Compound objects [Tiers 2-3]

With compound objects, you can combine and sequence multiple image files associated with the same metadata record in a single item. On JSTOR, compound objects will appear as an item which users can navigate within to see each file associated with the record in the order it’s defined.

Some examples of when you might want to create a compound object include:

• The front and back of a postcard
• A calendar
• Multiple views of a sculpture
• Architectural views
• Handwritten documents or manuscripts with multiple pages

Creating a compound object from an item

1. In your project, edit an existing item that contains an image file.
2. Open the Edit Media drop-down menu and choose Add Media.
3. Select one or more images you want to add to the record and then select Upload.
4. After adding at least one additional image to a metadata record, you will have access to a new Related objects tab when editing an item.
   • To re-order and/or sequence images, drag and drop image thumbnails and save the item.
   • To view the related images while editing an item, use the Next and Previous arrows in the media viewer.

Batch uploading media for compound objects

1. In your project, open the Add drop-down menu and select Upload Media.
2. Select all corresponding image files for one or more compound objects by using drag and drop or browse to select image files from your computer directory.
   • Use Control + click (Command + click for macOS) or Shift + click to select multiple files.
3. Select Group by Filename to aggregate the files based on filenames. Use the following filename syntax to identify and sequence the files associated with the same record. Each filename should consist of three parts:
   • Base filename
     • Must be identical for all related files in the object.
     • Should not be used for unrelated records within the same collection.
     • Filenames are case sensitive.
   • Sequence number
     • An underscore followed by one or more sequential numbers. (Ex. _001, _002, etc.)
     • May be any number of digits.
   • File extension
     • Current supported file types are .jpg, .jpeg, .tif, .tiff, .jp2, .gif
   • Example:
     
     • mona-lisa_001.jpg
     • mona-lisa_002.jpg
     • mona-lisa_003.jpg
4. If unsupported files were added to the upload, you'll receive a notice indicating that unsupported files were detected and will not be included in the batch.
5. Once the files are uploaded, you'll have access to a Related objects tab when editing an item.
   
   • To re-order and/or sequence images, drag and drop image thumbnails and save the item.
   • To view the related images while editing an item, use the Next and Previous arrows in the media viewer.

Sequencing related images

1. Edit a compound image and select the Related objects tab.
2. Drag and drop image thumbnails to reorder them.
3. Select Save or Save & Close to save your changes.

Deleting related images

To delete a related image:

1. Edit a compound image and select the Related objects tab.
2. Select one or more image thumbnails and then select Delete.
3. Select Save or Save & Close to save your changes.