---
title: "Public Item Selector AKA Public Display Categories"
description: "Introduction. Public Display Categories (PDC) in Wheelhouse offer an effective way to organize and present items, be they configured or non-configured, to users. This system ensures that users experi…"
url: "https://support.wheelhousemfg.com/article/fv13024h7r-public-item-selector-aka-public-display-categories"
category: "Items and Configurators"
updated_at: "2024-07-29T19:26:34Z"
---

# Public Item Selector AKA Public Display Categories

### Introduction

Public Display Categories (PDC) in Wheelhouse offer an effective way to organize and present items, be they configured or non-configured, to users. This system ensures that users experience a seamless and intuitive product selection process.

![](https://files.helpdocs.io/u2psp4t8yl/articles/fv13024h7r/1692914306302/image.png)

### Setting Up Public Display Categories:

1. **Initialize the ItemType**:

Verify that the ItemType`PublicDisplayCategory`is available, or create it.

1. **Creating the Root**:

The hierarchy starts with an Item named`_ROOT_PDC_`, with its ItemType set to `PublicDisplayCategory`. This acts as the root or parent for the entire hierarchy. If the item doesn't exist, create it.

1. **Understanding Hierarchies**:

Product categories can often be set in hierarchies, where main categories have sub-categories. For instance, 'Electronics' can be a main category with 'Mobile Phones', 'Laptops', and 'Audio Devices' as sub-categories.

1. **Bill of Materials (BOM)**:

The display structure is determined by the BOM of the `_ROOT_PDC_`. Any component item in the BOM with an ItemType `PublicDisplayCategory` will be showcased as a PDC. The PDC BOM may be edited using the Item Designer as pictured.

![](https://files.helpdocs.io/u2psp4t8yl/articles/fv13024h7r/1692914242465/image.png)

1. **Creating a New Category**:

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- If an item exists for the PDC, drag it from the items list into the desired BOM location.
- If the item doesn't exist, create a new item with ItemType=PublicDisplayCategory. This can be accomplished using the 3-dot menu in the Item Designer.

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1. **Assigning Products to Categories**:

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- From the list of items on the left, drag the Product into the correct location in the BOM tree.

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1. **Rearranging Display Order**:

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- In the Item Designer, drag and drop categories to rearrange their order. If the category is nested under another category, you can remove it and re-add it from the item list on the left.

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1. **DisplayName**:

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- The `DisplayName` of a PDC is showcased beneath its image.
- For PDCs without a`DisplayName`, only the image is displayed.
- If an image is absent, the system defaults to showing either the `DisplayName` or, if that isn't available, the `Name`.

### Usage:

1. **Accessing PDC Selector**:

The PDC selector becomes immediately visible upon selecting +Add Item in Order Management.

1. **External User Settings**:

The setting labeled "Public Item Selector" governs the visibility of the PDC to external users:

- **Search**: The PDC is hidden from external users.
- **Browse & Search/Browse**: Exposes the PDC to external users.
  
  ![](https://files.helpdocs.io/u2psp4t8yl/articles/fv13024h7r/1692915040916/image.png)

### Best Practices:

1. **Consistency**: Ensure that products are categorized consistently to avoid confusion.
2. **Review Periodically**: Market trends change. Regularly review your categories to ensure they still align with your product offerings and customer expectations.
3. **Use Clear Names**: Category names should be intuitive and descriptive, helping users understand what to expect.
4. **Image Consistency**: To maintain a professional appearance, use images of consistent sizes.
5. **ActiveThru Date**: If the `_ROOT_PDC_` item lacks an active through (ActiveThru) date or if there are no active items, the PDC system will not function as intended.

### Conclusion:

The Public Display Categories in Wheelhouse play a pivotal role in streamlining the item selection process, both for internal and external users. Proper setup and management guarantee a user-friendly experience and efficient order management.

For any further assistance or queries, please contact our support team.