Item Categories
Learn how categories help streamline browsing and filtering, and distinguish between categories, tags, and locations.
Page Overview
What Categories Do
A category describes what kind of object an item fundamentally is. For example, a camera belongs to Electronics, a scarf to Clothing, and a screwdriver to Tools.
Categories make lists easier to browse and allow you to quickly filter down items across your entire forest. If an exact category match isn’t available, select the closest broader category or customize your categories in Category Management later.
Categories vs. Tags vs. Locations
Imagine cataloging a digital camera kept in your study and used on trips:
- Category answers “What is it?”: Digital Camera or Electronics.
- Location answers “Where is it?”: Study / Camera Shelf.
- Tags answer “Under what themes do I want to find it?”:
#travel,#photography.
An item typically has one primary category, can carry multiple tags, and resides in a specific physical location. Avoid creating brand-new categories simply to express temporary activities or projects—use tags instead.
Selecting Categories When Adding Items
Tap the category area in the item form and choose the closest fit. If you’re not sure, pick a broader category like “Home Essentials” or “Electronics”. Choosing a category may reveal specific custom attributes tailored to that item type (like brand, model, or expiry date).
When to Create Custom Categories or Attributes
Consider custom fields only when you find yourself repeatedly recording the same unique detail across multiple items of the same kind (e.g., shoe sizes, coffee roast profiles, lens mounts).
Remember: the more fields you add, the more information you will need to fill out when adding items. Only keep attributes you truly consult or search by. See Categories & Custom Attributes.
Beginner FAQ
What if I cannot find an exact category?
Pick a broader category for now. You can adjust your category taxonomy anytime in More > Category Management.
Can a category substitute for a location?
No. Categories tell you what an item is, not where to physically retrieve it. To locate items quickly in real life, assign a Woodland and Location.