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directus/docs/guides/collections.md
2020-10-06 16:19:36 -04:00

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# Collections
> You can manage your collections within the Data Model section of the App's Settings, via the [API Collections Endpoint](#), or directly within the database. If you're unfamiliar with Directus Collections, please start by reading our [Understanding Collections](#) docs.
## Creating a Collection
1. Navigate to **Settings > Data Model**
2. Click the **Create Collection** action button in the header
3. Enter a unique **Collection Name**, keeping in mind that this is entered as a _key_ that determines the database table name, and is then presented in the App using the [Title Formatter](#).
4. Optional: Configure the collection's **Primary Key** name and type.
* Auto-Incremented Integer
* Generated UUID
* Manually Entered String
4. Optional: Enable and rename any desired **System Fields**.
* Status
* Sort
* Created On
* Created By
* Updated On
* Updated By
5. Click the **Finish Setup** button
:::danger Immutable Keys
The collection name, primary key name/type, and system field names can not be modified after the collection is created.
:::
::: Database Tables
Keep in mind that Directus Collections are just a database tables. Therefore you can import or create a table directly in the database, and it will automatically appear within Directus. The first time you manage that table, a `directus_collections` record will be created with default values.
:::
## Configuring a Collection
### Fields & Layout
* [Creating a Field](#)
* [Updating a Field](#)
* [Deleting a Field](#)
* [Duplicating a Field](#)
* [Changing Field Order & Layout](#)
### Collection Setup
* **Collection Name** — This is the key for the collection. It can not be modified, but you can override it with Translations (see below)
* **Icon** — The icon used throughout the App when referencing this collection
* **Note** — A helpful note that explains the collection's purpose
* **Display Template** — A [Field Template](#) used to create dynamic titles for the collection's items
* **Hidden** — Toggles if the collection should be globally hidden. Keep in mind that Admin roles can always see all collections.
* **Singleton** — Is this collection will only contain a single item (eg: an "About Us" form). When enabled, the [Collection Detail](#) will be bypassed, and users are taken directly to the [Item Detail](#) page.
* **Translation** — Allows translating the collection name into different languages. These [Schema Translations](#) are important for multilingual projects. You can also "translate" a collection name into the default language — helpful for renaming technical table names.
### Archive
The archive feature allows you to enable the collection with a custom soft-delete option. Soft-delete allows users to remove items from the App, but maintains the actual database record for easy recovery.
* **Archive Field** — The field that holds the archive value
* **Archive App Filter** — Allows users to view archived items
* **Archive Value** — The value saved in the Archive Field when archived
* **Unarchive Value** — The value saved in the Archive Field when unarchived
:::warning API Responses
Items that have been archived are still returned normally via the API. It is up to you to filter them out as needed.
:::
::: Status Field
When creating a new Collection, you have the option of creating an optional "Status" field. If you choose to include this field, the collection's archive settings will automatically be configured for you.
:::
### Sort
The sort feature enables manual drag-and-drop item reordering within the Directus App. This is typically shown on the [Collection Detail](#) page/modal, and can also be used for sorting items within a [Junction Table](#).
::: Sort Field
When creating a new Collection, you have the option of creating an optional "Sort" field. If you choose to include this field, the collection's sort settings will automatically be configured for you.
:::
## Deleting a Collection
1. Navigate to **Settings > Data Model > [Collection Name]**
2. Click the red **Delete Collection** action button in the header
3. Confirm this decision by clicking **Delete** in the dialog
:::danger Irreversible Change
This action is permanent and can not be undone. Please proceed with caution.
:::