Lucid Builder Media Lists

Applies to Matrix and Pathway key projects

Media List is an open XML based format that enables the Lucid Builder to import media data for Entities, Features or Couplets.

The media files referenced within the Media List file must be located within the keys media folder, normally within the HTML or Images folders, prior to importing. Unless you are using a Force or Ignore option within the ‘Other options’ dialog section.

Importing a Media List file

From the menu File > Import > Import Media List

Select the Media List file by browsing your computer file system. Before importing you have the following options.

Import Options

Import Feature/Couplet media

Match and import media specified by the selected Media File to the keys Feature or Couplet list, depending on the project key type.

Import Entities media

Match and import media specified by the selected Media File to the key Entity list.

Matching Options

Match partial names

Your media list may not contain an exact match for the Entity or Feature/Couplet name label listed in the Builder. For example, within your key you may have the taxonomic name for the Entity followed by a common name, where the media list file may only contain the taxonomic name. The builder can use a partial match method to link the media to the correct Entity or Feature. If no match can be found then the non-matching items from the Media List file will be reported prior to the import occurring.

Attach to best match

When the Builder is matching the Media List item to a Feature/Couplet or Entity it may encounter multiple valid matches, especial when the ‘Match partial names’ option is selected. The ‘Attach to best match’ will try to determine the best (closest matched) Entity or Feature/Couplet and only perform one attachment for that Media List item. If this option is not selected and the Builder encounters multiple valid matches, then the Media List item will be attached to multiple items in the Feature/Couplet or Entity tree.

Media Options

Import image media

Check this option if you want image media types from the Media List to be imported.

Import text media

Check this option if you want HTML media types from the Media List to be imported.

Import File references

Check this option if you want to import media items that are file references found in the selected Media List file.

Import URL references

Check this option if you want to import media that are URL references found in the selected Media List file.

Other Options

Remove Existing Media

This option will remove all the media associated with all the Entities or Features within the key, depending on which is selected in the Import Options section of the dialog. Use this with caution if you have manually attached other media to the entities prior to using this option. Re-importing a Media List that contains the same items will not cause duplicate media attachments within the key.

Create or replace thumbnails

If selected, during the import process, any image attachments from the Media List will be thumbnailed. Reattachments will also be thumbnailed. Thumbnail sizes will be set based on the maximum thumbnail dimensions set within the Key Options  dialog.

Force import of all media

The Builder will create the media linkage based on the Media List location reference, even if the media location doesn’t match what the Builder is expecting based on the keys Media folder structure.

Ignore missing files

The Builder by default checks for the presence of the file prior to attaching it during the import process, unless this option is checked. If this option is checked the Builder will create the media linkage in the key regardless if the media image exists where specified by the Media List. If you use this option, you are are expected to deal with any broken media linkages within the key. You can check for ‘broken’ or missing media attachments via the ‘Tools…Check Media’ report tool from the main menu.