# Post categories

### How to create categories under posts for custom apps?

Post categories help you organize content in your custom app and improve content discovery for users. You can create parent and sub-categories and customize their appearance.

#### Step 1: Go to the categories section

* From the side menu, go to Posts
* From the dropdown, select Categories to open the [**Post categories**](https://docs.appmysite.com/app/posts/custom-app/post-categories) screen

#### Step 2: Create a new category

{% embed url="<https://scribehow.com/shared/Create_post_categories__CynaEQQlRliFUrcQFYxmlw>" %}

* Click on the +Create button at the top right of the screen
* A pop-up will open where you can name your category
* Click the link icon to select a parent category if you're creating a sub-category
* Leave the parent category field empty to create a top-level category

{% hint style="warning" %}
The maximum character limit for a category name is 120.
{% endhint %}

#### Step 3: Add a feature image

* Click on the Image field to upload an image for the post category.
* You can choose an image from the library, upload a pre-designed image, or create one using the Image Designer

#### Step 4: Save the category

* Click the Create button in the pop-up to save the category

{% hint style="success" %}
To delete or edit a post category, use the pen icon to edit or the bin icon to delete.
{% endhint %}

#### Step 5: Choose a layout for categories

{% embed url="<https://scribehow.com/shared/Post_categories_layout__907hnUQsSz-TVxzRYSGdXQ>" %}

* Click on the Layout button at the top right of the screen
* Select how the categories should appear in the app, such as list or grid view

#### Step 6: Configure post settings

{% embed url="<https://scribehow.com/shared/Configure_post_categories_settings__Ikbi4w3XQqOVGCHvrkdi0w>" %}

* Click on the Settings button to control what appears on the category screen
* The following options are available:
  * Show search icon\
    Enable to display a search icon in the app header for quick access to required content
  * Show bookmark icon\
    Enable to display a bookmark icon in the app header for quick access to bookmarked posts
  * Columns\
    Adjust the number of columns that you would like to see on the post category screen
  * Background color\
    Set the background color of the category screen
  * Category text color\
    Define the color of the text within the category tiles
  * Show category image\
    Enable to display the category images in the app interface
  * Image dimensions\
    Choose an aspect ratio that best fits your images\
    16:9 – Suitable for wide, cinematic visuals\
    4:3 – Classic ratio for balanced compositions\
    1:1 – Square format for uniform display\
    3:4 – Portrait layout for vertical images\
    9:16 – Ideal for tall, portrait-oriented visuals
  * Image shape\
    Select the shape in which the category images are displayed. You can choose from square, squircle (rounded corners), and round
  * Centre crop image\
    When enabled, images are centered within the image frame for a uniform appearance\
    When disabled, images are resized to fit the frame while maintaining their original aspect ratios

#### Step 7: Save your changes

* Once you've configured your layout and settings, click the Save button to apply all updates to your category screen