Connecting a Folder

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Steps to Add/Modify a Folder Connection in PADS4

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1. Start the Data Provider Wizard

• Open the Data Provider Wizard by following the instructions in Adding a Data Provider or Editing a Data Provider.
• Select Folder as the provider type.

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2. Specify Folder Connection Settings

• Choose one of the following source options:
  • Content Library: Uses a folder from the PADS4 Content Library (Recommended).
  • Folder: Uses a folder outside the content library.
• Enter the Folder Path:
  • If using Content Library, provide the relative path.
  • If using an external folder, provide the absolute path (e.g., C:\MyFolder).
  • Use the Browse button to locate the folder.
• Include Subfolders (Optional)
  • Enable this option to include files from subfolders of the selected folder.
• Set File Filters
  • Use Search Extension Restriction to filter specific file types (e.g., .jpg, .png, .mp4).
• Sort Files
  • Use Sorting File List settings to define the sorting order.

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3. Finalize the Connection

• Click Next to proceed.
• Complete the wizard as described in Adding a Data Provider.

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Best Practices

• Use the PADS4 Content Library
  • Files in the Content Library are automatically synchronized across all PADS4 systems.
  • If you use an external folder, you must manually distribute the files across systems.
• Avoid Shared Network Folders
  • Network traffic may increase when using a mapped drive or UNC path (\\server\folder).
  • This can slow down the Viewer performance when retrieving file lists or loading content.
• Sorting Rules
  • Folder-specific sorting applies first.
  • Generic sorting (set in later wizard steps) overrides folder sorting.

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Important Considerations

• Data Server Access
  • If using a PADS4 Data Server, ensure the folder is accessible from the server’s point of view.
  • If not using a Data Server, each PADS4 Designer and Viewer must have direct access to the folder.