Folder view instead of search for Content Library pane

missuskisses

Ever since I installed Daz, my Content Library pane has defaulted to a search panel. I've seen tutorials where the Content Library pane shows up as a folder view instead of a search view, but for the life of me, I can't figure out how to do that, nor can I find any forum posts that address this. Anybody able to help? Thanks so much!

SixDs

"my Content Library pane has defaulted to a search panel"

I'm not certain what you mean. Could you post a screenshot of the Content Library tab for us? Normally, with the content library tab selected, a search dialogue will automatically be available at the top, but the various content categories should appear in the main view below that. You may choose to change this view by clicking on the little arrow with the four lines icon in the top corner which will present several options. There is no "folder view" option available if you are referring to a Windows folder tree or other OS directory tree, since the content library is not showing your hard drive contents, but the records in the DAZ Studio database by category that is derived from the files found in your specified content folder(s).

jestmart

Content Library does not use the database, it sound like you have accidentally collapsed the pane.  Check if the 'crossbar' just below the search is doubled up and if is click the bottom bars arrow to expand.

Chohole

It is correct to say that a collapsed Container/Asset View Divider in the Content Library pane is likely the cause for what the user is seeing. It is incorrect to say that the Content Library pane does not use the database; portions of the Content Library pane do not use the database, while other portions use it quite extensively.
 

 

Knittingmommy

More than likely, you've accidentally closed that window.  In the middle of the Content pane, off to the side, is a little bar.  Clicking it opens and closes part of the pane.  I've included screenshots.  If this isn't your problem, please upload a screenshot with the problem you are having.  Screenshots are always helpful in diagnosing problems.  :)

missuskisses

Accidentally closing the window sounds like something I would do. But, alas, here is a screenshot of my Daz program. There's nothing to the left to reopen the window. I removed the Content Library pane then readded it, and same--cannot seem to open the window.

 

missuskisses

Also, thanks for everyone chiming in to help on this issue.

 

Knittingmommy

Ah, it looks like DS can't find your directory.  If you click on Edit>Preferences under the main menu, that will bring up a dialog box with some tabs across the top. 

Click on the tab that says Content.  Down at the bottom, there is a button that says Content Directory Manager.  Click on that and it will bring up another dialog box where you can tell DS where your content is if you installed via DIM.

If you plan to install just using Connect, then Login under the Connect option on the main menu and any content that you've purchased should show under the Install tab ready for download once you've logged in.

missuskisses

Thanks again, Knittingmommy. Not sure that's it, though. I followed your steps, but Daz already had the right folders selected. My search pane also works--it can find content. Just can't find the file folder view.

 

Edited to add: I also went to Edit > Preferences and clicked on the Restore Factory Defaults in the Interface tab, then restarted Daz. Same problem... 

SpottedKitty

gelato_1e7b59fbcf said:

There's nothing to the left to reopen the window.

That's because it's at the top — look again directly below the search bar, you'll see a doubled-up tiny little button. Click on the lower one (I think) and your folder view will reappear. If that doesn't work, try the upper one.

Remember, the D|S interface is customisable like you wouldn't believe; there are options to have everything arranged sideways or top-to-bottom, just right-click on the options button (top right of the Content Library pane) to see all the variations.

missuskisses

Yup, and there it is! Thanks, SpottedKitty. Now, for the follow-up question: How do I customize it to appear on the left instead of the top?

And another question, as in my quest to find the folder view, I accidentally deleted the "main" line of icons (the first line of icons below the File/Edit/etc. menu). Can't get it back the way I deleted it (unchecking the "Main" button upon right clicking)...

Thanks to all for your help and patience!!

Knittingmommy

Ah, SpottedKitty could be right.  I didn't even see that.  Try clicking here where I've circled on your screenshot.

SpottedKitty

gelato_1e7b59fbcf said:

Now, for the follow-up question: How do I customize it to appear on the left instead of the top?

The answer to that depends on whether you're comfortable with the vertical alignment of the Content Library pane. If you switch to horizontal, that means the left-side pane group will be much wider, and take away a lot more screen real estate from the Viewport in the middle. That's why I have all panes vertically aligned, and all pane labels at the top, to give me maximum Viewport space.

This is what my layout looks like:

SixDs

The answer is back in my original post, gelato. "You may choose to change this view by clicking on the little arrow with the four lines icon in the top corner which will present several options."  Choose "side by side" forKnittingmommy's preference, or "list" for SpottedKitty's.

missuskisses

Thank you all!