# Layout of gtkpod

- The gtkpod Manual
- iPod and content

Figure 2-1 Typical layout of gtkpod

- 2.1.1.What is a Repository?
- 2.1.2.Repository Pane
- 2.1.3.Menus and Toolbar
- 2.1.4.Filter Tabs
- 2.1.5.Track Window
- 2.1.6.Cover Art Display

## 2.1.1.What is a Repository?

The left hand pane in gtkpod displays all the repositories that have been created. A repository is (like it implies) a collection of all music tracks, videos and photographs imported into it. They are associated together by a binary XML database file that is the same format as the one that sits on an iPod.

By default, gtkpod creates a Local repository and a Podcast Repository. These sit on the computer with gtkpod (they can be found under the ~/.gtkpod directory). By having a local repository, it is possible to import tracks into gtkpod without needing to copy them straight to an iPod. This means that if the cover art, for example, needs to be changed then tracks can be managed without even having the iPod plugged in.

Of course, gtkpod is pointless without accessing an iPod. In the same pane as the local repository, new iPod repositories can be created. These repositories related to iPods by model and mount point. Normally, one repository is sufficient but as you can see below, it is possible to set up multiple iPod repositories on the same computer.

## 2.1.2.Repository Pane

- Below each repository, available playlists are listed along with a podcast playlist.
- Under iPods that support photographs, a special dynamic node is created that, when clicked, invokes the photo management tool. This allows straight addition of photos to the iPod as well as management of photo albums on the iPod. **Note:** this photo node cannot be deleted!! There is no point trying as it is created by gtkpod for the sole purpose of displaying the photo management tool.

## 2.1.3.Menus and Toolbar

- Menus across the top provide alternative access to the most frequently used functions.
- Toolbar provides the following actions:
  - Load iPod(s) -> used for manually mounting any iPods already set up in gtkpod
  - Save Changes -> vital button! The Save All function that save any changes made to loaded iPods or the local database.
  - Files -> Add individual music files to the selected repository.
  - Dirs -> Add any music files located in the selected directories to the selected repository.
  - Playlist -> Add a playlist file to the selected repository.
  - New PL -> Create a new playlist on the selected repository.

## 2.1.4.Filter Tabs

- The two notebooks above the track display are called "Filter Tabs".
- They allow you to filter which tracks are displayed.
- If you edit an entry in the filter tab, the corresponding entry in all associated tracks will be updated as well. When writing the tags to disk as well, updating of a large number of tracks may take a while.
- So in the image above, choosing "Alice Cooper" on the first filter tab and "Trash" on the second filter tab will only display the tracks from that most excellent of albums (no dissenting opinions required! ;-) ).
- Obviously, these filters can be altered to suit. Selecting ALL on a sort tab effectively removes the filter and displays all tracks.

## 2.1.5.Track Window

- Displays all tracks residing in the selected repository and conforming to the selected filters.
- The columns can be sorted and are interchangeable.

## 2.1.6.Cover Art Display

- Displays the cover art of all albums stored in the repository.
- If no cover art exists for an album then the default "?" image is displayed.
- See the Cover Art section for more information.