Manual for PM6+: Collections

[Jon Paul Davidson]

Please help me find a description of how to use PM6+.  I want to use the "Collections" feature but have only been able to find: <https://docs.camerabits.com/support/solutions/articles/48001078321-photo-mechanic-plus-collections>

I need a clear description of how to both title and delete a Collection which includes images from several keyword searches.  I also want to know how to delete single images from a Collection and make sure they are not deleted from the whole database:   Am I correct  that a "Collection" is simply pointers to items that are in the database, and that anything done in "Collections" does not affect the original (even though the items are displayed in a contact sheet window the same as the originals were.) ?  



Although I have spent well over an hour searching I also cannot figure out how to delete what I don’t want  listed in the Collections window  (see screenshot attached).

Bottom line I need  much more detailed information about how Collections work in order to use them efficiently and effectively.

[Marziah]

I'll go through the whole article and see how I can make it clearer. It looks like it's pretty basic so it probably needs to be either expanded or linked to existing articles. This is really good feedback.

You're correct that these are pointers and adding or deleting photos from collections does not move or change the original photos. Removing photos from a collection won't delete them from their parent catalog or delete the original. Did you want to remove the whole "untitled" collection? Right-click on the name of the collection you want to remove and select Remove collection 'untitled'. It won't affect the photos themselves at all.

[Kirk Baker]

John Paul,

Please help me find a description of how to use PM6+.  I want to use the "Collections" feature but have only been able to find: <https://docs.camerabits.com/support/solutions/articles/48001078321-photo-mechanic-plus-collections>

The documentation is currently undergoing improvement based on your feedback.

I need a clear description of how to both title and delete a Collection which includes images from several keyword searches.

To set the title of a collection: select the collection, then right-click on the collection and choose "Rename Collection <collection name>", then enter your text and press enter.  You can press 'escape' if you change your mind.

To delete a collection: select the collection, then right-click on the collection and choose "Remove Collection <collection name>".  A confirmation dialog will appear.  Confirming the dialog will delete the collection and all of its sub-collections (if any).  No photos will be removed from the catalog.  No photos will be deleted.  You can choose "No" in the confirmation dialog if you change your mind.

I also want to know how to delete single images from a Collection and make sure they are not deleted from the whole database.

Right-click on an image in the Collection contact sheet and choose "Remove from Collection: <collection name>".  It will be removed from the collection, but not the catalog, nor will the actual image be deleted.

Am I correct  that a "Collection" is simply pointers to items that are in the database, and that anything done in "Collections" does not affect the original (even though the items are displayed in a contact sheet window the same as the originals were.) ?

Correct.

Bottom line I need  much more detailed information about how Collections work in order to use them efficiently and effectively.

It's coming.  Until then, see my above instructions and let me know if something is unclear.

-Kirk

[Jon Paul Davidson]

Yes, Marziah, Those "Untitled" collections got put there while I was experimenting.  Your explanation gives me confidence that I can continue working to refine my collection.  I think that reassurance should be put in the explanation of Collections. 
I also noticed when adding selected files to the collection, the info window that shows as the process is underway tells me that a certain even number of thousands of "metadata" out of another more precise number are being added. (wish I could include a screenshot but the window flashes so fast that I can’t get a screenshot of it unless adding a huge # of files) The first number is always a rounded off number in the thousands, and the second is different(smaller) from the number of files displayed at the bottom of the contact sheet in which I have selected "all".  I am assuming that is because some of the selected files are already in the collection and the process sees duplicate file names, therefore not duplicating the files already there. 
I think this might be explained somewhere;  My suggestion is that a complete explanation of how the process works could be put in a link in the manual (which I assume you are planning to make available soon), so as not to overwhelm those who don't really want to know all that detail but make it available to those (like me) who want to know what is happening.  Thanks. - Jon D

[Jon Paul Davidson]

Thanks, Kirk.  I'm waiting for the big new manual!!-Jon D