> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ushahidi.com/platform-user-manual/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ushahidi.com/platform-user-manual/3.-configuring-your-deployment/3.5-categories.md). # 3.5 Categories *** Categories are a way of grouping your posts based on their content within a Survey.\ The setup in this guide is demonstrated in the below video as well. You can watch and follow the guide at the same time! *** ### Video setup guide {% hint style="info" %} Video coming soon {% endhint %} *** ### Setup Guide To access the Categories configuration page, on the sidebar, click on ***Settings***

*** Then, click on ***Categories.*** You’ll be redirected to a page where you can manage categories on your deployment.

*** ## 3.5.1 Adding and Configuring Categories Unlike previous Ushahidi platform, your deployment **DOES NOT** come with pre installed/set-up categories. You will need to create this on your new Ushahidi deployment. Categories are now treated as custom fields within a Survey. This gives you the flexibility to add certain categories to some surveys, but not others. There are two ways to create new categories. ***First way to create categories:*** Navigate to ***Settings → Categories.*** Click on the ***Add Category button*** as shown below.

Click on 'Add Category' button to add a category.

*** ***Add the following details to the form*** * ***Category Name:*** Give your category a name that will appear on your homepage and when users are creating new posts. * ***Description:*** You can provide a brief description of what kind of information you will fall under this category * ***Child / parent settings***: You can choose to set any category as a “child” to another, creating a hierarchy within the categories themselves, and will reflect this in their positioning on the sidebar. * **Default language:** Click on the drop down menu to select your preferred default language * ***Roles***: You can opt to set your category as visible to specific user roles on your deployment here. This list is populated based on custom roles created. More on [Roles here](/platform-user-manual/4.-managing-people-on-your-deployment/4.1-roles.md). In the upper right corner of the category page, you will see the default language that your deployment is currently in.

Add Category Form - to add the necessary details, such as name, description, translation. — Add Category Form - to add the necessary details, such as name, description

*** You can ***translate the category*** into other languages. To do that: * Click on ***Add*** ***translation*** at the upper right-hand corner of category form. * A pop-up module will appear on your screen, check/select the language(s) you want to translate to. * Click on Add to finish.

Select a language you want to translate your content to.

*** You will be redirected to a page with the translatable content in the default language and fields where you can add your translations.

Spanish was the language selected for translation

*** ***Next:*** * On the empty fields, translate the category name and description details into the chosen language e.g in the above image the default language is English and the added language is Spanish. * Click Save when all is done to create the category. You can now choose to add this category to any of your Surveys. * In the dropdown (inside the form), you will see the available languages the category has been translated into.

All the available languages that the content has been translated to are shown.

*** \ \&#xNAN;***Second way to create categories:*** Add categories as custom fields as you build and edit Surveys. First, navigate to **Settings → Surveys,** and either select the already existing Survey you’d like to edit, or create a new Survey. Click on ***Add field*** button in the survey builder/form and select **Categories** from the list of field options.

*** ***Configure the following*** * ***Name:*** Name or prompt for your category survey field * ***Field description:*** Optional description for the category * ***Which labels should be available:*** Select which categories you’d like to add to the field as options

Adding a category as a field to a survey. "Add field" modal.

Click ***save*** to save your new categories field. It will now appear as a custom field with the appropriate categories on your Survey form. *** ## 3.5.2 Editing Categories To edit a category, click on the desired category from the category list page.

Select a category's checkbox from the categories list in the Settings -> Categories page to edit it.

*** You’ll get redirected to the ***Edit Category*** page, where you should be able to add/edit details as described in the [adding categories section](/platform-user-manual/3.-configuring-your-deployment/3.5-categories.md#3-5-1-adding-and-configuring-categories) above.

Edit Categories Form - Save your changes with the save button — Edit Category Form - Save your changes with the save button

When done, click on ***Save***, and your changes will reflect shortly. *** ## 3.5.3 Deleting Categories You can delete one or multiple categories at a time. ***To delete a single category:*** * Click on the category as if you want to edit the category * Find the ***delete button*** at the bottom of the form

Deleting a single category - delete category button highlighted

A pop up box will appear on the top of the page, prompting you to confirm whether you would like to delete the category/categories. * Click on ***Yes, delete*** to delete your category/categories * If you’d like to cancel the category deletion process, click on ***No, go back***

Warning message to delete single Category

*** **To delete multiple categories:** * Click on bulk actions from the Categories list page in settings * Then click on the ***Delete*** button or icon

Highlighted: trash (delete) button on the to of the categories list.

Select the checkboxes in the category list corresponding to categories you wish to delete. Click the trash button on the top menu bar to delete.