Editing meta data for smart content

jakobrh

I've before, with success, created meta data for 'Smart Content' pane for other products, and noticed how DAZ saves metadata in a .dsx file in plain text.

So now I'm trying to do some clean up in the folder structure in my 'Content Library'. (All the different spellings of the same word. Clothes, clothing, etc.)
OK. Move the folders and/or .duf-files and image files around and job done Right?... Wrong!... The product's shortcuts are now broken in Smart Content pane. And in the 'Content Library' pane all the thumbnails have lost their category label. (Prop, Scene, Matererial etc.)
Allright. Then edit the .dsx-file for that product... Restart of DAZ and the computer. When I try to edit metadata for that product all paths and filenames match what the folder structure is like. But 'Smart Content' still can't find the files. I get a pop-up message "Could not load fil. File does not exist"

Am I missing a detail or am I completely of track.

So far I've only messed with one product. So reinstall should be easy.

Richard Haseltine

DS does not, as I understand it, refer to the .dsx file directly in day-to-day use, it uses the data in the database. The .dsx file is read only when reimporting metadata. I would not recommend hand editing the .dsx files - I tried that and broke the databse (admitedly back in the Valentina days).

NorthOf45

Basically, the database is looking for the original files and can't find them. Re-importing the modified metadata should set that straight.

Editing metadata support files can be tricky, but if you have a text editor that can check xml syntax, you can avoid basic errors. Assuming it is correct, re-import the metadata for that product from DIM or with Content DB Maintenance. DIM is faster if doing just one product, but just Re-Import Metadata, don't re-install. Problem is, DIM will not know where the files have been moved to (it doesn't check the database, it undoes what it originally installed), and if you ever re-install the product, the original will go back where it was (leaving behind the parts that were renamed or moved), and overwrite the metadata.

If you want to go to such lengths, it would be better to re-package the archives with the structure you want, edit the manifest.dsx to reflect the changes, replace the metadata support file (check your path and file references), and install the new version (after un-installing the original).  At least you can keep track of your files, and re-install when needed, for whatever reason, no hunting for wayward files. Content Package Assist is made for just this kind of process (paid product).

jakobrh

Thanks. Re-importing the meta data did what I needed.

Re-package sound like a lot of work. But I think I'll go for it, with those product that need it.