Overview
A collection groups materially similar components that vary by size and/or color.
Think of a collection as one product type, not one size. Every component inside it is the same kind of part; only dimensions and finish change.
Example: under Fittings, a collection named Regular Tension Bands holds regular tension bands in different sizes and colors. It would not include beveled tension bands or heavy duty tension bands. Those are different products and belong in their own collections.
Where in the app: Sidebar → Fence → My Components → section → category
Open: My Components
How collections fit in the hierarchy
Section → Category → Collection → Component
Categories name the part role (Fittings). Collections name the materially similar product line (Regular Tension Bands). Components are the specific size and color SKUs (1-7/8" Galvanized, 2-3/8" Black).
What belongs in one collection
Put components together when they are the same product in different sizes or colors.
| Belongs together | Separate collections |
|---|---|
| Regular tension bands: 1-7/8" galv, 1-7/8" black, 2-3/8" galv, 2-3/8" black | Regular vs Beveled vs Heavy Duty tension bands |
| Sch 40 posts: different diameters, lengths, and finishes of Sch 40 pipe | Sch 40 posts vs Sch 80 posts |
If the part is materially different (different profile, grade, or product line from your vendor), start a new collection.
Every component in a collection must differ from the others by at least one dimension (diameter, length, width, gauge, and similar) and/or by color. Two identical SKUs do not belong in the same collection.
How large can a collection be?
A collection can hold a large number of components as long as each one varies by size and/or color.
Example: a Sch 40 Posts collection under Pipe could include every Sch 40 post you stock across diameters, lengths, and finishes:
- 1-5/8" x 8 ft Galvanized
- 2-3/8" x 10 ft Black
- 2-7/8" x 12 ft Galvanized
- and many more
That single collection could contain hundreds of components. That is valid when every row is a distinct size or color combination of Sch 40 post.
If a broad collection becomes hard to browse or manage, split it into narrower collections. Same material family, tighter scope:
| Broader collection | More specific collections |
|---|---|
| Sch 40 Posts (all diameters and lengths) | 2-3/8" Sch 40 Posts (lengths and colors for that diameter only) |
| Regular Tension Bands (all sizes) | 1-7/8" Regular Tension Bands, 2-3/8" Regular Tension Bands |
Choose the level that matches how your team finds and bulk-edits parts. There is no required limit on component count inside one collection.
Collection attributes
Every collection has a collection attribute — a required setting that describes what kind of parts live in the collection and which dimensions matter. You choose it when you create or edit a collection (Add Collection → Collection Attribute).
The attribute controls two things:
- Adding components — which size fields appear on each component (post diameter, length, height, gate opening, and similar).
- Fence templates — how Dirt Face auto-matches components to each height and color variation when you pick this collection on the Posts, Components, or Gates steps.
Pick the attribute that best matches the product line. If you choose the wrong one, components may miss size fields or fail to auto-match on templates.
Available attributes
| Attribute | Use for | Typical examples |
|---|---|---|
| Fits around terminal / gate posts | Hardware that wraps or mounts on terminal and gate posts (not line posts) | Tension bands, brace bands, post caps, some gate brackets |
| Available for different fence heights | Same spec, different fence heights | Chain link fabric, tension bars, mesh, panels, slats, pickets, boards |
| Top rail / full length pipe | Full-length rail or pipe stock | Chain link top rail, continuous pipe (not posts cut to length) |
| Posts | Vertical posts for any fence type | Line posts, terminal posts, gate posts (by diameter and length) |
| Gates | Complete gate units | Swing, slide, roll, cantilever gates (by opening and height) |
| Lumber / vinyl profiles | Dimensional lumber or full-length vinyl extrusions | Rails, stringers, profiles (not posts, slats, or pickets) |
| Default | Everything else; variations usually color only | Screws, bags of concrete, generic hardware |
When you add or edit a collection, click the ? help icon next to Collection Attribute to open this article in the help drawer (same definitions as the table above).
Size fields on components
Each attribute defines up to three size dimensions stored on every component in the collection:
| Dimension | Common meaning (depends on attribute) |
|---|---|
| Size 1 | Post diameter, min gate opening, depth, and similar |
| Size 2 | Rail diameter, max gate opening, width, and similar |
| Size 3 | Length, height, gate height, and similar |
When you add a component, the form shows only the fields required for that collection’s attribute. Fill them in inches (unless your workflow uses another consistent unit). Components in the same collection should use the same attribute semantics so sizes stay comparable.
How attributes drive template auto-match
When you select a collection in the template wizard (Posts, Components, or Gates), Dirt Face builds a row for each height × color combination on the template and tries to find a matching component in the collection.
| Attribute behavior | Auto-match logic |
|---|---|
| Color (all attributes) | Component color must match the template color name exactly |
| Fence height (posts, varies by height, gates) | Component height/length must match the fence height for that variation (posts can optionally pick the next taller length when enabled) |
| Diameter / profile only (terminal hardware, top rail, lumber) | You select diameter or profile in the modal; match uses color plus the sizes you chose |
| Default | Usually color only — no height-based filtering |
That is why Posts collections use the Posts attribute, tension band collections use Fits around terminal / gate posts, and fabric collections use Available for different fence heights. The template builder relies on the attribute to know which component dimensions to compare.
If auto-match shows Component Not Found, the part may be missing from the catalog, in the wrong collection, or missing the height/color/diameter the attribute expects. See Template Step: Posts — troubleshooting.
Choosing the right attribute
| If the collection holds… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Tension bands, bands, caps on terminal/gate posts | Fits around terminal / gate posts |
| Fabric, mesh, panels, pickets that change with fence height | Available for different fence heights |
| Top rail or full-length pipe | Top rail / full length pipe |
| Posts (any fence type) | Posts |
| Prefab or field-built gate units | Gates |
| Lumber or vinyl profile stock | Lumber / vinyl profiles |
| Nuts, bolts, bags, items that only vary by color | Default |
Warning: Collection attributes are hard to change after components and templates depend on them. Pick carefully when the collection is created. If you must change it, verify every component’s size fields and re-check fence templates that use the collection.
Attribute and collection naming work together
The attribute describes behavior (how sizes and template matching work). The collection name describes what product line it is (Regular Tension Bands, Sch 40 Posts). Both should align — a Sch 40 post collection should use Posts, not Default.
When to create a collection
Create a collection when you have multiple SKUs that:
- Are the same product type (regular tension band, Sch 40 post, standard dome cap)
- Differ only by size, length, diameter, gauge, or color/finish
- Would clutter the category if listed without grouping
Single SKUs with no variants can sit in a small collection or a general bucket (Misc Fittings).
Example
Chain Link → Fittings → Regular Tension Bands:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| 1-7/8" Galvanized | Regular tension band, 1-7/8", galvanized |
| 1-7/8" Black | Regular tension band, 1-7/8", black |
| 2-3/8" Galvanized | Regular tension band, 2-3/8", galvanized |
| 2-3/8" Black | Regular tension band, 2-3/8", black |
Beveled tension bands and heavy duty tension bands are not in this collection. Create separate collections for each product type.
My Fences templates pick the component that matches size and color on the takeoff line.
Example: posts in one or many collections
Broad: Pipe → Sch 40 Posts holds all Sch 40 diameters, lengths, and colors in one collection.
Narrow: If 2-3/8" posts alone are enough to manage separately, add a 2-3/8" Sch 40 Posts collection with only that diameter in different lengths and colors (8 ft Galvanized, 10 ft Black, 12 ft Galvanized, and so on).
Both approaches are correct. Use the structure that is easiest for your shop.
Create a collection
- Open My Components and open a section and category.
- Click Add Collection.
- Name the collection for the product type (Regular Tension Bands, Beveled Tension Bands, Sch 40 Posts), not for one size or color.
- Select the collection attribute that matches the parts (see Collection attributes).
- Add components inside the collection and fill in the size fields the attribute requires.
Smart Import and Dirt Face Warehouse imports often create collections from how rows are grouped in the source file.
Naming tips
- Name the collection for the product line: Regular Tension Bands, Sch 40 Posts, 2-3/8" Sch 40 Posts (when you split by diameter)
- Put full size and color on the component (1-5/8" x 8 ft Galvanized), not in the collection name unless the collection is scoped to one diameter
- Match vendor catalog language when possible
- Set the collection attribute when the collection is created — it affects every component and fence template that uses the collection