Setting Up Inheritance from Folder Cards

When you add information to a folder card, that information can be inherited as a default value into files or items that are added to the folder (or a subfolder).

  • The card layout is always inherited to subfolders of where the card is saved; you do not have to resave the card to each folder.
  • Values stored in a folder card are always inherited to subfolders, until the value is changed in a subfolder.
  • If a user moves or copies a folder from one location to another, the folder card layout of the target folder is used instead. Any variable values stored for the folder that match variables of cards in the target folder appear in the new layout. Default values (except serial numbers) are not regenerated; they are only updated when new folders are added.

This example describes how to modify a folder card so that files can inherit the name of the Division that is associated with a folder named Projects.

To set up inheritance from a folder card:

  1. In Windows File Explorer, create the folder Projects in the vault.
  2. In the Card Editor, open the default Folder Card that is saved to the root of the vault.
  3. Modify the card with a new project-specific edit control that is linked to the Division variable.
  4. Select File > Save As.
  5. In the Save Card dialog box:
    1. Browse to the Projects folder.
    2. Ensure that the card type is Folder card.
    3. Click Save.
  6. Open the file card for Microsoft office files and add an edit box.
  7. In the Edit-box properties pane, under Default Value, select Folder data card variable. Select Division as the folder data card variable that should be inherited by this control on the office file data card.
  8. Select File > Save As.
  9. In the Save Card dialog box:
    1. Browse to the Projects folder.
    2. Ensure that the card type is File card and that the Microsoft office extensions are listed.
    3. Click Save.
  10. In Windows File Explorer, create a new subfolder in the Projects directory and fill in the Division field on the folder card.

When a user adds a .doc or .docx file to the newly created folder, its file card inherits the value of the control on the folder card.