Attribute Management

Customize item attribute fields to record different types of information.

In Simple Terms

Attributes are the types of information you want to record about your items. For example, if you want to track "Purchase Date," "Expiry Date," or "Storage Location," you need to create the corresponding attributes here. Once created, you can fill in these fields when adding items.

Think of attributes as "column headers" in a spreadsheet — each attribute is a column, and each item is a row. If you create a "Color" attribute, every item gets a "Color" field to fill in.

Built-in Basic Attributes

NeatHub comes with the following basic attributes — no need to create them:

  • Quantity: Item quantity
  • Price: Item price
  • Notes: Item description
  • Index Notes: Key information used for search

Accessing Attribute Management

  • Tap the top-left corner of the home page to open the side menu
  • Tap "Attribute Management"
  • View all created attributes
Screenshot: Attribute Management entry in the side menu, attribute list page

Attribute Types

NeatHub offers 6 attribute types, each suited for recording different kinds of information. Not sure which to choose? Check the descriptions and the "How to Choose" guide below.

Tag

Tags are like labeling your items — pick one or more from a set of predefined options. Best for information with fixed choices that don't need a hierarchy.

  • Good for: Category (Household/Electronics), Color (Red/Blue/Black), Status (In Stock/Used Up), Purchase Channel (Online/In-Store)
  • Features: All options displayed flat, just tap to select — simple and intuitive
  • Setting options: Tap a Tag attribute to enter Dictionary Management and add selectable tag values

Cascade

In Simple Terms

Cascade is like "folders within folders." Just like folders on a computer, you can create subfolders inside a folder, going deeper level by level.

The most common use is recording item storage locations. For example: you have a "Wardrobe" at home, the wardrobe has "Shelf 1," "Shelf 2," and "Drawer," and Shelf 1 can be further divided into "Left" and "Right" — this nested structure is a Cascade.

  • Good for: Storage location (Wardrobe > Shelf 2 > Left Side), Region (Country > State > City), Multi-level categories (Electronics > Phones > Accessories)
  • Features: Expands level by level when selecting — pick the broad category first, then narrow down. No limit on the number of levels
  • Setting options: Tap a Cascade attribute to enter Dictionary Management and set up the hierarchy. Tap any option to add sub-options beneath it
Tag vs. Cascade — which to choose?

Quick rule: Do the options have a "contains" relationship?

  • No containment (Red, Blue, Black are all equal) — use Tag
  • Has containment (Wardrobe contains Shelf 1, Shelf 2) — use Cascade

Example: "Category" uses Tag (Household and Electronics are parallel), "Location" uses Cascade (Study has a Bookshelf, Bookshelf has Shelf 3).

Text Input

The most flexible type — freely enter any text or numbers. Best for information that varies from item to item.

  • Good for: Brand, Model, Description, Serial Number
  • Optional settings:
  • Calculable: When enabled, numeric values can be included in statistical summaries (e.g., total price)
  • Exchange rate: For multi-currency conversion
  • Average price: Display average price statistics for items

Date

Specifically for recording dates — a calendar picker appears when selecting.

  • Good for: Purchase date, Expiry date, Warranty end date, Opening date
  • Features: Can be paired with Reminders to automatically notify you when a date arrives

Attachment

For saving files related to items, such as invoices, manuals, or warranty card photos or PDFs.

  • Good for: Manual PDFs, Warranty card photos, Invoice scans, Purchase receipts
  • Features: Supports PDF, images, and other formats
  • PDF files can be viewed directly in the app with page turning and zoom
  • Tap an attachment to open it — no need to switch to another app

Barcode

Saves barcode or QR code information for items, making it easy to find them by scanning later.

  • Good for: Product barcodes, ISBN book numbers
  • Features: Can scan to auto-fill during entry, or enter manually

Not Sure Which to Choose?

Quick Selection Guide
  • Pick from fixed options — Tag (e.g., Category, Color, Status)
  • Options have hierarchical containment — Cascade (e.g., Location, Region)
  • Need free text/number input — Text Input (e.g., Brand, Model)
  • Need to record a date — Date (e.g., Purchase date, Expiry date)
  • Need to save files or images — Attachment (e.g., Invoice, Manual)
  • Need to save a barcode — Barcode (e.g., Product barcode, ISBN)

Still not sure? Try the AI Generate Attributes feature (described below) — tell the AI what items you want to manage, and it will recommend a suitable attribute setup.

Adding an Attribute

  • Tap the add button

    Tap the "+" floating button in the bottom-right corner

  • Enter the attribute name

    e.g., "Purchase Date," "Category," "Location"

  • Select the attribute type

    Tap a type label to select (Tag, Text Input, Date, Cascade, Attachment, Barcode)

  • Configure attribute options

    Whether to show in list, whether to make public, etc.

  • Save the attribute

    Tap save to finish creating

Screenshot: Add attribute interface showing name input, type selection, and option settings

Editing an Attribute

  • Tap the edit icon (pencil) to the right of the attribute
  • Modify the attribute name or configuration
  • Save changes

Deleting an Attribute

  • Tap the delete icon (trash can) to the right of the attribute
  • Confirm deletion
Warning

Deleting an attribute will clear that attribute's values from all items, and this cannot be undone. Please proceed with caution.

Moving an Attribute

You can move an attribute to a different dictionary:

  • Tap the move icon (file move) to the right of the attribute
  • Select the target dictionary
  • The attribute is moved
Note

After moving an attribute, its parent dictionary changes, but existing attribute values on items are not affected.

Drag to Reorder

You can adjust the display order of attributes in the list:

  • Long-press the drag handle icon to the right of the attribute
  • Drag up or down to adjust position
  • The new order is saved automatically when you release

AI Generate Attributes

Not sure how to set things up? Let AI help:

  • Tap the AI button (star icon) in the bottom-right corner
  • Enter a description of the item type, e.g., "Cosmetics" or "Figure Collection"
  • AI automatically generates a suggested attribute system for that item type
  • Adjust and save
Membership Feature

AI Generate Attributes requires a Membership.

Mind Map

View your attribute system as a mind map:

  • Tap the map icon in the top-right corner
  • Enter the attribute mind map page
  • Visually displays all attributes and their relationships

See the "Attribute Mind Map" documentation for details.

Attribute Setting Options

When creating an attribute, you can configure the following options:

  • Show in list: Whether to display this attribute's value on item list cards
  • Public: Whether to make this attribute visible when sharing items

Dictionary Management for Tags and Cascades

Tag and Cascade types require setting up option values:

  • Tap a Tag or Cascade attribute in the attribute list
  • Enter the Dictionary Management page
  • Add option values or hierarchical structures

Use Cases

Scenario 1: Managing food items

Create the following attributes:

  • Purchase Date (Date)
  • Expiry Date (Date) — can set reminders
  • Category (Tag) — Household/Food/Beverages
  • Location (Cascade) — Fridge/Freezer

Scenario 2: Managing collectibles

Create the following attributes:

  • Brand (Text Input)
  • Model (Text Input)
  • Purchase Date (Date)
  • Category (Tag) — Figures/Models/Blind Boxes
  • Location (Cascade) — Display Cabinet/Shelf 1

Scenario 3: Managing books

Create the following attributes:

  • Author (Text Input)
  • Publisher (Text Input)
  • ISBN (Barcode)
  • Category (Tag) — Literature/Technical/Fiction
  • Location (Cascade) — Bookshelf/Shelf 3

FAQ

What's the difference between Tag and Cascade?

Tag: All options are at the same level with no parent-child relationship. For example, colors: Red, Blue, Black — they're all equal.
Cascade: Options have a containment relationship, like folders nested within folders. For example, location: Wardrobe > Shelf 2 > Left Side.
Simple rule: If options have a "contains more inside..." relationship, use Cascade; otherwise use Tag.

Why does tapping an attribute go to Dictionary Management?

Tag and Cascade types need specific option values configured. Tapping these attributes takes you to Dictionary Management where you can add options or hierarchical structures.

What does "Calculable" do for Text Input?

When enabled, the numeric values of that attribute can be included in statistical summaries. For example, enabling calculation for a "Price" attribute lets you see the total price on the statistics page.

Too many attributes — how to organize?

Use drag-to-reorder to put frequently used attributes at the top. You can also use the mind map to view the overall structure and plan your attribute system.