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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.

MainImage is a reserved code

MainImage is a reserved, built-in file type code present in every tenant. Unlike other image types, it maps to the dedicated main image field on the product/variant entity rather than being stored as a generic file-type-tagged entry. Any other image groupings you see in Admin (e.g. "Default Images", "Secondary Model Images") are client-configured custom file types — check this page for their actual codes.

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