Overview
A category groups components by part type within a catalog section. Categories answer: what kind of physical part is this?
They also define a scope for bulk edits (for example update all Fittings in Chain Link) and keep the section browsable when building fence templates.
Examples in a Chain Link section: Pipe, Gates, Fittings, Fabric.
Where in the app: Sidebar → Fence → My Components → open a catalog section
Open: My Components
How categories fit in the hierarchy
Section → Category → Collection → Component
Costs and SKUs live on components. Categories and collections are folders for navigation and organization.
Naming categories
Use names your estimators and installers already use for parts. Categories make it easier to find components and to bulk-update costs for one part type.
| Section example | Typical categories |
|---|---|
| Chain Link | Pipe, Gates, Fittings, Fabric, Tension Bars |
| Vinyl | Posts, Panels, Rails, Caps, Hardware |
| Acme Gate Hardware | Hinges, Latches, Handles, Stops |
| Concrete & Anchors | Bags & Mix, Anchors, Admix |
Keep names consistent when the same part type appears in different sections (Posts, Hardware, Gates).
Create a category
- Open My Components and select a catalog section.
- Click Add Category.
- Enter a category name.
- Save, then add collections and components inside it.
How many categories to use
Enough to find parts quickly. Most sections use roughly 5–12 categories covering the main part roles for that material or vendor line.
If a category would only ever hold one SKU, merge it with a related category or use a broader name.