diff --git a/src/gui/src/dbDescriptors.cpp b/src/gui/src/dbDescriptors.cpp
index c6f1644c02..3ad4abf28d 100644
--- a/src/gui/src/dbDescriptors.cpp
+++ b/src/gui/src/dbDescriptors.cpp
@@ -45,6 +45,7 @@
 #include "db_sta/dbNetwork.hh"
 #include "db_sta/dbSta.hh"
 #include "odb/db.h"
+#include "odb/dbCompare.h"
 #include "odb/dbShape.h"
 #include "sta/Liberty.hh"
 #include "utl/Logger.h"
@@ -244,9 +245,52 @@ static odb::dbTechLayer* getLayerSelection(odb::dbTech* tech,
   return current;
 }
 
+//////////////////////////////////////////////////
+
+template <typename T>
+BaseDbDescriptor<T>::BaseDbDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db) : db_(db)
+{
+}
+
+template <typename T>
+Descriptor::Properties BaseDbDescriptor<T>::getProperties(std::any object) const
+{
+  T* obj = getObject(object);
+
+  Properties props = getDBProperties(obj);
+
+  populateODBProperties(props, obj);
+
+  return props;
+}
+
+template <typename T>
+Selected BaseDbDescriptor<T>::makeSelected(std::any object) const
+{
+  if (auto obj = std::any_cast<T*>(&object)) {
+    return Selected(*obj, this);
+  }
+  return Selected();
+}
+
+template <typename T>
+bool BaseDbDescriptor<T>::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
+{
+  T* l_obj = std::any_cast<T*>(l);
+  T* r_obj = std::any_cast<T*>(r);
+  return odb::compare_by_id(l_obj, r_obj);
+}
+
+template <typename T>
+T* BaseDbDescriptor<T>::getObject(const std::any& object) const
+{
+  return std::any_cast<T*>(object);
+}
+
 ////////
 
-DbTechDescriptor::DbTechDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db) : db_(db)
+DbTechDescriptor::DbTechDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db)
+    : BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbTech>(db)
 {
 }
 
@@ -269,10 +313,10 @@ void DbTechDescriptor::highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const
 {
 }
 
-Descriptor::Properties DbTechDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
+Descriptor::Properties DbTechDescriptor::getDBProperties(
+    odb::dbTech* tech) const
 {
   auto gui = Gui::get();
-  auto tech = std::any_cast<odb::dbTech*>(object);
 
   Properties props({{"DbUnits per Micron", tech->getDbUnitsPerMicron()},
                     {"LEF Units", tech->getLefUnits()},
@@ -331,21 +375,6 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbTechDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
   return props;
 }
 
-Selected DbTechDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
-{
-  if (auto tech = std::any_cast<odb::dbTech*>(&object)) {
-    return Selected(*tech, this);
-  }
-  return Selected();
-}
-
-bool DbTechDescriptor::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
-{
-  auto l_tech = std::any_cast<odb::dbTech*>(l);
-  auto r_tech = std::any_cast<odb::dbTech*>(r);
-  return l_tech->getId() < r_tech->getId();
-}
-
 bool DbTechDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 {
   auto tech = db_->getTech();
@@ -358,7 +387,8 @@ bool DbTechDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
-DbBlockDescriptor::DbBlockDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db) : db_(db)
+DbBlockDescriptor::DbBlockDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db)
+    : BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbBlock>(db)
 {
 }
 
@@ -391,10 +421,9 @@ void DbBlockDescriptor::highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const
   }
 }
 
-Descriptor::Properties DbBlockDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
+Descriptor::Properties DbBlockDescriptor::getDBProperties(
+    odb::dbBlock* block) const
 {
-  auto block = std::any_cast<odb::dbBlock*>(object);
-
   auto gui = Gui::get();
 
   Properties props;
@@ -468,29 +497,12 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbBlockDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
     props.push_back({"Markers", markers});
   }
 
-  populateODBProperties(props, block);
-
   props.push_back({"Core Area", block->getCoreArea()});
   props.push_back({"Die Area", block->getDieArea()});
 
   return props;
 }
 
-Selected DbBlockDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
-{
-  if (auto block = std::any_cast<odb::dbBlock*>(&object)) {
-    return Selected(*block, this);
-  }
-  return Selected();
-}
-
-bool DbBlockDescriptor::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
-{
-  auto l_layer = std::any_cast<odb::dbBlock*>(l);
-  auto r_layer = std::any_cast<odb::dbBlock*>(r);
-  return l_layer->getId() < r_layer->getId();
-}
-
 bool DbBlockDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 {
   auto chip = db_->getChip();
@@ -505,7 +517,7 @@ bool DbBlockDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
 DbInstDescriptor::DbInstDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db, sta::dbSta* sta)
-    : db_(db), sta_(sta)
+    : BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbInst>(db), sta_(sta)
 {
 }
 
@@ -543,10 +555,10 @@ bool DbInstDescriptor::isInst(std::any object) const
   return true;
 }
 
-Descriptor::Properties DbInstDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
+Descriptor::Properties DbInstDescriptor::getDBProperties(
+    odb::dbInst* inst) const
 {
   auto gui = Gui::get();
-  auto inst = std::any_cast<odb::dbInst*>(object);
   auto placed = inst->getPlacementStatus();
   auto* module = inst->getModule();
   Properties props;
@@ -597,7 +609,6 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbInstDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
     props.push_back({"Timing/Power", gui->makeSelected(sta_inst)});
   }
 
-  populateODBProperties(props, inst);
   return props;
 }
 
@@ -731,21 +742,6 @@ bool DbInstDescriptor::setNewLocation(odb::dbInst* inst,
   return true;
 }
 
-Selected DbInstDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
-{
-  if (auto inst = std::any_cast<odb::dbInst*>(&object)) {
-    return Selected(*inst, this);
-  }
-  return Selected();
-}
-
-bool DbInstDescriptor::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
-{
-  auto l_inst = std::any_cast<odb::dbInst*>(l);
-  auto r_inst = std::any_cast<odb::dbInst*>(r);
-  return l_inst->getId() < r_inst->getId();
-}
-
 bool DbInstDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 {
   auto* chip = db_->getChip();
@@ -766,7 +762,7 @@ bool DbInstDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
 DbMasterDescriptor::DbMasterDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db, sta::dbSta* sta)
-    : db_(db), sta_(sta)
+    : BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbMaster>(db), sta_(sta)
 {
 }
 
@@ -803,9 +799,9 @@ void DbMasterDescriptor::highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const
   }
 }
 
-Descriptor::Properties DbMasterDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
+Descriptor::Properties DbMasterDescriptor::getDBProperties(
+    odb::dbMaster* master) const
 {
-  auto master = std::any_cast<odb::dbMaster*>(object);
   Properties props({{"Master type", master->getType().getString()}});
   auto gui = Gui::get();
   auto site = master->getSite();
@@ -848,8 +844,6 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbMasterDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
   props.push_back({"Instances", instances});
   props.push_back({"Origin", master->getOrigin()});
 
-  populateODBProperties(props, master);
-
   auto liberty
       = sta_->getDbNetwork()->findLibertyCell(master->getName().c_str());
   if (liberty) {
@@ -859,21 +853,6 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbMasterDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
   return props;
 }
 
-Selected DbMasterDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
-{
-  if (auto master = std::any_cast<odb::dbMaster*>(&object)) {
-    return Selected(*master, this);
-  }
-  return Selected();
-}
-
-bool DbMasterDescriptor::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
-{
-  auto l_master = std::any_cast<odb::dbMaster*>(l);
-  auto r_master = std::any_cast<odb::dbMaster*>(r);
-  return l_master->getId() < r_master->getId();
-}
-
 // get list of equivalent masters as EditorOptions
 void DbMasterDescriptor::getMasterEquivalent(sta::dbSta* sta,
                                              odb::dbMaster* master,
@@ -945,7 +924,7 @@ DbNetDescriptor::DbNetDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db,
                                  const std::set<odb::dbNet*>& focus_nets,
                                  const std::set<odb::dbNet*>& guide_nets,
                                  const std::set<odb::dbNet*>& tracks_nets)
-    : db_(db),
+    : BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbNet>(db),
       sta_(sta),
       focus_nets_(focus_nets),
       guide_nets_(guide_nets),
@@ -955,7 +934,7 @@ DbNetDescriptor::DbNetDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db,
 
 std::string DbNetDescriptor::getName(std::any object) const
 {
-  return getNet(object)->getName();
+  return getObject(object)->getName();
 }
 
 std::string DbNetDescriptor::getTypeName() const
@@ -965,7 +944,7 @@ std::string DbNetDescriptor::getTypeName() const
 
 bool DbNetDescriptor::getBBox(std::any object, odb::Rect& bbox) const
 {
-  auto net = getNet(object);
+  auto net = getObject(object);
   auto wire = net->getWire();
   bool has_box = false;
   bbox.mergeInit();
@@ -1289,7 +1268,7 @@ void DbNetDescriptor::findPath(NodeMap& graph,
 void DbNetDescriptor::highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const
 {
   odb::dbObject* sink_object = getSink(object);
-  auto net = getNet(object);
+  auto net = getObject(object);
 
   auto* iterm_descriptor = Gui::get()->getDescriptor<odb::dbITerm*>();
   auto* bterm_descriptor = Gui::get()->getDescriptor<odb::dbBTerm*>();
@@ -1436,7 +1415,7 @@ void DbNetDescriptor::highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const
 
 bool DbNetDescriptor::isSlowHighlight(std::any object) const
 {
-  auto net = getNet(object);
+  auto net = getObject(object);
   return net->getSigType().isSupply();
 }
 
@@ -1445,10 +1424,9 @@ bool DbNetDescriptor::isNet(std::any object) const
   return true;
 }
 
-Descriptor::Properties DbNetDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
+Descriptor::Properties DbNetDescriptor::getDBProperties(odb::dbNet* net) const
 {
   auto gui = Gui::get();
-  auto net = getNet(object);
   Properties props({{"Block", gui->makeSelected(net->getBlock())},
                     {"Signal type", net->getSigType().getString()},
                     {"Source type", net->getSourceType().getString()},
@@ -1482,14 +1460,12 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbNetDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
     props.push_back({"Buffer tree", gui->makeSelected(BufferTree(net))});
   }
 
-  populateODBProperties(props, net);
-
   return props;
 }
 
 Descriptor::Editors DbNetDescriptor::getEditors(std::any object) const
 {
-  auto net = getNet(object);
+  auto net = getObject(object);
   Editors editors;
   addRenameEditor(net, editors);
   editors.insert({"Special", makeEditor([net](std::any value) {
@@ -1517,7 +1493,7 @@ Descriptor::Editors DbNetDescriptor::getEditors(std::any object) const
 
 Descriptor::Actions DbNetDescriptor::getActions(std::any object) const
 {
-  auto net = getNet(object);
+  auto net = getObject(object);
 
   auto* gui = Gui::get();
   Descriptor::Actions actions;
@@ -1586,22 +1562,17 @@ Descriptor::Actions DbNetDescriptor::getActions(std::any object) const
 
 Selected DbNetDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
 {
-  if (auto net = std::any_cast<odb::dbNet*>(&object)) {
-    return Selected(*net, this);
+  Selected net_selected = BaseDbDescriptor::makeSelected(object);
+  if (net_selected) {
+    return net_selected;
   }
+
   if (auto net = std::any_cast<NetWithSink>(&object)) {
     return Selected(*net, this);
   }
   return Selected();
 }
 
-bool DbNetDescriptor::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
-{
-  auto l_net = getNet(l);
-  auto r_net = getNet(r);
-  return l_net->getId() < r_net->getId();
-}
-
 bool DbNetDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 {
   auto* chip = db_->getChip();
@@ -1619,7 +1590,7 @@ bool DbNetDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
   return true;
 }
 
-odb::dbNet* DbNetDescriptor::getNet(const std::any& object) const
+odb::dbNet* DbNetDescriptor::getObject(const std::any& object) const
 {
   odb::dbNet* const* net = std::any_cast<odb::dbNet*>(&object);
   if (net != nullptr) {
@@ -1642,7 +1613,8 @@ odb::dbObject* DbNetDescriptor::getSink(const std::any& object) const
 DbITermDescriptor::DbITermDescriptor(
     odb::dbDatabase* db,
     std::function<bool(void)> usingPolyDecompView)
-    : db_(db), usingPolyDecompView_(std::move(usingPolyDecompView))
+    : BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbITerm>(db),
+      usingPolyDecompView_(std::move(usingPolyDecompView))
 {
 }
 
@@ -1706,10 +1678,10 @@ void DbITermDescriptor::highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const
   }
 }
 
-Descriptor::Properties DbITermDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
+Descriptor::Properties DbITermDescriptor::getDBProperties(
+    odb::dbITerm* iterm) const
 {
   auto gui = Gui::get();
-  auto iterm = std::any_cast<odb::dbITerm*>(object);
   auto net = iterm->getNet();
   std::any net_value;
   if (net != nullptr) {
@@ -1730,8 +1702,6 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbITermDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
                    {"MTerm", gui->makeSelected(iterm->getMTerm())},
                    {"Access Points", aps}};
 
-  populateODBProperties(props, iterm);
-
   return props;
 }
 
@@ -1745,21 +1715,6 @@ Descriptor::Actions DbITermDescriptor::getActions(std::any object) const
   return actions;
 }
 
-Selected DbITermDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
-{
-  if (auto iterm = std::any_cast<odb::dbITerm*>(&object)) {
-    return Selected(*iterm, this);
-  }
-  return Selected();
-}
-
-bool DbITermDescriptor::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
-{
-  auto l_iterm = std::any_cast<odb::dbITerm*>(l);
-  auto r_iterm = std::any_cast<odb::dbITerm*>(r);
-  return l_iterm->getId() < r_iterm->getId();
-}
-
 bool DbITermDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 {
   auto* chip = db_->getChip();
@@ -1779,7 +1734,8 @@ bool DbITermDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
-DbBTermDescriptor::DbBTermDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db) : db_(db)
+DbBTermDescriptor::DbBTermDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db)
+    : BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbBTerm>(db)
 {
 }
 
@@ -1811,10 +1767,10 @@ void DbBTermDescriptor::highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const
   }
 }
 
-Descriptor::Properties DbBTermDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
+Descriptor::Properties DbBTermDescriptor::getDBProperties(
+    odb::dbBTerm* bterm) const
 {
   auto gui = Gui::get();
-  auto bterm = std::any_cast<odb::dbBTerm*>(object);
   SelectionSet aps;
   for (auto* pin : bterm->getBPins()) {
     for (auto ap : pin->getAccessPoints()) {
@@ -1841,8 +1797,6 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbBTermDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
     props.push_back({"Pins", pins});
   }
 
-  populateODBProperties(props, bterm);
-
   return props;
 }
 
@@ -1864,21 +1818,6 @@ Descriptor::Actions DbBTermDescriptor::getActions(std::any object) const
   return actions;
 }
 
-Selected DbBTermDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
-{
-  if (auto bterm = std::any_cast<odb::dbBTerm*>(&object)) {
-    return Selected(*bterm, this);
-  }
-  return Selected();
-}
-
-bool DbBTermDescriptor::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
-{
-  auto l_bterm = std::any_cast<odb::dbBTerm*>(l);
-  auto r_bterm = std::any_cast<odb::dbBTerm*>(r);
-  return l_bterm->getId() < r_bterm->getId();
-}
-
 bool DbBTermDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 {
   auto* chip = db_->getChip();
@@ -1898,7 +1837,8 @@ bool DbBTermDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
-DbBPinDescriptor::DbBPinDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db) : db_(db)
+DbBPinDescriptor::DbBPinDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db)
+    : BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbBPin>(db)
 {
 }
 
@@ -1929,10 +1869,10 @@ void DbBPinDescriptor::highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const
   }
 }
 
-Descriptor::Properties DbBPinDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
+Descriptor::Properties DbBPinDescriptor::getDBProperties(
+    odb::dbBPin* bpin) const
 {
   auto gui = Gui::get();
-  auto bpin = std::any_cast<odb::dbBPin*>(object);
   SelectionSet aps;
   for (auto ap : bpin->getAccessPoints()) {
     DbTermAccessPoint bap{ap, bpin->getBTerm()};
@@ -1960,26 +1900,9 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbBPinDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
     props.push_back({"Min spacing", convertUnits(bpin->getMinSpacing())});
   }
 
-  populateODBProperties(props, bpin);
-
   return props;
 }
 
-Selected DbBPinDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
-{
-  if (auto bpin = std::any_cast<odb::dbBPin*>(&object)) {
-    return Selected(*bpin, this);
-  }
-  return Selected();
-}
-
-bool DbBPinDescriptor::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
-{
-  auto l_bpin = std::any_cast<odb::dbBPin*>(l);
-  auto r_bpin = std::any_cast<odb::dbBPin*>(r);
-  return l_bpin->getId() < r_bpin->getId();
-}
-
 bool DbBPinDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 {
   auto* chip = db_->getChip();
@@ -2004,7 +1927,8 @@ bool DbBPinDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 DbMTermDescriptor::DbMTermDescriptor(
     odb::dbDatabase* db,
     std::function<bool(void)> usingPolyDecompView)
-    : db_(db), usingPolyDecompView_(std::move(usingPolyDecompView))
+    : BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbMTerm>(db),
+      usingPolyDecompView_(std::move(usingPolyDecompView))
 {
 }
 
@@ -2076,10 +2000,10 @@ void DbMTermDescriptor::highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const
   }
 }
 
-Descriptor::Properties DbMTermDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
+Descriptor::Properties DbMTermDescriptor::getDBProperties(
+    odb::dbMTerm* mterm) const
 {
   auto gui = Gui::get();
-  auto mterm = std::any_cast<odb::dbMTerm*>(object);
   SelectionSet layers;
   for (auto* mpin : mterm->getMPins()) {
     for (auto* geom : mpin->getGeometry()) {
@@ -2095,26 +2019,9 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbMTermDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
                    {"# Pins", mterm->getMPins().size()},
                    {"Layers", layers}};
 
-  populateODBProperties(props, mterm);
-
   return props;
 }
 
-Selected DbMTermDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
-{
-  if (auto mterm = std::any_cast<odb::dbMTerm*>(&object)) {
-    return Selected(*mterm, this);
-  }
-  return Selected();
-}
-
-bool DbMTermDescriptor::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
-{
-  auto l_mterm = std::any_cast<odb::dbMTerm*>(l);
-  auto r_mterm = std::any_cast<odb::dbMTerm*>(r);
-  return l_mterm->getId() < r_mterm->getId();
-}
-
 bool DbMTermDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 {
   for (auto* lib : db_->getLibs()) {
@@ -2130,7 +2037,8 @@ bool DbMTermDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
-DbViaDescriptor::DbViaDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db) : db_(db)
+DbViaDescriptor::DbViaDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db)
+    : BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbVia>(db)
 {
 }
 
@@ -2154,9 +2062,8 @@ void DbViaDescriptor::highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const
 {
 }
 
-Descriptor::Properties DbViaDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
+Descriptor::Properties DbViaDescriptor::getDBProperties(odb::dbVia* via) const
 {
-  auto via = std::any_cast<odb::dbVia*>(object);
   auto gui = Gui::get();
 
   Properties props({{"Block", gui->makeSelected(via->getBlock())}});
@@ -2250,21 +2157,6 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbViaDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
   return props;
 }
 
-Selected DbViaDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
-{
-  if (auto via = std::any_cast<odb::dbVia*>(&object)) {
-    return Selected(*via, this);
-  }
-  return Selected();
-}
-
-bool DbViaDescriptor::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
-{
-  auto l_via = std::any_cast<odb::dbVia*>(l);
-  auto r_via = std::any_cast<odb::dbVia*>(r);
-  return l_via->getId() < r_via->getId();
-}
-
 bool DbViaDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 {
   auto chip = db_->getChip();
@@ -2286,7 +2178,8 @@ bool DbViaDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
-DbBlockageDescriptor::DbBlockageDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db) : db_(db)
+DbBlockageDescriptor::DbBlockageDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db)
+    : BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbBlockage>(db)
 {
 }
 
@@ -2315,11 +2208,10 @@ void DbBlockageDescriptor::highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const
   painter.drawRect(rect);
 }
 
-Descriptor::Properties DbBlockageDescriptor::getProperties(
-    std::any object) const
+Descriptor::Properties DbBlockageDescriptor::getDBProperties(
+    odb::dbBlockage* blockage) const
 {
   auto gui = Gui::get();
-  auto blockage = std::any_cast<odb::dbBlockage*>(object);
   odb::dbInst* inst = blockage->getInstance();
   std::any inst_value;
   if (inst != nullptr) {
@@ -2338,8 +2230,6 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbBlockageDescriptor::getProperties(
       {"Soft", blockage->isSoft()},
       {"Max density", std::to_string(blockage->getMaxDensity()) + "%"}};
 
-  populateODBProperties(props, blockage);
-
   return props;
 }
 
@@ -2371,21 +2261,6 @@ Descriptor::Editors DbBlockageDescriptor::getEditors(std::any object) const
   return editors;
 }
 
-Selected DbBlockageDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
-{
-  if (auto blockage = std::any_cast<odb::dbBlockage*>(&object)) {
-    return Selected(*blockage, this);
-  }
-  return Selected();
-}
-
-bool DbBlockageDescriptor::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
-{
-  auto l_blockage = std::any_cast<odb::dbBlockage*>(l);
-  auto r_blockage = std::any_cast<odb::dbBlockage*>(r);
-  return l_blockage->getId() < r_blockage->getId();
-}
-
 bool DbBlockageDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 {
   auto* chip = db_->getChip();
@@ -2405,7 +2280,8 @@ bool DbBlockageDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
-DbObstructionDescriptor::DbObstructionDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db) : db_(db)
+DbObstructionDescriptor::DbObstructionDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db)
+    : BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbObstruction>(db)
 {
 }
 
@@ -2435,11 +2311,10 @@ void DbObstructionDescriptor::highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const
   painter.drawRect(rect);
 }
 
-Descriptor::Properties DbObstructionDescriptor::getProperties(
-    std::any object) const
+Descriptor::Properties DbObstructionDescriptor::getDBProperties(
+    odb::dbObstruction* obs) const
 {
   auto gui = Gui::get();
-  auto obs = std::any_cast<odb::dbObstruction*>(object);
   odb::dbInst* inst = obs->getInstance();
   std::any inst_value;
   if (inst != nullptr) {
@@ -2468,8 +2343,6 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbObstructionDescriptor::getProperties(
         {"Min spacing", Property::convert_dbu(obs->getMinSpacing(), true)});
   }
 
-  populateODBProperties(props, obs);
-
   return props;
 }
 
@@ -2502,21 +2375,6 @@ Descriptor::Actions DbObstructionDescriptor::getActions(std::any object) const
         }}});
 }
 
-Selected DbObstructionDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
-{
-  if (auto obs = std::any_cast<odb::dbObstruction*>(&object)) {
-    return Selected(*obs, this);
-  }
-  return Selected();
-}
-
-bool DbObstructionDescriptor::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
-{
-  auto l_obs = std::any_cast<odb::dbObstruction*>(l);
-  auto r_obs = std::any_cast<odb::dbObstruction*>(r);
-  return l_obs->getId() < r_obs->getId();
-}
-
 bool DbObstructionDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 {
   auto* chip = db_->getChip();
@@ -2536,7 +2394,8 @@ bool DbObstructionDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
-DbTechLayerDescriptor::DbTechLayerDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db) : db_(db)
+DbTechLayerDescriptor::DbTechLayerDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db)
+    : BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbTechLayer>(db)
 {
 }
 
@@ -2560,11 +2419,10 @@ void DbTechLayerDescriptor::highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const
 {
 }
 
-Descriptor::Properties DbTechLayerDescriptor::getProperties(
-    std::any object) const
+Descriptor::Properties DbTechLayerDescriptor::getDBProperties(
+    odb::dbTechLayer* layer) const
 {
   auto* gui = Gui::get();
-  auto layer = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechLayer*>(object);
   Properties props({{"Technology", gui->makeSelected(layer->getTech())},
                     {"Direction", layer->getDirection().getString()},
                     {"Layer type", layer->getType().getString()}});
@@ -2777,26 +2635,9 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbTechLayerDescriptor::getProperties(
     props.push_back({"Tech vias", tech_vias});
   }
 
-  populateODBProperties(props, layer);
-
   return props;
 }
 
-Selected DbTechLayerDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
-{
-  if (auto layer = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechLayer*>(&object)) {
-    return Selected(*layer, this);
-  }
-  return Selected();
-}
-
-bool DbTechLayerDescriptor::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
-{
-  auto l_layer = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechLayer*>(l);
-  auto r_layer = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechLayer*>(r);
-  return l_layer->getId() < r_layer->getId();
-}
-
 bool DbTechLayerDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 {
   auto* tech = db_->getTech();
@@ -2959,7 +2800,8 @@ bool DbTermAccessPointDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
-DbGroupDescriptor::DbGroupDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db) : db_(db)
+DbGroupDescriptor::DbGroupDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db)
+    : BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbGroup>(db)
 {
 }
 
@@ -2997,10 +2839,9 @@ void DbGroupDescriptor::highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const
   }
 }
 
-Descriptor::Properties DbGroupDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
+Descriptor::Properties DbGroupDescriptor::getDBProperties(
+    odb::dbGroup* group) const
 {
-  auto* group = std::any_cast<odb::dbGroup*>(object);
-
   auto* gui = Gui::get();
 
   Properties props;
@@ -3042,26 +2883,9 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbGroupDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
   }
   props.push_back({"Ground Nets", gnd});
 
-  populateODBProperties(props, group);
-
   return props;
 }
 
-Selected DbGroupDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
-{
-  if (auto group = std::any_cast<odb::dbGroup*>(&object)) {
-    return Selected(*group, this);
-  }
-  return Selected();
-}
-
-bool DbGroupDescriptor::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
-{
-  auto l_layer = std::any_cast<odb::dbGroup*>(l);
-  auto r_layer = std::any_cast<odb::dbGroup*>(r);
-  return l_layer->getId() < r_layer->getId();
-}
-
 bool DbGroupDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 {
   auto* chip = db_->getChip();
@@ -3081,7 +2905,8 @@ bool DbGroupDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
-DbRegionDescriptor::DbRegionDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db) : db_(db)
+DbRegionDescriptor::DbRegionDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db)
+    : BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbRegion>(db)
 {
 }
 
@@ -3130,10 +2955,9 @@ void DbRegionDescriptor::highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const
   }
 }
 
-Descriptor::Properties DbRegionDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
+Descriptor::Properties DbRegionDescriptor::getDBProperties(
+    odb::dbRegion* region) const
 {
-  auto* region = std::any_cast<odb::dbRegion*>(object);
-
   auto* gui = Gui::get();
 
   Properties props({{"Block", gui->makeSelected(region->getBlock())},
@@ -3152,26 +2976,9 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbRegionDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
   }
   props.push_back({"Instances", insts});
 
-  populateODBProperties(props, region);
-
   return props;
 }
 
-Selected DbRegionDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
-{
-  if (auto region = std::any_cast<odb::dbRegion*>(&object)) {
-    return Selected(*region, this);
-  }
-  return Selected();
-}
-
-bool DbRegionDescriptor::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
-{
-  auto l_layer = std::any_cast<odb::dbRegion*>(l);
-  auto r_layer = std::any_cast<odb::dbRegion*>(r);
-  return l_layer->getId() < r_layer->getId();
-}
-
 bool DbRegionDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 {
   auto* chip = db_->getChip();
@@ -3191,7 +2998,8 @@ bool DbRegionDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
-DbModuleDescriptor::DbModuleDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db) : db_(db)
+DbModuleDescriptor::DbModuleDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db)
+    : BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbModule>(db)
 {
 }
 
@@ -3252,9 +3060,9 @@ void DbModuleDescriptor::highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const
   painter.restoreState();
 }
 
-Descriptor::Properties DbModuleDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
+Descriptor::Properties DbModuleDescriptor::getDBProperties(
+    odb::dbModule* module) const
 {
-  auto* module = std::any_cast<odb::dbModule*>(object);
   auto* mod_inst = module->getModInst();
 
   auto* gui = Gui::get();
@@ -3286,7 +3094,6 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbModuleDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
   }
   props.push_back({"Instances", insts});
 
-  populateODBProperties(props, module);
   if (mod_inst != nullptr) {
     populateODBProperties(props, mod_inst, "Instance");
   }
@@ -3294,21 +3101,6 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbModuleDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
   return props;
 }
 
-Selected DbModuleDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
-{
-  if (auto module = std::any_cast<odb::dbModule*>(&object)) {
-    return Selected(*module, this);
-  }
-  return Selected();
-}
-
-bool DbModuleDescriptor::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
-{
-  auto l_layer = std::any_cast<odb::dbModule*>(l);
-  auto r_layer = std::any_cast<odb::dbModule*>(r);
-  return l_layer->getId() < r_layer->getId();
-}
-
 bool DbModuleDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 {
   auto* chip = db_->getChip();
@@ -3337,7 +3129,8 @@ void DbModuleDescriptor::getModules(odb::dbModule* module,
 
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
-DbTechViaDescriptor::DbTechViaDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db) : db_(db)
+DbTechViaDescriptor::DbTechViaDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db)
+    : BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbTechVia>(db)
 {
 }
 
@@ -3361,9 +3154,9 @@ void DbTechViaDescriptor::highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const
 {
 }
 
-Descriptor::Properties DbTechViaDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
+Descriptor::Properties DbTechViaDescriptor::getDBProperties(
+    odb::dbTechVia* via) const
 {
-  auto* via = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechVia*>(object);
   auto* gui = Gui::get();
 
   Properties props({{"Tech", gui->makeSelected(via->getTech())}});
@@ -3410,26 +3203,9 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbTechViaDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
     props.push_back({"Non-default Rule", gui->makeSelected(ndr)});
   }
 
-  populateODBProperties(props, via);
-
   return props;
 }
 
-Selected DbTechViaDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
-{
-  if (auto via = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechVia*>(&object)) {
-    return Selected(*via, this);
-  }
-  return Selected();
-}
-
-bool DbTechViaDescriptor::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
-{
-  auto l_via = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechVia*>(l);
-  auto r_via = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechVia*>(r);
-  return l_via->getId() < r_via->getId();
-}
-
 bool DbTechViaDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 {
   auto* tech = db_->getTech();
@@ -3442,7 +3218,8 @@ bool DbTechViaDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 }
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
-DbTechViaRuleDescriptor::DbTechViaRuleDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db) : db_(db)
+DbTechViaRuleDescriptor::DbTechViaRuleDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db)
+    : BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbTechViaRule>(db)
 {
 }
 
@@ -3466,10 +3243,9 @@ void DbTechViaRuleDescriptor::highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const
 {
 }
 
-Descriptor::Properties DbTechViaRuleDescriptor::getProperties(
-    std::any object) const
+Descriptor::Properties DbTechViaRuleDescriptor::getDBProperties(
+    odb::dbTechViaRule* via_rule) const
 {
-  auto via_rule = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechViaRule*>(object);
   auto gui = Gui::get();
 
   Properties props;
@@ -3491,22 +3267,6 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbTechViaRuleDescriptor::getProperties(
   return props;
 }
 
-Selected DbTechViaRuleDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
-{
-  if (auto via_rule = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechViaRule*>(&object)) {
-    return Selected(*via_rule, this);
-  }
-
-  return Selected();
-}
-
-bool DbTechViaRuleDescriptor::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
-{
-  auto l_via_rule = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechViaRule*>(l);
-  auto r_via_rule = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechViaRule*>(r);
-  return l_via_rule->getId() < r_via_rule->getId();
-}
-
 bool DbTechViaRuleDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 {
   auto* tech = db_->getTech();
@@ -3521,7 +3281,7 @@ bool DbTechViaRuleDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
 DbTechViaLayerRuleDescriptor::DbTechViaLayerRuleDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db)
-    : db_(db)
+    : BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbTechViaLayerRule>(db)
 {
 }
 
@@ -3548,10 +3308,9 @@ void DbTechViaLayerRuleDescriptor::highlight(std::any object,
 {
 }
 
-Descriptor::Properties DbTechViaLayerRuleDescriptor::getProperties(
-    std::any object) const
+Descriptor::Properties DbTechViaLayerRuleDescriptor::getDBProperties(
+    odb::dbTechViaLayerRule* via_layer_rule) const
 {
-  auto via_layer_rule = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechViaLayerRule*>(object);
   auto gui = Gui::get();
 
   Properties props({{"Layer", gui->makeSelected(via_layer_rule->getLayer())},
@@ -3624,23 +3383,6 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbTechViaLayerRuleDescriptor::getProperties(
   return props;
 }
 
-Selected DbTechViaLayerRuleDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
-{
-  if (auto via_layer_rule = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechViaLayerRule*>(&object)) {
-    return Selected(*via_layer_rule, this);
-  }
-
-  return Selected();
-}
-
-bool DbTechViaLayerRuleDescriptor::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
-{
-  auto l_via_layer_rule = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechViaLayerRule*>(l);
-  auto r_via_layer_rule = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechViaLayerRule*>(r);
-
-  return l_via_layer_rule->getId() < r_via_layer_rule->getId();
-}
-
 bool DbTechViaLayerRuleDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 {
   auto tech = db_->getTech();
@@ -3659,7 +3401,7 @@ bool DbTechViaLayerRuleDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
 DbMetalWidthViaMapDescriptor::DbMetalWidthViaMapDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db)
-    : db_(db)
+    : BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbMetalWidthViaMap>(db)
 {
 }
 
@@ -3686,11 +3428,9 @@ void DbMetalWidthViaMapDescriptor::highlight(std::any object,
 {
 }
 
-Descriptor::Properties DbMetalWidthViaMapDescriptor::getProperties(
-    std::any object) const
+Descriptor::Properties DbMetalWidthViaMapDescriptor::getDBProperties(
+    odb::dbMetalWidthViaMap* via_map) const
 {
-  auto via_map = std::any_cast<odb::dbMetalWidthViaMap*>(object);
-
   Properties props(
       {{"Is via cut class", via_map->isViaCutClass()},
        {"Below Layer Low Width",
@@ -3705,22 +3445,6 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbMetalWidthViaMapDescriptor::getProperties(
   return props;
 }
 
-Selected DbMetalWidthViaMapDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
-{
-  if (auto via_map = std::any_cast<odb::dbMetalWidthViaMap*>(&object)) {
-    return Selected(*via_map, this);
-  }
-
-  return Selected();
-}
-
-bool DbMetalWidthViaMapDescriptor::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
-{
-  auto l_via_map = std::any_cast<odb::dbMetalWidthViaMap*>(l);
-  auto r_via_map = std::any_cast<odb::dbMetalWidthViaMap*>(r);
-  return l_via_map->getId() < r_via_map->getId();
-}
-
 bool DbMetalWidthViaMapDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 {
   auto* tech = db_->getTech();
@@ -3734,7 +3458,8 @@ bool DbMetalWidthViaMapDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
-DbGenerateViaDescriptor::DbGenerateViaDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db) : db_(db)
+DbGenerateViaDescriptor::DbGenerateViaDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db)
+    : BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbTechViaGenerateRule>(db)
 {
 }
 
@@ -3758,10 +3483,9 @@ void DbGenerateViaDescriptor::highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const
 {
 }
 
-Descriptor::Properties DbGenerateViaDescriptor::getProperties(
-    std::any object) const
+Descriptor::Properties DbGenerateViaDescriptor::getDBProperties(
+    odb::dbTechViaGenerateRule* via) const
 {
-  auto* via = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechViaGenerateRule*>(object);
   auto* gui = Gui::get();
 
   Properties props;
@@ -3795,26 +3519,9 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbGenerateViaDescriptor::getProperties(
 
   props.push_back({"Is default", via->isDefault()});
 
-  populateODBProperties(props, via);
-
   return props;
 }
 
-Selected DbGenerateViaDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
-{
-  if (auto via = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechViaGenerateRule*>(&object)) {
-    return Selected(*via, this);
-  }
-  return Selected();
-}
-
-bool DbGenerateViaDescriptor::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
-{
-  auto l_via = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechViaGenerateRule*>(l);
-  auto r_via = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechViaGenerateRule*>(r);
-  return l_via->getId() < r_via->getId();
-}
-
 bool DbGenerateViaDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 {
   auto* tech = db_->getTech();
@@ -3829,7 +3536,7 @@ bool DbGenerateViaDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
 DbNonDefaultRuleDescriptor::DbNonDefaultRuleDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db)
-    : db_(db)
+    : BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbTechNonDefaultRule>(db)
 {
 }
 
@@ -3854,10 +3561,9 @@ void DbNonDefaultRuleDescriptor::highlight(std::any object,
 {
 }
 
-Descriptor::Properties DbNonDefaultRuleDescriptor::getProperties(
-    std::any object) const
+Descriptor::Properties DbNonDefaultRuleDescriptor::getDBProperties(
+    odb::dbTechNonDefaultRule* rule) const
 {
-  auto* rule = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechNonDefaultRule*>(object);
   auto* gui = Gui::get();
 
   Properties props({{"Tech", gui->makeSelected(db_->getTech())}});
@@ -3888,26 +3594,9 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbNonDefaultRuleDescriptor::getProperties(
 
   props.push_back({"Is block rule", rule->isBlockRule()});
 
-  populateODBProperties(props, rule);
-
   return props;
 }
 
-Selected DbNonDefaultRuleDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
-{
-  if (auto rule = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechNonDefaultRule*>(&object)) {
-    return Selected(*rule, this);
-  }
-  return Selected();
-}
-
-bool DbNonDefaultRuleDescriptor::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
-{
-  auto l_rule = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechNonDefaultRule*>(l);
-  auto r_rule = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechNonDefaultRule*>(r);
-  return l_rule->getId() < r_rule->getId();
-}
-
 bool DbNonDefaultRuleDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 {
   auto* chip = db_->getChip();
@@ -3932,8 +3621,8 @@ bool DbNonDefaultRuleDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
-DbTechSameNetRuleDescriptor::DbTechSameNetRuleDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db)
-    : db_(db)
+DbTechLayerRuleDescriptor::DbTechLayerRuleDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db)
+    : BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbTechLayerRule>(db)
 {
 }
 
@@ -3958,10 +3647,9 @@ void DbTechLayerRuleDescriptor::highlight(std::any object,
 {
 }
 
-Descriptor::Properties DbTechLayerRuleDescriptor::getProperties(
-    std::any object) const
+Descriptor::Properties DbTechLayerRuleDescriptor::getDBProperties(
+    odb::dbTechLayerRule* rule) const
 {
-  auto* rule = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechLayerRule*>(object);
   auto* gui = Gui::get();
 
   Properties props;
@@ -3974,26 +3662,9 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbTechLayerRuleDescriptor::getProperties(
   props.push_back({"Width", Property::convert_dbu(rule->getWidth(), true)});
   props.push_back({"Spacing", Property::convert_dbu(rule->getSpacing(), true)});
 
-  populateODBProperties(props, rule);
-
   return props;
 }
 
-Selected DbTechLayerRuleDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
-{
-  if (auto rule = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechLayerRule*>(&object)) {
-    return Selected(*rule, this);
-  }
-  return Selected();
-}
-
-bool DbTechLayerRuleDescriptor::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
-{
-  auto l_rule = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechLayerRule*>(l);
-  auto r_rule = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechLayerRule*>(r);
-  return l_rule->getId() < r_rule->getId();
-}
-
 bool DbTechLayerRuleDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 {
   return false;
@@ -4001,6 +3672,11 @@ bool DbTechLayerRuleDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
+DbTechSameNetRuleDescriptor::DbTechSameNetRuleDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db)
+    : BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbTechSameNetRule>(db)
+{
+}
+
 std::string DbTechSameNetRuleDescriptor::getName(std::any object) const
 {
   auto* rule = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechSameNetRule*>(object);
@@ -4023,10 +3699,9 @@ void DbTechSameNetRuleDescriptor::highlight(std::any object,
 {
 }
 
-Descriptor::Properties DbTechSameNetRuleDescriptor::getProperties(
-    std::any object) const
+Descriptor::Properties DbTechSameNetRuleDescriptor::getDBProperties(
+    odb::dbTechSameNetRule* rule) const
 {
-  auto* rule = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechSameNetRule*>(object);
   auto* gui = Gui::get();
 
   Properties props({{"Tech", gui->makeSelected(db_->getTech())}});
@@ -4037,26 +3712,9 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbTechSameNetRuleDescriptor::getProperties(
   props.push_back({"Spacing", Property::convert_dbu(rule->getSpacing(), true)});
   props.push_back({"Allow via stacking", rule->getAllowStackedVias()});
 
-  populateODBProperties(props, rule);
-
   return props;
 }
 
-Selected DbTechSameNetRuleDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
-{
-  if (auto rule = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechSameNetRule*>(&object)) {
-    return Selected(*rule, this);
-  }
-  return Selected();
-}
-
-bool DbTechSameNetRuleDescriptor::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
-{
-  auto l_rule = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechSameNetRule*>(l);
-  auto r_rule = std::any_cast<odb::dbTechSameNetRule*>(r);
-  return l_rule->getId() < r_rule->getId();
-}
-
 bool DbTechSameNetRuleDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 {
   return false;
@@ -4064,14 +3722,14 @@ bool DbTechSameNetRuleDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
-DbSiteDescriptor::DbSiteDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db) : db_(db)
+DbSiteDescriptor::DbSiteDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db)
+    : BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbSite>(db)
 {
 }
 
 std::string DbSiteDescriptor::getName(std::any object) const
 {
-  auto* site = getSite(object);
-  return site->getName();
+  return getObject(object)->getName();
 }
 
 std::string DbSiteDescriptor::getTypeName() const
@@ -4098,8 +3756,18 @@ void DbSiteDescriptor::highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const
 
 Descriptor::Properties DbSiteDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
 {
-  auto* site = getSite(object);
+  Properties props = BaseDbDescriptor::getProperties(object);
+
+  if (auto site = std::any_cast<SpecificSite>(&object)) {
+    props.push_back({"Index", site->index_in_row});
+  }
 
+  return props;
+}
+
+Descriptor::Properties DbSiteDescriptor::getDBProperties(
+    odb::dbSite* site) const
+{
   Properties props;
 
   props.push_back({"Width", Property::convert_dbu(site->getWidth(), true)});
@@ -4119,20 +3787,16 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbSiteDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
   }
   props.push_back({"Symmetry", symmetry});
 
-  if (auto site = std::any_cast<SpecificSite>(&object)) {
-    props.push_back({"Index", site->index_in_row});
-  }
-
-  populateODBProperties(props, site);
-
   return props;
 }
 
 Selected DbSiteDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
 {
-  if (auto site = std::any_cast<odb::dbSite*>(&object)) {
-    return Selected(*site, this);
+  Selected site_selected = BaseDbDescriptor::makeSelected(object);
+  if (site_selected) {
+    return site_selected;
   }
+
   if (auto site = std::any_cast<SpecificSite>(&object)) {
     return Selected(*site, this);
   }
@@ -4141,10 +3805,8 @@ Selected DbSiteDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
 
 bool DbSiteDescriptor::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
 {
-  auto l_site = getSite(l);
-  auto r_site = getSite(r);
-  if (l_site->getId() < r_site->getId()) {
-    return true;
+  if (!isSpecificSite(l) && !isSpecificSite(r)) {
+    return BaseDbDescriptor::lessThan(l, r);
   }
 
   const odb::Rect l_rect = getRect(l);
@@ -4163,7 +3825,7 @@ bool DbSiteDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
   return true;
 }
 
-odb::dbSite* DbSiteDescriptor::getSite(const std::any& object) const
+odb::dbSite* DbSiteDescriptor::getObject(const std::any& object) const
 {
   odb::dbSite* const* site = std::any_cast<odb::dbSite*>(&object);
   if (site != nullptr) {
@@ -4189,7 +3851,8 @@ bool DbSiteDescriptor::isSpecificSite(const std::any& object) const
 
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
-DbRowDescriptor::DbRowDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db) : db_(db)
+DbRowDescriptor::DbRowDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db)
+    : BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbRow>(db)
 {
 }
 
@@ -4217,9 +3880,8 @@ void DbRowDescriptor::highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const
   painter.drawRect(row->getBBox());
 }
 
-Descriptor::Properties DbRowDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
+Descriptor::Properties DbRowDescriptor::getDBProperties(odb::dbRow* row) const
 {
-  auto* row = std::any_cast<odb::dbRow*>(object);
   auto* gui = Gui::get();
 
   Properties props({{"Block", gui->makeSelected(row->getBlock())},
@@ -4237,27 +3899,9 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbRowDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
   props.push_back(
       {"Site spacing", Property::convert_dbu(row->getSpacing(), true)});
 
-  populateODBProperties(props, row);
-
   return props;
 }
 
-Selected DbRowDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
-{
-  if (auto row = std::any_cast<odb::dbRow*>(&object)) {
-    return Selected(*row, this);
-  }
-  return Selected();
-}
-
-bool DbRowDescriptor::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
-{
-  auto l_row = std::any_cast<odb::dbRow*>(l);
-  auto r_row = std::any_cast<odb::dbRow*>(r);
-
-  return l_row->getId() < r_row->getId();
-}
-
 bool DbRowDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 {
   auto* block = db_->getChip()->getBlock();
@@ -4272,7 +3916,7 @@ bool DbRowDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
 DbMarkerCategoryDescriptor::DbMarkerCategoryDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db)
-    : db_(db)
+    : BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbMarkerCategory>(db)
 {
 }
 
@@ -4310,10 +3954,9 @@ void DbMarkerCategoryDescriptor::highlight(std::any object,
   }
 }
 
-Descriptor::Properties DbMarkerCategoryDescriptor::getProperties(
-    std::any object) const
+Descriptor::Properties DbMarkerCategoryDescriptor::getDBProperties(
+    odb::dbMarkerCategory* category) const
 {
-  auto* category = std::any_cast<odb::dbMarkerCategory*>(object);
   auto* gui = Gui::get();
 
   Properties props;
@@ -4358,22 +4001,6 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbMarkerCategoryDescriptor::getProperties(
   return props;
 }
 
-Selected DbMarkerCategoryDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
-{
-  if (auto category = std::any_cast<odb::dbMarkerCategory*>(&object)) {
-    return Selected(*category, this);
-  }
-  return Selected();
-}
-
-bool DbMarkerCategoryDescriptor::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
-{
-  auto l_category = std::any_cast<odb::dbMarkerCategory*>(l);
-  auto r_category = std::any_cast<odb::dbMarkerCategory*>(r);
-
-  return l_category->getId() < r_category->getId();
-}
-
 bool DbMarkerCategoryDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 {
   auto* block = db_->getChip()->getBlock();
@@ -4387,7 +4014,8 @@ bool DbMarkerCategoryDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////
 
-DbMarkerDescriptor::DbMarkerDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db) : db_(db)
+DbMarkerDescriptor::DbMarkerDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db)
+    : BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbMarker>(db)
 {
 }
 
@@ -4415,9 +4043,9 @@ void DbMarkerDescriptor::highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const
   paintMarker(marker, painter);
 }
 
-Descriptor::Properties DbMarkerDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
+Descriptor::Properties DbMarkerDescriptor::getDBProperties(
+    odb::dbMarker* marker) const
 {
-  auto* marker = std::any_cast<odb::dbMarker*>(object);
   auto* gui = Gui::get();
 
   Properties props;
@@ -4475,22 +4103,6 @@ Descriptor::Properties DbMarkerDescriptor::getProperties(std::any object) const
   return props;
 }
 
-Selected DbMarkerDescriptor::makeSelected(std::any object) const
-{
-  if (auto marker = std::any_cast<odb::dbMarker*>(&object)) {
-    return Selected(*marker, this);
-  }
-  return Selected();
-}
-
-bool DbMarkerDescriptor::lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const
-{
-  auto l_marker = std::any_cast<odb::dbMarker*>(l);
-  auto r_marker = std::any_cast<odb::dbMarker*>(r);
-
-  return l_marker->getId() < r_marker->getId();
-}
-
 bool DbMarkerDescriptor::getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const
 {
   auto* block = db_->getChip()->getBlock();
diff --git a/src/gui/src/dbDescriptors.h b/src/gui/src/dbDescriptors.h
index 34c3eb1dd1..f38ab4e00b 100644
--- a/src/gui/src/dbDescriptors.h
+++ b/src/gui/src/dbDescriptors.h
@@ -52,7 +52,25 @@ namespace gui {
 
 // Descriptor classes for OpenDB objects.  Eventually these should
 // become part of the database code generation.
-class DbTechDescriptor : public Descriptor
+template <typename T>
+class BaseDbDescriptor : public Descriptor
+{
+ public:
+  BaseDbDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db);
+
+  Properties getProperties(std::any object) const override;
+
+  Selected makeSelected(std::any object) const override;
+  bool lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const override;
+
+ protected:
+  odb::dbDatabase* db_;
+
+  virtual T* getObject(const std::any& object) const;
+  virtual Properties getDBProperties(T* object) const = 0;
+};
+
+class DbTechDescriptor : public BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbTech>
 {
  public:
   DbTechDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db);
@@ -63,17 +81,13 @@ class DbTechDescriptor : public Descriptor
 
   void highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const override;
 
-  Properties getProperties(std::any object) const override;
-  Selected makeSelected(std::any object) const override;
-  bool lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const override;
-
   bool getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const override;
 
- private:
-  odb::dbDatabase* db_;
+ protected:
+  Properties getDBProperties(odb::dbTech* tech) const override;
 };
 
-class DbBlockDescriptor : public Descriptor
+class DbBlockDescriptor : public BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbBlock>
 {
  public:
   DbBlockDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db);
@@ -84,17 +98,13 @@ class DbBlockDescriptor : public Descriptor
 
   void highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const override;
 
-  Properties getProperties(std::any object) const override;
-  Selected makeSelected(std::any object) const override;
-  bool lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const override;
-
   bool getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const override;
 
- private:
-  odb::dbDatabase* db_;
+ protected:
+  Properties getDBProperties(odb::dbBlock* block) const override;
 };
 
-class DbInstDescriptor : public Descriptor
+class DbInstDescriptor : public BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbInst>
 {
  public:
   DbInstDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db, sta::dbSta* sta);
@@ -107,14 +117,14 @@ class DbInstDescriptor : public Descriptor
 
   bool isInst(std::any object) const override;
 
-  Properties getProperties(std::any object) const override;
   Actions getActions(std::any object) const override;
   Editors getEditors(std::any object) const override;
-  Selected makeSelected(std::any object) const override;
-  bool lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const override;
 
   bool getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const override;
 
+ protected:
+  Properties getDBProperties(odb::dbInst* inst) const override;
+
  private:
   void makeMasterOptions(odb::dbMaster* master,
                          std::vector<EditorOption>& options) const;
@@ -124,11 +134,10 @@ class DbInstDescriptor : public Descriptor
                       const std::any& value,
                       bool is_x) const;
 
-  odb::dbDatabase* db_;
   sta::dbSta* sta_;
 };
 
-class DbMasterDescriptor : public Descriptor
+class DbMasterDescriptor : public BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbMaster>
 {
  public:
   DbMasterDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db, sta::dbSta* sta);
@@ -139,24 +148,22 @@ class DbMasterDescriptor : public Descriptor
 
   void highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const override;
 
-  Properties getProperties(std::any object) const override;
-  Selected makeSelected(std::any object) const override;
-  bool lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const override;
-
   bool getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const override;
 
   static void getMasterEquivalent(sta::dbSta* sta,
                                   odb::dbMaster* master,
                                   std::set<odb::dbMaster*>& masters);
 
+ protected:
+  Properties getDBProperties(odb::dbMaster* master) const override;
+
  private:
   void getInstances(odb::dbMaster* master, std::set<odb::dbInst*>& insts) const;
 
-  odb::dbDatabase* db_;
   sta::dbSta* sta_;
 };
 
-class DbNetDescriptor : public Descriptor
+class DbNetDescriptor : public BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbNet>
 {
  public:
   struct NetWithSink
@@ -180,16 +187,17 @@ class DbNetDescriptor : public Descriptor
 
   bool isNet(std::any object) const override;
 
-  Properties getProperties(std::any object) const override;
   Editors getEditors(std::any object) const override;
   Actions getActions(std::any object) const override;
-  Selected makeSelected(std::any object) const override;
-  bool lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const override;
+  Selected makeSelected(std::any obj) const override;
 
   bool getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const override;
 
+ protected:
+  odb::dbNet* getObject(const std::any& object) const override;
+  Properties getDBProperties(odb::dbNet* net) const override;
+
  private:
-  odb::dbDatabase* db_;
   sta::dbSta* sta_;
 
   using Node = odb::dbWireGraph::Node;
@@ -220,13 +228,12 @@ class DbNetDescriptor : public Descriptor
   const std::set<odb::dbNet*>& guide_nets_;
   const std::set<odb::dbNet*>& tracks_nets_;
 
-  odb::dbNet* getNet(const std::any& object) const;
   odb::dbObject* getSink(const std::any& object) const;
 
   static const int max_iterms_ = 10000;
 };
 
-class DbITermDescriptor : public Descriptor
+class DbITermDescriptor : public BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbITerm>
 {
  public:
   DbITermDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db,
@@ -239,19 +246,18 @@ class DbITermDescriptor : public Descriptor
 
   void highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const override;
 
-  Properties getProperties(std::any object) const override;
   Actions getActions(std::any object) const override;
-  Selected makeSelected(std::any object) const override;
-  bool lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const override;
 
   bool getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const override;
 
+ protected:
+  Properties getDBProperties(odb::dbITerm* iterm) const override;
+
  private:
-  odb::dbDatabase* db_;
   std::function<bool(void)> usingPolyDecompView_;
 };
 
-class DbBTermDescriptor : public Descriptor
+class DbBTermDescriptor : public BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbBTerm>
 {
  public:
   DbBTermDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db);
@@ -262,19 +268,16 @@ class DbBTermDescriptor : public Descriptor
 
   void highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const override;
 
-  Properties getProperties(std::any object) const override;
   Editors getEditors(std::any object) const override;
   Actions getActions(std::any object) const override;
-  Selected makeSelected(std::any object) const override;
-  bool lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const override;
 
   bool getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const override;
 
- private:
-  odb::dbDatabase* db_;
+ protected:
+  Properties getDBProperties(odb::dbBTerm* bterm) const override;
 };
 
-class DbBPinDescriptor : public Descriptor
+class DbBPinDescriptor : public BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbBPin>
 {
  public:
   DbBPinDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db);
@@ -285,17 +288,13 @@ class DbBPinDescriptor : public Descriptor
 
   void highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const override;
 
-  Properties getProperties(std::any object) const override;
-  Selected makeSelected(std::any object) const override;
-  bool lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const override;
-
   bool getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const override;
 
- private:
-  odb::dbDatabase* db_;
+ protected:
+  Properties getDBProperties(odb::dbBPin* bpin) const override;
 };
 
-class DbMTermDescriptor : public Descriptor
+class DbMTermDescriptor : public BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbMTerm>
 {
  public:
   DbMTermDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db,
@@ -308,18 +307,16 @@ class DbMTermDescriptor : public Descriptor
 
   void highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const override;
 
-  Properties getProperties(std::any object) const override;
-  Selected makeSelected(std::any object) const override;
-  bool lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const override;
-
   bool getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const override;
 
+ protected:
+  Properties getDBProperties(odb::dbMTerm* mterm) const override;
+
  private:
-  odb::dbDatabase* db_;
   std::function<bool(void)> usingPolyDecompView_;
 };
 
-class DbViaDescriptor : public Descriptor
+class DbViaDescriptor : public BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbVia>
 {
  public:
   DbViaDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db);
@@ -330,17 +327,13 @@ class DbViaDescriptor : public Descriptor
 
   void highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const override;
 
-  Properties getProperties(std::any object) const override;
-  Selected makeSelected(std::any object) const override;
-  bool lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const override;
-
   bool getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const override;
 
- private:
-  odb::dbDatabase* db_;
+ protected:
+  Properties getDBProperties(odb::dbVia* via) const override;
 };
 
-class DbBlockageDescriptor : public Descriptor
+class DbBlockageDescriptor : public BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbBlockage>
 {
  public:
   DbBlockageDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db);
@@ -351,18 +344,15 @@ class DbBlockageDescriptor : public Descriptor
 
   void highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const override;
 
-  Properties getProperties(std::any object) const override;
   Editors getEditors(std::any object) const override;
-  Selected makeSelected(std::any object) const override;
-  bool lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const override;
 
   bool getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const override;
 
- private:
-  odb::dbDatabase* db_;
+ protected:
+  Properties getDBProperties(odb::dbBlockage* blockage) const override;
 };
 
-class DbObstructionDescriptor : public Descriptor
+class DbObstructionDescriptor : public BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbObstruction>
 {
  public:
   DbObstructionDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db);
@@ -373,18 +363,15 @@ class DbObstructionDescriptor : public Descriptor
 
   void highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const override;
 
-  Properties getProperties(std::any object) const override;
   Actions getActions(std::any object) const override;
-  Selected makeSelected(std::any object) const override;
-  bool lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const override;
 
   bool getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const override;
 
- private:
-  odb::dbDatabase* db_;
+ protected:
+  Properties getDBProperties(odb::dbObstruction* obs) const override;
 };
 
-class DbTechLayerDescriptor : public Descriptor
+class DbTechLayerDescriptor : public BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbTechLayer>
 {
  public:
   DbTechLayerDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db);
@@ -395,14 +382,10 @@ class DbTechLayerDescriptor : public Descriptor
 
   void highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const override;
 
-  Properties getProperties(std::any object) const override;
-  Selected makeSelected(std::any object) const override;
-  bool lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const override;
-
   bool getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const override;
 
- private:
-  odb::dbDatabase* db_;
+ protected:
+  Properties getDBProperties(odb::dbTechLayer* layer) const override;
 };
 
 // The ap doesn't know its location as it is associated the master and
@@ -443,7 +426,7 @@ class DbTermAccessPointDescriptor : public Descriptor
   odb::dbDatabase* db_;
 };
 
-class DbGroupDescriptor : public Descriptor
+class DbGroupDescriptor : public BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbGroup>
 {
  public:
   DbGroupDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db);
@@ -454,17 +437,13 @@ class DbGroupDescriptor : public Descriptor
 
   void highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const override;
 
-  Properties getProperties(std::any object) const override;
-  Selected makeSelected(std::any object) const override;
-  bool lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const override;
-
   bool getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const override;
 
- private:
-  odb::dbDatabase* db_;
+ protected:
+  Properties getDBProperties(odb::dbGroup* group) const override;
 };
 
-class DbRegionDescriptor : public Descriptor
+class DbRegionDescriptor : public BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbRegion>
 {
  public:
   DbRegionDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db);
@@ -475,17 +454,13 @@ class DbRegionDescriptor : public Descriptor
 
   void highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const override;
 
-  Properties getProperties(std::any object) const override;
-  Selected makeSelected(std::any object) const override;
-  bool lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const override;
-
   bool getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const override;
 
- private:
-  odb::dbDatabase* db_;
+ protected:
+  Properties getDBProperties(odb::dbRegion* region) const override;
 };
 
-class DbModuleDescriptor : public Descriptor
+class DbModuleDescriptor : public BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbModule>
 {
  public:
   DbModuleDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db);
@@ -497,19 +472,16 @@ class DbModuleDescriptor : public Descriptor
 
   void highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const override;
 
-  Properties getProperties(std::any object) const override;
-  Selected makeSelected(std::any object) const override;
-  bool lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const override;
-
   bool getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const override;
 
- private:
-  odb::dbDatabase* db_;
+ protected:
+  Properties getDBProperties(odb::dbModule* module) const override;
 
+ private:
   void getModules(odb::dbModule* module, SelectionSet& objects) const;
 };
 
-class DbTechViaDescriptor : public Descriptor
+class DbTechViaDescriptor : public BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbTechVia>
 {
  public:
   DbTechViaDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db);
@@ -521,17 +493,13 @@ class DbTechViaDescriptor : public Descriptor
 
   void highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const override;
 
-  Properties getProperties(std::any object) const override;
-  Selected makeSelected(std::any object) const override;
-  bool lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const override;
-
   bool getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const override;
 
- private:
-  odb::dbDatabase* db_;
+ protected:
+  Properties getDBProperties(odb::dbTechVia* via) const override;
 };
 
-class DbTechViaRuleDescriptor : public Descriptor
+class DbTechViaRuleDescriptor : public BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbTechViaRule>
 {
  public:
   DbTechViaRuleDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db);
@@ -543,17 +511,14 @@ class DbTechViaRuleDescriptor : public Descriptor
 
   void highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const override;
 
-  Properties getProperties(std::any object) const override;
-  Selected makeSelected(std::any object) const override;
-  bool lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const override;
-
   bool getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const override;
 
- private:
-  odb::dbDatabase* db_;
+ protected:
+  Properties getDBProperties(odb::dbTechViaRule* via_rule) const override;
 };
 
-class DbTechViaLayerRuleDescriptor : public Descriptor
+class DbTechViaLayerRuleDescriptor
+    : public BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbTechViaLayerRule>
 {
  public:
   DbTechViaLayerRuleDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase*);
@@ -565,17 +530,15 @@ class DbTechViaLayerRuleDescriptor : public Descriptor
 
   void highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const override;
 
-  Properties getProperties(std::any object) const override;
-  Selected makeSelected(std::any object) const override;
-  bool lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const override;
-
   bool getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const override;
 
- private:
-  odb::dbDatabase* db_;
+ protected:
+  Properties getDBProperties(
+      odb::dbTechViaLayerRule* via_layer_rule) const override;
 };
 
-class DbMetalWidthViaMapDescriptor : public Descriptor
+class DbMetalWidthViaMapDescriptor
+    : public BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbMetalWidthViaMap>
 {
  public:
   DbMetalWidthViaMapDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db);
@@ -587,17 +550,14 @@ class DbMetalWidthViaMapDescriptor : public Descriptor
 
   void highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const override;
 
-  Properties getProperties(std::any object) const override;
-  Selected makeSelected(std::any object) const override;
-  bool lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const override;
-
   bool getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const override;
 
- private:
-  odb::dbDatabase* db_;
+ protected:
+  Properties getDBProperties(odb::dbMetalWidthViaMap* via_map) const override;
 };
 
-class DbGenerateViaDescriptor : public Descriptor
+class DbGenerateViaDescriptor
+    : public BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbTechViaGenerateRule>
 {
  public:
   DbGenerateViaDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db);
@@ -609,17 +569,14 @@ class DbGenerateViaDescriptor : public Descriptor
 
   void highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const override;
 
-  Properties getProperties(std::any object) const override;
-  Selected makeSelected(std::any object) const override;
-  bool lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const override;
-
   bool getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const override;
 
- private:
-  odb::dbDatabase* db_;
+ protected:
+  Properties getDBProperties(odb::dbTechViaGenerateRule* via) const override;
 };
 
-class DbNonDefaultRuleDescriptor : public Descriptor
+class DbNonDefaultRuleDescriptor
+    : public BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbTechNonDefaultRule>
 {
  public:
   DbNonDefaultRuleDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db);
@@ -631,19 +588,17 @@ class DbNonDefaultRuleDescriptor : public Descriptor
 
   void highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const override;
 
-  Properties getProperties(std::any object) const override;
-  Selected makeSelected(std::any object) const override;
-  bool lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const override;
-
   bool getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const override;
 
- private:
-  odb::dbDatabase* db_;
+ protected:
+  Properties getDBProperties(odb::dbTechNonDefaultRule* rule) const override;
 };
 
-class DbTechLayerRuleDescriptor : public Descriptor
+class DbTechLayerRuleDescriptor : public BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbTechLayerRule>
 {
  public:
+  DbTechLayerRuleDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db);
+
   std::string getName(std::any object) const override;
   std::string getTypeName() const override;
 
@@ -651,14 +606,14 @@ class DbTechLayerRuleDescriptor : public Descriptor
 
   void highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const override;
 
-  Properties getProperties(std::any object) const override;
-  Selected makeSelected(std::any object) const override;
-  bool lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const override;
-
   bool getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const override;
+
+ protected:
+  Properties getDBProperties(odb::dbTechLayerRule* rule) const override;
 };
 
-class DbTechSameNetRuleDescriptor : public Descriptor
+class DbTechSameNetRuleDescriptor
+    : public BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbTechSameNetRule>
 {
  public:
   DbTechSameNetRuleDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db);
@@ -670,17 +625,13 @@ class DbTechSameNetRuleDescriptor : public Descriptor
 
   void highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const override;
 
-  Properties getProperties(std::any object) const override;
-  Selected makeSelected(std::any object) const override;
-  bool lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const override;
-
   bool getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const override;
 
- private:
-  odb::dbDatabase* db_;
+ protected:
+  Properties getDBProperties(odb::dbTechSameNetRule* rule) const override;
 };
 
-class DbSiteDescriptor : public Descriptor
+class DbSiteDescriptor : public BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbSite>
 {
  public:
   struct SpecificSite
@@ -705,15 +656,17 @@ class DbSiteDescriptor : public Descriptor
 
   bool getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const override;
 
- private:
-  odb::dbDatabase* db_;
+ protected:
+  odb::dbSite* getObject(const std::any& object) const override;
+  Properties getDBProperties(odb::dbSite* site) const override;
 
+ private:
   odb::dbSite* getSite(const std::any& object) const;
   odb::Rect getRect(const std::any& object) const;
   bool isSpecificSite(const std::any& object) const;
 };
 
-class DbRowDescriptor : public Descriptor
+class DbRowDescriptor : public BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbRow>
 {
  public:
   DbRowDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db);
@@ -725,17 +678,14 @@ class DbRowDescriptor : public Descriptor
 
   void highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const override;
 
-  Properties getProperties(std::any object) const override;
-  Selected makeSelected(std::any object) const override;
-  bool lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const override;
-
   bool getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const override;
 
- private:
-  odb::dbDatabase* db_;
+ protected:
+  Properties getDBProperties(odb::dbRow* row) const override;
 };
 
-class DbMarkerCategoryDescriptor : public Descriptor
+class DbMarkerCategoryDescriptor
+    : public BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbMarkerCategory>
 {
  public:
   DbMarkerCategoryDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db);
@@ -747,17 +697,13 @@ class DbMarkerCategoryDescriptor : public Descriptor
 
   void highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const override;
 
-  Properties getProperties(std::any object) const override;
-  Selected makeSelected(std::any object) const override;
-  bool lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const override;
-
   bool getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const override;
 
- private:
-  odb::dbDatabase* db_;
+ protected:
+  Properties getDBProperties(odb::dbMarkerCategory* category) const override;
 };
 
-class DbMarkerDescriptor : public Descriptor
+class DbMarkerDescriptor : public BaseDbDescriptor<odb::dbMarker>
 {
  public:
   DbMarkerDescriptor(odb::dbDatabase* db);
@@ -769,16 +715,12 @@ class DbMarkerDescriptor : public Descriptor
 
   void highlight(std::any object, Painter& painter) const override;
 
-  Properties getProperties(std::any object) const override;
-  Selected makeSelected(std::any object) const override;
-  bool lessThan(std::any l, std::any r) const override;
-
   bool getAllObjects(SelectionSet& objects) const override;
 
   void paintMarker(odb::dbMarker* marker, Painter& painter) const;
 
- private:
-  odb::dbDatabase* db_;
+ protected:
+  Properties getDBProperties(odb::dbMarker* marker) const override;
 };
 
 };  // namespace gui
diff --git a/src/gui/src/mainWindow.cpp b/src/gui/src/mainWindow.cpp
index 51e957182b..76b8a957c8 100644
--- a/src/gui/src/mainWindow.cpp
+++ b/src/gui/src/mainWindow.cpp
@@ -515,7 +515,7 @@ void MainWindow::init(sta::dbSta* sta)
   gui->registerDescriptor<odb::dbTechNonDefaultRule*>(
       new DbNonDefaultRuleDescriptor(db_));
   gui->registerDescriptor<odb::dbTechLayerRule*>(
-      new DbTechLayerRuleDescriptor());
+      new DbTechLayerRuleDescriptor(db_));
   gui->registerDescriptor<odb::dbTechSameNetRule*>(
       new DbTechSameNetRuleDescriptor(db_));
   gui->registerDescriptor<odb::dbSite*>(new DbSiteDescriptor(db_));