Several methods exist for creating families. These Include:
Manually, In Details Mode
By importing a text file
Automatically, when importing family images with QR codes
Automatically with Face Detection and Recognition
When identifying orders from the Timestone Internet Ordering System (IOS)
Creating Families in Details Mode
Families can be created directly in Details mode in various ways.
Using the menu item or keyboard shortcut
Simply select Edit> New family from the menu or use the Control-G keyboard shortcut. A new family will be created named “New Family“. Change the name as desired.
This method has the advantage that subjects are associated (copied) to the new family in the same step.
Select the subjects from the main window of Details Mode
Drag the Subject to the blue Families header in the Folders/ Families list in the left window pane
A new family will be created and named according to the last name field of the subjects
Similar to the previous method, but without the need to drag the selected subjects.
Select subjects from the main window of Details Mode
Control-click the blue New Family icon on the toolbar
A new family will be created and named according to the last name field of the subjects
Creating Families by Importing a Text File
Families can be created when importing a text file - optionally adding subjects to the family in the process. This is achieved by mapping a Family field in the text import setup window.
Consider the following simple text file.
It contains three families - Renshaw and two different Smith families. Note the Family field. This contains the name of the family to be created.
Lastname | Firstname | ID | Folder | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Smith | Emily | 165241 | 8A | Smith(E+L) |
Smith | Louie | 452874 | 8A | Smith(E+L) |
Renshaw | Tony | 658971 | 12C | Renshaw |
Renshaw | Ian | 745982 | 7A | Renshaw |
Holmes | John | 124785 | 8C | |
Smith | Janice | 127459 | 9C | Smith(J+M) |
Smith | Meredith | 854366 | 7C | Smith(J+M) |
The text file is imported via File>Import text file.
The text file in the previous example would be mapped as below.
Figure 2: Mapping the text file import.
The result of importing the text file is shown below. Note the two different Smith families and that the subjects have been associated to the family.
Figure 3: Families created after importing the text file
Creating Families when Importing Family Images with QR Codes
Using QR codes, images may be imported and automatically matched to a family. If the family does not yet exist, it will be created.
Further Reading: QR Codes for Family Images
In a similar way to matching images to subjects, QR codes can also be used to match images to families.
A full discussion on using QR codes with families is available here:
Creating Families Using Facial Recognition
Using Face Detection and Recognition, subjects and images can be matched to a family.
Face Detection and Recognition can be used with families to perform two tasks.
Where a family already exists, Face Recognition can associate (copy) the subjects into the family
Where the family does not yet exist, Face Recognition can be used to create the family, match the image to it, and associate the subjects
Further Reading: Using Facial Recognition for Families
A very powerful use of Face Detection and Recognition is to create families automatically based on the subjects (faces) in the family image.
A full discussion, including movie tutorial is available here:
Creating Families through Identify Order Entities
With Identify Ordering in the Timestone Internet Ordering System (IOS), it is possible for a customer to order for a family that may not yet exist in the job. When the order is identified in Orders Mode, families can be automatically created and named according to the data entered online by the customer.
To automatically create families with Identity Ordering:
In the Identify order entities module of Orders Mode, select the Families only filter
Select the family or families to be created
Click the Create button at the lower right
Figure 4: Create Families through Identify Order Entries.
Families will be created and named as per the data entered by the parent. Note it is not possible to add subjects to the families automatically through identify ordering.
Figure 5: Families created through Identity order entities.
Family Sets
Although seldom used, families may be arranged in Family Sets. A 'default' set, simply called Families, is always present. Other sets can be added and named by the user as needed.
The default family set has the following important property:
CAUTION
Families within the default family set must contain unique subjects. It is not possible for a subject to belong to more than one family within the default family set.
The above restriction does not apply to any user defined family sets. It is therefore recommended (although not compulsory) the default family set be reserved for siblings since siblings by definition belong to a single family. Additional family sets can be used for other miscellaneous groups such as teams where a subject can belong to several trams withing the one family set.
To create additional family sets:
From the menu, select Edit>New family set
Name the family set as desired
Figure 6: Family sets each with a collection of families
FAQ
What methods can be used to create families?
Several methods exist for creating families, including manually in Details Mode, by importing a text file, automatically with QR codes, using face detection and recognition, and through the Timestone Internet Ordering System.
How can I create a family in Details Mode?
You can create a family in Details Mode by selecting subjects and using the menu item Edit > New family or the Control-G keyboard shortcut.
Can families be created by importing a text file?
Yes, families can be created by importing a text file, where you can map a Family field in the import setup.
Is it possible to create families using QR codes?
Yes, images can be imported and automatically matched to a family using QR codes, creating the family if it does not already exist.
Can families be created online?
With Identify Ordering, customers can be prompted to enter family information. This is then used to create families once the orders are downloaded.