# File Types

The File Types page manages both image types and file types in a unified interface, providing flexible media classification for your product catalog. This system allows you to define how different file formats are handled and presented throughout Norce Commerce.

## Overview

File types in Norce serve multiple purposes:

- **Image management**: Define how image formats (JPEG, PNG, GIF) are processed and displayed
- **File classification**: Set up handling for documents, videos, and other media files
- **Display control**: Determine whether files are presented as images or downloadable blobs
- **External integration**: Support for embedded content and external links


## Built-in File Types

Norce includes several pre-configured file types that cover common use cases, for example:

### Image Types

- **JPEG**: Standard web image format
- **PNG**: High-quality images with transparency support
- **GIF**: Animated and simple graphics


### File Types

- **PDF**: Document files
- **MP4**: Video files
- **Embedded**: External links (not uploaded files)


These built-in types serve as the foundation for creating custom file types tailored to your specific needs.

## Creating Custom File Types

### Required Fields

To create a new file type:

- **Name**: Display name for the file type
- **Code**: Unique identifier for the file type
- **Base Type**: Select from available built-in types
- **Description**: Optional explanatory text


### Configuration Process

1. Navigate to the File Types page
2. Click to create a new type
3. Set the name and unique code
4. Select one of the built-in base types
5. Add a description if needed
6. Configure language translations using the flag icons
7. Save your changes


### Language Support

File types support multiple languages:

- Use the flag icons in the upper right to switch between cultures
- Translate names and descriptions for each language
- Maintain consistent file type identification across markets


## File Type Management

### List View Operations

The file types list provides several management options:

#### Deletion

- Click the remove button to delete a file type
- **Important**: Deletion is immediate and permanent, if there are any files already using the type you will get a warning.
- No recycle bin or restoration option available, you need to create the type again.


#### Sorting

- Drag and drop types to reorder them
- Save the sort order when finished
- This order affects both admin tool display and API responses


### Admin Tool vs. API Behavior

While the admin tool separates file and image types into different tabs for better organization, the underlying system treats them as a unified list:

- **Admin tool**: Displays separate tabs for files and images
- **APIs**: Return all types in a single, sorted list
- **Sort order**: What you set in the file types listing is the actual order for API responses


## Integration with Products

### Product Page Integration

File types appear automatically in:

- Image tabs on product pages
- File tabs on product pages
- Upload dialogs and file selection interfaces


### Excel Import/Export

- File types are included as possible columns in exports.
- Custom types can be used in bulk import operations
- Maintains consistency between manual and batch operations


## Display Behavior

### Image Presentation

Files assigned to image-based types are:

- Displayed as images in the front-end
- Processed through image optimization pipelines
- Available for thumbnail generation


### Blob Presentation

Files assigned to non-image types are:

- Treated as downloadable files
- Not processed as images
- Presented as file links or download buttons


### Embedded Content

The embedded type handles:

- External links rather than uploaded files
- Integration with third-party content
- References to external media sources


## Best Practices

### Naming Conventions

- Use clear, descriptive names
- Keep codes simple and consistent
- Ensure translations are accurate across languages


### Type Organization

- Group related file types logically
- Document the purpose of custom types for team reference


### Missing base Types

If you need file format support that isn't covered by the built-in types:

- Contact Norce support for assistance
- Provide details about your specific requirements
- New base types may be added to support your use case