> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.bold-factory.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Properties

> Understand properties as reusable attributes for variants, validation and conditions.

**Properties** are reusable attributes that describe families and items. You use them to distinguish variants, validate data and feed manufacturing or planning rules.

Common examples: color, material, length, finish, format, quality, logistics class or technical date.

## What they are for

| Use | Example |
| - | - |
| Distinguish variants | The color and length of a table. |
| Validate items | Require each item to have complete values. |
| Filter the catalog | Search materials by finish or format. |
| Apply recipe conditions | Use an operation only for certain values. |
| Integrate data | Link options to external references. |

Do not use properties for occasional notes. If you will not filter, validate or use the value in rules, a description or notes are usually enough.

## Property kinds

| Kind | Use it for | Example |
| - | - | - |
| Option selection | Controlled, closed lists. | Color, finish, logistics family. |
| Yes/no | Binary characteristics. | Requires refrigeration, flammable. |
| Whole number | Quantities without decimals. | Number of layers. |
| Decimal number | Precise measurements or parameters. | Thickness, density, length. |
| Date/time | Dates relevant to classification or checks. | Certification date. |
| Free text | Technical values that do not fit a list. | Short reference. |

Choose the kind before assigning the property to many families. You cannot change the type afterward. If you need another type, delete the property and create it again; you will then need to reassign it and enter its values again.

## Controlled options

Use **Option selection** when you want to prevent duplicate values caused by free typing.

| Property | Options |
| - | - |
| Color | Red, blue, black |
| Finish | Matte, gloss, satin |
| Format | Box, bag, drum |

If each family needs a different list, create different properties. Do not mix incompatible meanings in one global property.

## Item validation

When a family requires a property, its items must provide a valid value. The interface shows **Missing information** while any required value is missing and **All good** when the information is complete.

If two items have the same family and property values, check whether they are duplicates. If they are different, you need a property to explain the difference.

## Use in manufacturing

Recipes can use properties to calculate quantities, show instructions or apply conditions to operations.

Example: the **Length** property can feed a cutting formula. The **Finish** property can determine whether a painting operation appears.

## Imports and integrations

Use stable external references for properties and options when values come from a business management system, PIM, online store or import file. This prevents duplicates when the same value arrives with a different display name.

## Copy properties

You can copy an **Option selection** property to create a new list with the same initial options.

Use this when you want to start from an existing list but keep it independent from then on. For example, you can copy **Commercial color** to create **Technical color** and then adjust options without mixing commercial and manufacturing uses.

## Permissions

| Action | Required permission |
| - | - |
| View properties and options | Read access to the catalog. |
| Create, edit, copy or delete properties | Edit access to the catalog. |
| Assign properties to families | Access to edit families. |
| Edit item values | Access to edit items. |

## Related

* [Families](/en/concepts/catalog/families)
* [Items](/en/concepts/catalog/items)
* [Recipes and versions](/en/concepts/manufacturing/recipes-and-versions)
* [Group variants](/en/guides/catalog/group-items-into-families)


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