- a/processing/post/sortTable.py
+++ b/processing/post/sortTable.py
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ With coordinates in columns "x", "y", and "z"; sorting with x slowest and z fast
 )
 
 
-parser.add_option('-l','--label',   dest='keys', action='extend', type='string', metavar='<LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-l','--label',   dest='keys', action='extend', metavar='<LIST>',
                                     help='list of column labels (a,b,c,...)')
 parser.add_option('-r','--reverse', dest='reverse', action='store_true',
                                     help='reverse sorting')
diff --git a/processing/post/tagLabel.py b/processing/post/tagLabel.py
index cffef4c42..508863974 100755
--- a/processing/post/tagLabel.py
+++ b/processing/post/tagLabel.py
@@ -34,15 +34,15 @@ Tag scalar, vectorial, and/or tensorial data header labels by specified suffix.
 """ + string.replace('$Id$','\n','\\n')
 )
 
-parser.add_option('-l','--tag',         dest='tag', type='string', \
+parser.add_option('-l','--tag',         dest='tag', \
                                         help='tag to use as suffix for labels')
-parser.add_option('-v','--vector',      dest='vector', action='extend', type='string', \
+parser.add_option('-v','--vector',      dest='vector', action='extend', \
                                         help='heading of columns containing 3x1 vector field values')
-parser.add_option('-t','--tensor',      dest='tensor', action='extend', type='string', \
+parser.add_option('-t','--tensor',      dest='tensor', action='extend', \
                                         help='heading of columns containing 3x3 tensor field values')
-parser.add_option('-s','--special',     dest='special', action='extend', type='string', \
+parser.add_option('-s','--special',     dest='special', action='extend', \
                                         help='heading of columns containing field values of special dimension')
-parser.add_option('-d','--dimension',   dest='N', action='store', type='int', \
+parser.add_option('-d','--dimension',   dest='N', type='int', \
                                         help='dimension of special field values [%default]')
 
 parser.set_defaults(tag = '')
diff --git a/processing/post/vtk2ang.py b/processing/post/vtk2ang.py
index b9571f4af..c991d1baa 100755
--- a/processing/post/vtk2ang.py
+++ b/processing/post/vtk2ang.py
@@ -83,9 +83,9 @@ Builds a ang files from a vtk file.
 )
 
 
-parser.add_option('--disp','--displacement',dest='dispLabel', type='string', \
+parser.add_option('--disp','--displacement',dest='dispLabel', \
                                             help='label of displacements [%default]')
-parser.add_option('--euler',                dest='eulerLabel', type='string', nargs=3, \
+parser.add_option('--euler',                dest='eulerLabel', nargs=3, \
                                             help='labels of euler angles [%default]')
 parser.add_option('-n','--normal',          dest='normal', type='float', nargs=3, \
                                             help='normal of slices in direction of increasing slice numbers [%default]')
diff --git a/processing/post/vtk_addPointcloudData.py b/processing/post/vtk_addPointcloudData.py
index d6b34a2c5..835d4292e 100755
--- a/processing/post/vtk_addPointcloudData.py
+++ b/processing/post/vtk_addPointcloudData.py
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ Add scalar and RGB tuples from ASCIItable to existing VTK point cloud (.vtp).
 """ + string.replace(scriptID,'\n','\\n')
 )
 
-parser.add_option('-v', '--vtk',   dest='vtk', type='string', \
+parser.add_option('-v', '--vtk',   dest='vtk', \
                   help = 'VTK file name')
 parser.add_option('-s', '--scalar',   dest='scalar', action='extend', \
                   help = 'scalar values')
diff --git a/processing/post/vtk_addVoxelcloudData.py b/processing/post/vtk_addVoxelcloudData.py
index 56dbbecfb..053353227 100755
--- a/processing/post/vtk_addVoxelcloudData.py
+++ b/processing/post/vtk_addVoxelcloudData.py
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ Add scalar and RGB tuples from ASCIItable to existing VTK voxel cloud (.vtu).
 """ + string.replace(scriptID,'\n','\\n')
 )
 
-parser.add_option('-v', '--vtk',   dest='vtk', type='string', \
+parser.add_option('-v', '--vtk',   dest='vtk', \
                   help = 'VTK file name')
 parser.add_option('-s', '--scalar',   dest='scalar', action='extend', \
                   help = 'scalar values')
diff --git a/processing/post/vtk_pointcloud.py b/processing/post/vtk_pointcloud.py
index 8ddd5e6e9..0b4c2f2ec 100755
--- a/processing/post/vtk_pointcloud.py
+++ b/processing/post/vtk_pointcloud.py
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ Add grain index based on similitude of crystal lattice orientation.
 """ + string.replace(scriptID,'\n','\\n')
 )
 
-parser.add_option('-p', '--positions',   dest='pos', type='string', \
+parser.add_option('-p', '--positions',   dest='pos', \
                   help = 'coordinate label')
 
 parser.set_defaults(pos = 'pos')
diff --git a/processing/post/vtk_scalars2vectors.py b/processing/post/vtk_scalars2vectors.py
index 8c9d6e5cf..266b5066b 100755
--- a/processing/post/vtk_scalars2vectors.py
+++ b/processing/post/vtk_scalars2vectors.py
@@ -16,9 +16,9 @@ parser = OptionParser(usage='%prog [options] vtkfile', description = """
 """ + string.replace('$Id$','\n','\\n')
 )
 
-parser.add_option('-v','--vector', nargs=3, dest='vector', type='string', \
+parser.add_option('-v','--vector', nargs=3, dest='vector', \
                   help='suffices indicating vector components [%default]')
-parser.add_option('-s','--separator', dest='separator', type='string', \
+parser.add_option('-s','--separator', dest='separator', \
                   help='separator between label and suffix [%default]')
 
 parser.set_defaults(vector = ['x','y','z'])
diff --git a/processing/pre/OIMang_hex2cub.py b/processing/pre/OIMang_hex2cub.py
index f10a12595..ff1d05c51 100755
--- a/processing/pre/OIMang_hex2cub.py
+++ b/processing/pre/OIMang_hex2cub.py
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ Converts ang files (EBSD Data) from hexagonal grid to a pixel grid
 """ + string.replace(scriptID,'\n','\\n')
 )
 
-parser.add_option('-x', dest='columnX', action='store', type='int', metavar='int', \
+parser.add_option('-x', dest='columnX', type='int', metavar='int', \
                         help='column containing x coordinates [%default]')
 
 parser.set_defaults(columnX = 3)
diff --git a/processing/pre/abq_addUserOutput.py b/processing/pre/abq_addUserOutput.py
index b6f751bfa..4bb32b40a 100755
--- a/processing/pre/abq_addUserOutput.py
+++ b/processing/pre/abq_addUserOutput.py
@@ -74,17 +74,17 @@ Or have an existing set of user variables copied over from another *.inp file.
 
 parser.add_option('-n','--number', dest='number', type='int', \
           help='maximum requested User Defined Variable [%default]')
-parser.add_option('--homogenization', dest='homog', type='string', \
+parser.add_option('--homogenization', dest='homog', \
           help='homogenization identifier (as string or integer [%default])')
-parser.add_option('--crystallite', dest='cryst', type='string', \
+parser.add_option('--crystallite', dest='cryst', \
           help='crystallite identifier (as string or integer [%default])')
-parser.add_option('--phase', dest='phase', type='string', \
+parser.add_option('--phase', dest='phase', \
           help='phase identifier (as string or integer [%default])')
-parser.add_option('--use', dest='useFile', type='string', \
+parser.add_option('--use', dest='useFile', \
           help='Optionally parse output descriptors from '+
                'different <model_job>.outputZZZ file. Saves the effort '+
                'to start a calculation for each job [%default])')
-parser.add_option('--option', dest='damaskOption', type='string', \
+parser.add_option('--option', dest='damaskOption', \
           help='Add damask option to input file '+
                'for example: "periodic x z" [%default]')
 parser.set_defaults(number = 0)
diff --git a/processing/pre/geom_addPrimitive.py b/processing/pre/geom_addPrimitive.py
index 8c3278b12..f2d8cc3b2 100755
--- a/processing/pre/geom_addPrimitive.py
+++ b/processing/pre/geom_addPrimitive.py
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ parser.add_option('-f', '--fill',       dest='fill', type='int', metavar = 'int'
                   help='grain index to fill primitive. "0" selects maximum microstructure index + 1 [%default]')
 parser.add_option('-q', '--quaternion', dest='quaternion', type='float', nargs = 4, metavar=' '.join(['float']*4),
                   help = 'rotation of primitive as quaternion')
-parser.add_option('-a', '--angleaxis',  dest='angleaxis', type='string', nargs = 4, metavar=' '.join(['float']*4),
+parser.add_option('-a', '--angleaxis',  dest='angleaxis', nargs = 4, metavar=' '.join(['float']*4),
                   help = 'rotation of primitive as angle and axis')
 parser.add_option(     '--degrees',     dest='degrees', action='store_true',
                   help = 'angle is given in degrees [%default]')
diff --git a/processing/pre/geom_canvas.py b/processing/pre/geom_canvas.py
index c2806e5a8..f5954e5e2 100755
--- a/processing/pre/geom_canvas.py
+++ b/processing/pre/geom_canvas.py
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ Changes the (three-dimensional) canvas of a spectral geometry description.
 """ + string.replace(scriptID,'\n','\\n')
 )
 
-parser.add_option('-g', '--grid', dest='grid', type='string', nargs = 3, metavar='int int int ', \
+parser.add_option('-g', '--grid', dest='grid', nargs = 3, metavar='int int int ', \
                   help='a,b,c grid of hexahedral box [unchanged]')
 parser.add_option('-o', '--offset', dest='offset', type='int', nargs = 3, metavar='int int int', \
                   help='a,b,c offset from old to new origin of grid %default')
diff --git a/processing/pre/geom_fromAng.py b/processing/pre/geom_fromAng.py
index de83c5870..1e9ef1ae9 100755
--- a/processing/pre/geom_fromAng.py
+++ b/processing/pre/geom_fromAng.py
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ parser.add_option('-c', '--configuration', dest='config', action='store_true', \
                   help='output material configuration [%default]')
 parser.add_option('--compress',            dest='compress', action='store_true', \
                   help='search for matching mircrostructure and texture and lump them [%default]')
-parser.add_option('-a', '--axes',         dest='axes', type='string', nargs = 3, metavar = 'string string string', \
+parser.add_option('-a', '--axes',         dest='axes', nargs = 3, metavar = 'string string string', \
                   help='axes assignement of eulerangles x,y,z = %default')
     
                   
diff --git a/processing/pre/geom_grainGrowth.py b/processing/pre/geom_grainGrowth.py
index 57c5131b0..c2acc6e17 100755
--- a/processing/pre/geom_grainGrowth.py
+++ b/processing/pre/geom_grainGrowth.py
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ parser.add_option('-N', '--smooth', dest='N', type='int', metavar='int',
                  help='N for curvature flow [%default]')
 parser.add_option('-r', '--renumber', dest='renumber', action='store_true',
                   help='renumber microstructure indices from 1...N [%default]')
-parser.add_option('-i', '--immutable', action='extend', dest='immutable', type='string', metavar = '<LIST>',
+parser.add_option('-i', '--immutable', action='extend', dest='immutable', metavar = '<LIST>',
                   help='list of immutable microstructures')
 
 parser.set_defaults(d = 1)
diff --git a/processing/pre/geom_rescale.py b/processing/pre/geom_rescale.py
index 0399efeae..9c7c7bb3e 100755
--- a/processing/pre/geom_rescale.py
+++ b/processing/pre/geom_rescale.py
@@ -53,9 +53,9 @@ Either absolute values or relative factors (like "0.25x") can be used.
 """ + string.replace(scriptID,'\n','\\n')
 )
 
-parser.add_option('-g', '--grid', dest='grid', type='string', nargs = 3, metavar = 'string string string', \
+parser.add_option('-g', '--grid', dest='grid', nargs = 3, metavar = 'string string string', \
                   help='a,b,c grid of hexahedral box [unchanged]')
-parser.add_option('-s', '--size', dest='size', type='string', nargs = 3, metavar = 'string string string', \
+parser.add_option('-s', '--size', dest='size', nargs = 3, metavar = 'string string string', \
                   help='x,y,z size of hexahedral box [unchanged]')
 parser.add_option('-r', '--renumber', dest='renumber', action='store_true', \
                   help='renumber microstructure indices from 1...N [%default]')
diff --git a/processing/pre/geom_translate.py b/processing/pre/geom_translate.py
index e8f477a2d..560000470 100755
--- a/processing/pre/geom_translate.py
+++ b/processing/pre/geom_translate.py
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ parser.add_option('-o', '--origin', dest='origin', type='float', nargs = 3, \
                   help='offset from old to new origin of grid', metavar='float float float')
 parser.add_option('-m', '--microstructure', dest='microstructure', type='int', \
                   help='offset from old to new microstructure indices', metavar='int')
-parser.add_option('-s', '--substitute', action='extend', dest='substitute', type='string', \
+parser.add_option('-s', '--substitute', action='extend', dest='substitute', \
                   help='substitutions of microstructure indices from,to,from,to,...', metavar='<string LIST>')
 
 parser.set_defaults(origin = [0.0,0.0,0.0])
diff --git a/processing/pre/marc_addUserOutput.py b/processing/pre/marc_addUserOutput.py
index 8145a828a..baba9a149 100755
--- a/processing/pre/marc_addUserOutput.py
+++ b/processing/pre/marc_addUserOutput.py
@@ -68,17 +68,17 @@ Or have an existing set of user variables copied over from another *.dat file.
 """)
 parser.add_option('-n','--number', dest='number', type='int', \
           help='maximum requested User Defined Variable [%default]')
-parser.add_option('--homogenization', dest='homog', type='string', \
+parser.add_option('--homogenization', dest='homog', \
           help='homogenization identifier (as string or integer [%default])')
-parser.add_option('--crystallite', dest='cryst', type='string', \
+parser.add_option('--crystallite', dest='cryst', \
           help='crystallite identifier (as string or integer [%default])')
-parser.add_option('--phase', dest='phase', type='string', \
+parser.add_option('--phase', dest='phase', \
           help='phase identifier (as string or integer [%default])')
-parser.add_option('--use', dest='useFile', type='string', \
+parser.add_option('--use', dest='useFile', \
           help='Optionally parse output descriptors from '+
                'different <model_job>.outputZZZ file. Saves the effort '+
                'to start a calculation for each job [%default])')
-parser.add_option('--option', dest='damaskOption', type='string', \
+parser.add_option('--option', dest='damaskOption', \
           help='Add damask option to input file '+
                'for example: "periodic x z" [%default]')
 parser.set_defaults(number = 0)
diff --git a/processing/pre/patchFromReconstructedBoundaries.py b/processing/pre/patchFromReconstructedBoundaries.py
index 4ca1a42cb..02ab0f96f 100755
--- a/processing/pre/patchFromReconstructedBoundaries.py
+++ b/processing/pre/patchFromReconstructedBoundaries.py
@@ -807,7 +807,7 @@ reconstructed boundary file
 """ + string.replace(scriptID,'\n','\\n')
 )
 
-parser.add_option("-o", "--output", action='extend', dest='output', type='string', \
+parser.add_option("-o", "--output", action='extend', dest='output', \
         help="types of output [image, mentat, procedure, spectral]")
 parser.add_option("-p", "--port", type="int",\
         dest="port",\
diff --git a/processing/pre/seeds_fromGeom.py b/processing/pre/seeds_fromGeom.py
index 0cc7d50bb..7c865c046 100755
--- a/processing/pre/seeds_fromGeom.py
+++ b/processing/pre/seeds_fromGeom.py
@@ -56,9 +56,9 @@ Examples:
 )
 
 
-parser.add_option('-w','--white',   dest='whitelist', action='extend', type='string', \
+parser.add_option('-w','--white',   dest='whitelist', action='extend', \
                                     help='white list of grain IDs', metavar='<LIST>')
-parser.add_option('-b','--black',   dest='blacklist', action='extend', type='string', \
+parser.add_option('-b','--black',   dest='blacklist', action='extend', \
                                     help='black list of grain IDs', metavar='<LIST>')
 
 parser.set_defaults(whitelist = [])