# Categories and subcategories

Phoca Download organises files in categories nested to any depth. Phoca Download Source mirrors that structure in the builder — for document lists as well as for category overviews.

## Subcategories in document lists

If the option *include subcategories* is active for the source type *Documents*(mode "automatic"), the plugin searches up to four levels:

- main category (level 1)
- → subcategory (level 2)
- → → sub-subcategory (level 3)
- → → → fourth level

All documents from all levels flow into the result list and are sorted and limited together. If you disable the option, only the category selected directly counts.

## Category overviews

With the source type *Categories* you build overview pages: in automatic mode you choose a parent category and the element shows its direct subcategories — each with title, description, image, file count and a link to the category page. Without a parent category, all published categories are output.

<div class="callout info" id="bkmrk-the-field-file-count">The field *file count* counts the published and approved documents of the category **including its subcategories**. Categories without files are hidden by default — the option *show empty categories* changes that.

</div>## Example: a download centre

A proven layout for a download centre combines both types:

1. At the top a *grid* with the source type *Categories* — one tile per area (for example "Manuals", "Software", "Forms") with image and file count.
2. Below it a *list* with the source type *Documents*, sorting "newest first", count 5 — the most recent downloads across all areas.

<small>Applies to version 1.7.3.</small>

[Deutsche Fassung](https://docs.graup-it.de/link/120)