I'm reorganizing my Categories again!
Ron Knights
Posts: 1,805
Once again I decided to start from scratch, and organize my own Categories. Jack Daniels on the Rocks makes the job more bearable. But perhaps I need a nap?!
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I'm considering categorizing mine for the first time (ugh) because I can't find anything half the time. Any suggestions on the best category configuration? I know a number of people here have done it. Might as well take the plunge (maybe dress in a go go outfit to make it more fun!)
Good luck on that, Ron.
I'd recommend that you think about your usual work flow, and then go from there.
For example, I have various top categories, like "Clothing", "Hair", "People", "Environment", "Poses". Inside those, I have sub-categories. For example, the Clothing category has sub-categories for each of the Generations - Generation 3, Generation 4, Genesis 1, Genesis 2, Genesis 3.
Below that comes a sub-folder for the male & female, and below that, I have various "genres", like Acessories, Suits/Business, Skimp. Into those, I file the product folder. I also add materials and poses that come with the product to that folder, so I have everything for that product in one place. This makes finding content easier, and faster, especially when you think about old style content that is split up into three different folders.
Of course, when you start out "fresh", it is a ton of work. But on the bright side, once you are done, you just need to sort in new content when you install it.
I started manually installing Poser stuff in 1999. Those were the days before DAZ Studio and DIM. I've adopted a method that works for me. Here's an updated example. I start with a Category like Genesis 3 Male. Then I divide that into Characters G3M, Clothes G3M, Hair G3M, MATS G3M, Poses G3M, Props G3M.
My approach to clothing is simple. I don't divide into clothing categories. I just use the name of the outfit, and usually add a "modifier". Wild Bikini G3F, etc. I also categorize things that go together. If there is a "foot pose" that goes with an outfit, I rename it accordingly, and categorize it so. Example: Winston Dress, Winston Dress Pose.
That's what I like about categories, everyone can create the system that serves them best.
For my system, I start out with the person, and then need clothes and hair. I often use clothes across generations and genders, same with hair and poses. So the type is more important than the generation, hence I reverse the order there.
In any case, I hope that you'll be able to set up your system without a hitch.
BeeMKay, I'm glad you found what works for you.
In my case, this "Categories" project is much easier than installing manually & totally moving all the stuff around so it makes sense to me. I've found a few weird things happening with the Categories. Some things don't show up.
I've most likely quit for the night. I ran out of Jack Daniels, and switched to Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey, That was supposed to be a Christmas present for my Dad. Guess I'll need to get him something else.
It's almost time to watch TV anyway.
I asked this same question recently. Here are posts that may give you some ideas for categories.
Categories 1
Categories 2
Categories 3
Edit: Oops! I just noticed that you @Llynara had already replied to those posts. Sorry! Maybe they will be helpful to someone else who visits this page.
My categories are quite simple. For example, I have People, broken down by Genesis 2 Female (etc), then Characters, Clothes, Hair, MATS, Poses. I don't break down the clothes into "types" such as Inner Wear, etc.
How's your categorizing endeavure coming along? Progressing smoothly?
Actually I believe I'm done. Now I just need to find energy to Make Art!
It's all good! I haven't had a chance to get back to those posts and actually categorize everything. And more stuff keeps ending up in my runtime! Ack!
They were. Thanks.
Also just as important: be sure to make backups! Right click on the "Content library" pane, select the "Content DB maintenance" option and then check "Export user data". This will ensure that if you need to then you can re-import this data again using the same menu option, but this time selecting "re-import meta data".
Figured I'd mention this because I too have spend weeks on customizing my categories as well as importing non-Daz contents into my smart contents pane (so both categorizing them, but also adding the required metadata to create associations). It's a lot of work, but oh so rewarding in my opinion. Especially if you ensure that you keep backups so you don't risk having to do it all again after some weird glitch :)
Super! Glad to hear it.