What are the Classify views for?

This view, accessible from the Views button on the toolbar, can be used for sorting images and organizing them in predefined categories. When you use Classify View, you are actually modifying the content of metadata field number 225: Classify state. This topic deals with the two predefined classify views, Basic and Refined, which are included when installing FotoStation. These views can, for instance, be used to perform the initial classification of pictures you have imported from your camera - approving the pictures you plan to keep and rejecting those you don't.

Classifying images

When you start classifying new files in an archive, they are normally unclassified, i.e. the metadata field number 225 is empty, and all files are shown in the Unclassified column. You can move files between classes by dragging and dropping them from one category to another, or by using the shortcut keys for each class. Normally, this is the Ctrl key (Option key on the Mac) together with a digit. If moving of columns is enabled, you can also drag and drop the columns to change the order they appear.

When you move a file from one column to another, the value of that image’s Classify state field is updated to correspond with the column’s header.

Tip: You can select a file in the Unclassified category and press the Spacebar to open a preview of the file in full screen. Use the Spacebar to select the files you want while scrolling through the unclassified files. When you're finished, press Escape to return to the grid and drag the entire selection to Approved. Those files not selected will remain in the Unclassified column and can be quickly selected and dragged to Rejected, or you can delete them immediately.

Changing classification types

By using the FotoStation program configuration you can create your own Classify views with custom headers that reflect your way of working. For more information, see Creating custom classify views.