# Collection Object Types **URL:** \ **Category:** Data Entry\ **Tags:** Specify-7, Members-only\ **Created:** [March 10, 2025, 5:00am UTC](https://speciforum.org/t/collection-object-types/2227 "2025-03-10T05:00:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Grant](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/speciforum.org/grant/32/4255_2.png) [@Grant](https://speciforum.org/u/Grant)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2025, 5:00am UTC](https://speciforum.org/t/collection-object-types/2227/1 "2025-03-10T05:00:00Z")
> 📖 This guide explains Collection Object Types (COT), a feature designed to manage diverse materials within a single Collection. It details different key features and its setup and usage. ## Overview The introduction of Collection Object Types (COT) in Specify 7 significantly enhances the management of diverse collection objects within a single collection. This feature allows users to define multiple types of collection objects, each with its own unique attributes and taxonomic trees. This capability overcomes previous limitations in managing various materials within a single collection. It also provides new opportunities for collections that include diverse materials cataloged together. ## Why Use Collection Object Types? The ability to manage various collection object types was introduced to solve several key problems: 1. **Enhanced Flexibility** : Users can now manage different types of collection objects (e.g., Fossils, Rocks, Meteorites) within the same collection, allowing for better organization and tracking. 2. **Multiple Taxon Trees** : If managing two taxonomy trees within a single collection is necessary, COTs offer a way to ensure that the appropriate taxonomy is linked only to objects of a specific type. 3. **Improved Querying** : Users can filter queries based on specific object types, enabling more precise searches and data retrieval. 4. **Standardized Cataloging** : COT allows for standardized cataloging, promoting consistency across collections. ## Key Features ### 1. Catalog Number Format by Type You can set the catalog number format according to the object type, allowing for a more organized cataloging system. Multiple types can share a single catalog number format, providing flexibility while ensuring uniformity in cases where it is necessary. > [!note] > Catalog numbering uniqueness can be enforced across the following configurations: > > - The Catalog Number can be unique across all COGs (Catalog Number → Collection). > - The Catalog Number can be unique to each COT (Catalog Number → Collection Object Type). You cannot have multiple COTs with the same numbering sequence that are unique across different object types. Autonumbering can be shared among multiple COTs, but uniqueness will then be enforced collection-wide unless each COT has a unique catalog number format. ![Collection Object Type form](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/specifysoftware/original/2X/6/66575c00baec61e6c18b3683e422e542874bc082.png) ### 2. Taxon Trees Management - **Create and Share Taxon Trees** : Users can [create new taxon trees](https://speciforum.org/t/adding-a-new-taxon-tree-to-the-same-collection/2229) specific to a particular object type or share them among multiple types within a collection. This functionality allows for tailored taxonomic classifications that meet the specific needs of different collection objects. - **Single Query Across All Taxon Trees** : Queries will allow you to search across all taxon trees associated with different object types within a single query. The ranks from all trees will be displayed in one list, simplifying the search process. ### 3. Filtering Queries by Object Type Users can filter queries to return records for a specific type of object, or they can choose to return results for multiple types simultaneously. This capability enhances the user’s ability to analyze data relevant to specific research needs. ## How to Use COT ### Setting Up Collection Object Types #### Add COTs to your collection and discipline > [!Note] > To learn more about form editing, form definitions, view definitions, and corresponding terminology, please review [Editing Forms in Specify 7](https://speciforum.org/t/editing-forms-in-specify-7/1557). 1. Navigate to the [Form Meta Menu](https://speciforum.org/t/form-meta-menu/844) on the Collection Object (CO) form 2. Click on Form Definition 3. Click **Edit Form Definition :linkout_:** to navigate directly to the CO view definition 4. Add the following lines to an existing row, or create a new row and add the lines there: 5. Click Save 6. Navigate to the CO form 7. See that there is a “Collection Object Type” pick list on the form 8. Navigate to [Schema Config](https://speciforum.org/t/using-the-schema-config-in-specify-7/535) from the [User Tools](https://speciforum.org/t/user-tools-menu/536) menu 9. Select the appropriate language and then select **Collection Object** 10. Select the field `collectionObjectType` under the “Relationships” subheading 11. Uncheck the “Hide Field” checkbox for `collectionObjectType` 12. Click Save and now it should appear in both the [Query Builder](https://speciforum.org/t/query-builder-in-specify-7/289) and the [WorkBench](https://speciforum.org/t/the-specify-7-workbench/540). #### COT Creation 1. **Create a New Collection Object Type** : 2. **Assigning Object Types** : > [!note] > To modify a COT later on, create a query with `CollectionObjectType` as the base table and use Browse in Forms to edit the records. ### Querying with Collection Object Types 1. **Building Queries** : 2. **Creating Determinations** : The introduction of Collection Object Types in Specify 7 revolutionizes how users manage and query collection objects. By providing the ability to define distinct object types, create and share taxon trees, and filter queries effectively, users can streamline their cataloging processes and enhance their research capabilities. ---
**Author:** ![Grant](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/speciforum.org/grant/32/4255_2.png) [@Grant](https://speciforum.org/u/Grant)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2026, 1:10am UTC](https://speciforum.org/t/collection-object-types/2227/5 "2026-03-04T01:10:50Z")
A post was split to a new topic: [How to Modify an Existing Collection Object Type](https://speciforum.org/t/how-to-modify-an-existing-collection-object-type/3419)