[Solved] How to set asset type in "Content Library"

rames44

Suppose that I save a "scene subset" into my Daz Studio Formats area.  If I do this, the icon for the asset shows a small green rectangle with "Set" inside it.  Similar if I save a Pose, or a Hierarchical Material Preset or whatever - the asset type is shown.

However, if I move that .duf file and its corresponding .duf.png file to a different folder, the annotation that shows what type of asset it is goes away.

How do I get that back?  I thought maybe that was the function of "Categorize..." but it doesn't seem to work.  The original "scene subset" (with the annotation) had "Saved Scenes >> Set" checked when I looked under "Categorize...", but setting that same check mark on a different asset doesn't make it display the asset type annotation.

I know I'd figured out how to do this "back when," but I can't remember how I did it.

Any help from the experts?

I'm running 4.21.0.5.

NorthOf45

Moving the files breaks the link to the metadata. You need to go to the new folder in Content Library, right-click and "Edit Metadata..." There you can specify Asset Type and add / remove / change any Categories, Compatibilities, and Compatibility Bases.

Dartanbeck

Icon Creator Pro can add any tag you like and can also render any icon you like as well. Very handy tool!

Dartanbeck

Optionally, if you don't want to go that route, you could simply load the item from its new location and save it as the type you want it to be back into that same, new location. Should work.

Dartanbeck

My bad. Icon Creator Pro doesn't have those tags included. Bummer.

It does, however, offer the ability to add custom images. When I get to it, I'm going to make my own set that I can add to my stuff.

FYI - if you have RenderQueue 2, it has this option as well, though not as robust as Icon Creator Pro

crosswind

I use an example in here... saved a Subset of a BallCap. Pls check the attached screenshot 1 and 2 to understand the mechanics behind the issue.

If you use File Browser to move the duf / png files to another folder, the cms record in screenshot 2 will remain. When you move the files back to the original Subset folder, the icon in the corner will be back. But if you use 'Cut' and 'Paste' function in Content Library to 'move' it, the cms record will be deleted.  You may follow northof45's way to edit folder's metadata and reassign a content type for the item you moved.

Richard Haseltine

You could also use the ruight-click menus in DS to cut and paste the file to its new location, which will update the metadata.

crosswind

Richard Haseltine said:

You could also use the ruight-click menus in DS to cut and paste the file to its new location, which will update the metadata.

No, it won't... and the item record will be deleted in database.

ShelLuser

rames44 said:

However, if I move that .duf file and its corresponding .duf.png file to a different folder, the annotation that shows what type of asset it is goes away.

How do I get that back?  I thought maybe that was the function of "Categorize..." but it doesn't seem to work. 

As others have said: this is because it's metadata that defines the 'type' of a physical file, move the file and the metadata becomes obsolete.

But since you already mentioned categorize... why not use the smart contents pane to sort out your items? When set up right smart contents can be a lot easier & quicker to access than the content library is. And it's simple: all that's required for an item to pop up in your smart contents pane is having a file type assigned (the already mentioned metadata) as well as a category. Assigning a category basically determines where the entry will pop up within your smart contents.

And it's a lot easier to "move" items around in there: just right click and use "Categorize". Find the right location (or create a new one!) and you're all set. The best part is that you won't risk disrupting anything.

This is why I always rely on both content panes: smart & library side by side because using both of them can give you the best overall access.

 

Just for the record (and because I'm in the mood)... adding a 3rd party asset to 'smart contents' can be as easy as this:

• Find the asset within your content library pane; doesn't matter if this is located within a Daz Studio or Poser library format.
• Check that you see the asset (and can also drag it into your viewport (remember to keep alt pressed for more control!))...
• If things work as intended righ click on the folder name and select "Edit metadata...".
• Find the item in the now shown list, click on it to select it, then click the "menu button" behind "Type" (see the middle of the screen, left side). This should be pretty self explaining:  Actor for figures, Follower (need to expand) for hair and clothing, Preset (also needs expanding) for material presets and Prop for... yah: props ;)
• When done click "Accept" at the bottom to leave this window.
• Now you should see a small "marker" appear on the file; this is proof that you assigned metadata to it.
• Next step: right click on the file, then use "Categorize". Find an appropriate place within your category list.

And that's it... if you follow these steps then your item will easily show up within smart contents where you can move things around as much as you like.

Maybe food for thought?

Richard Haseltine

crosswind said:

Richard Haseltine said:

You could also use the ruight-click menus in DS to cut and paste the file to its new location, which will update the metadata.

No, it won't... and the item record will be deleted in database.

Hmm, true - and the same with copy/paste. It used to work, I hadn't tested it this time but I have on previous occasions when the question has been asked.

crosswind

Richard Haseltine said:

crosswind said:

Richard Haseltine said:

You could also use the ruight-click menus in DS to cut and paste the file to its new location, which will update the metadata.

No, it won't... and the item record will be deleted in database.

Hmm, true - and the same with copy/paste. It used to work, I hadn't tested it this time but I have on previous occasions when the question has been asked.

I vaguely had the memory as well that it used to work but it fails now. Maybe we submit a ticket? 

Richard Haseltine

crosswind said:

Richard Haseltine said:

crosswind said:

Richard Haseltine said:

You could also use the ruight-click menus in DS to cut and paste the file to its new location, which will update the metadata.

No, it won't... and the item record will be deleted in database.

Hmm, true - and the same with copy/paste. It used to work, I hadn't tested it this time but I have on previous occasions when the question has been asked.

I vaguely had the memory as well that it used to work but it fails now. Maybe we submit a ticket? 

Please do.

rames44

NorthOf45 said:

Moving the files breaks the link to the metadata. You need to go to the new folder in Content Library, right-click and "Edit Metadata..." There you can specify Asset Type and add / remove / change any Categories, Compatibilities, and Compatibility Bases.

THAT's the magic.  The folder, not the object.  Thank you!