Create the Initial Field-Path Definition

Creating an initial Field-Path definition maps key document properties to specific levels in the folder structure of a vault. The values of these properties are then used to create new folders as necessary to store the documents as they are created or imported.

The properties that you want to use in the Field-Path definition must already exist. For information on creating properties, see Create And Edit Custom Properties.

Changing the initial Field-Path definition of a vault with existing documents requires that all documents be in a released state before they can be moved to new locations. This may not be practical and you should consider using the Change Definition command described in Change the Field-Path Definition instead.

Important!

Changing the initial Field-Path definition of a vault with many existing documents requires that Meridian recalculate the path of every document and possibly move the document, which can take a long time in a large vault. For these reasons, this task should only be performed during non-production hours when no users are connected to the vault.

To create the Field-Path definition:

  1. In Configurator, on the Vault menu, point to Field-Path and then click Define Initial Definition.

    A dialog box opens, asking you to confirm your choice.

  2. Click Yes.

    The Define Initial Definition dialog box appears showing the current Field-Path folder structure.

  3. In the folder structure, click an existing level below which you want to add a new level or branch and then click the New Level button A line between a gleam of light and a rectangle..

    The Add Level dialog box appears.

  4. In the Property list, click the name of an existing property to control the names of the folders created at the selected level of the vault.

    Each property may be used more than once in the Field-Path definition.

  5. Click a level type, either Normal level or Branch root.

  6. Click OK.

    If you selected Normal level in the Add Level dialog, a new level is added to Current folder structure and the property's name appears as the default in the Property list.

  7. Click options or type values using the descriptions in the following table.

    If you selected Branch root in the Add Level dialog, the Branches for <PropertyName> dialog box appears.

    1. Type branch names in Add branch and click the Add button to add them to the list of predefined folder names.

      These names will be used for the subfolders that are created within the branch root property that you selected in step 4.

      Click the Remove button to remove a branch name.

      Click the Rename button to rename a branch name.

    2. When you are finished adding branch names, click Close .

      The specified branches appear below the branch root in Current folder structure.

    3. Select each new branch and then select the folder types that may be created by users at that level.

    Field-Path level options
    Option Description

    Property

    If necessary, select a different property to assign to the selected level.

    Default folder type

    Select the default folder type for this level. This option is cleared when a branch root is selected.

    Applied folder types

    Select the folder types that may be selected by users for new folders they create manually at this level. This option is cleared when a branch root is selected.

    Icon

    Select an icon to display for the folders at this level. This option is cleared when a branch root is selected.

  8. Use the buttons on the toolbar to add and arrange additional levels and branches to create the desired folder structure.

    The buttons are described in the following table.

    Define Initial Definition dialog toolbar buttons
    Icon Description

    A blue arrow curling counter-clockwise.

    Refreshes the Current folder structure view

    A line between a gleam of light and a rectangle.

    Adds a new branch or level

    A blue up arrow. A blue down arrow.

    Moves the selected level up or down within the Field-Path definition

    A red x.

    Deletes the selected level from the Field-Path definition

  9. Click OK.

    A dialog box opens, asking you to confirm your choice.

  10. Click Yes.

    The new Field-Path definition is saved and existing documents are moved to new locations, if necessary.

2023