> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.sparkframework.dev/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.sparkframework.dev/documentation/user-guide/plugins/crafting/categories.md).

# Categories

Crafting categories organize recipes into groups for the crafting UI.

## Creating a Category Entry

Open the Spark Editor, go to **Crafting > Categories** and click **Create New**.

Each category entry uses the standard database entry fields:

| Field        | Description                                                                            |
| ------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Display Name | Category label shown in the crafting UI (e.g., "Weapons", "Potions", "Armor", "Food"). |
| Description  | Optional description for the category.                                                 |
| Icon         | Sprite displayed in the category selection sidebar.                                    |

## How Categories Are Used

Each recipe references a single category through its **Recipe Category** field. In the crafting UI, categories appear as filter buttons in the sidebar. Players can click a category to show only recipes in that group, or select "All" to see every unlocked recipe.

The crafting UI automatically counts how many recipes belong to each category and displays the count alongside the category name.

## Organization Tips

Create categories that match how players think about crafting. Common category structures include organizing by item type (Weapons, Armor, Potions, Food, Materials), by profession (Blacksmithing, Alchemy, Cooking, Tailoring), or by tier (Beginner Recipes, Advanced Recipes, Master Recipes).

Every recipe should have a category assigned. Recipes without a category will still appear in the "All" view but will not show under any specific category filter.


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