Although the image library is designed to contain images with file names that refer to the manufacturer and the unique model number of that product, there are many exceptions that prevent you from having a model number. One is the use of custom fabrications based on shop drawings (although a shop drawing may actually have a suitable reference number) and specifications that do not refer to a specific manufacturer or product, but which have a generic image that you wish to use. FF&EZ will handle this automatically if you use special "key" words or phrases in the Catalog/Model # field instead of leaving it blank.

If you use key words or phrases for specifications that do not have a meaningful "Catalog/Model #" entry, the image attachment process will generate a unique image file name that still fits the general pattern of creating the image library as a manufacturer-oriented set of files. Here are the specific "key words" and "key phrases" that you can use (without the double-quotes) in the "Catalog/Model #" field:

• "CUSTOM"  (anywhere in the field)
• "N/A"  (must match exactly)
• "NOT APPLICABLE"  (must match exactly)
• "TBD"  (must match exactly)
• "TO BE DETERMINED"  (must match exactly)
• "SHOP DRAWING"  (must match exactly)

"Must match exactly" means that the "Catalog/Model #" field cannot have anything else in it, otherwise the system will interpret it as an actual model number instead.

Note that this means you can use the "SHOP DRAWING" key phrase both ways: If you use this phrase by itself, the image will be named with the "Vendor ID + Project ID + Spec ID" pattern, whereas if you enter "SHOP DRAWING 2016-1234" the image will be named with the Vendor ID + "SHOP DRAWING 2016-1234".

Alternatives: Generic Images

There may be instances where you want to use a generic image (for instance a specific style of drapery that differs in fabric and color, but not in basic design) and this image might be used across many projects. There are two ways to do this that do not involve creating a separate image file each time.

1. Instead of using a keyword (or in addition to doing that), you can still pick an existing image from the FF&EZ image library. Then, instead of allowing FF&EZ to rename that image, simply select the original image file name. For instance, you might have a series of images in the library named "Drapes-pinch.jpg," "Drapes-goblet.jpg," etc. You can re-use the same image over and over by simply selecting it from the library files and keeping the same name.
2. Instead of selecting a generic image each time, you can set up a prototype spec in the Library with the desired image already attached. Then, when creating the specification, use the Add> Prototype or Add> Import options to pull in the prototype spec with the existing image.