> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.getmotif.page/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Search, filter, sort, and layout

> Narrow the current Library view, change its ordering, and choose between visual cover cards and compact lists.

# Search, filter, sort, and layout

Motif's Library controls apply to the part of the Library you are currently viewing. Searching inside Tracked narrows Tracked sources; searching inside a Custom collection narrows that collection; filtering by type narrows the current music selection.

## Search the current view

Use the search field at the top of the Library.

Search is useful for titles, collection names, collaborators, sources, and other visible Library information. Results update without changing the underlying files or collection membership.

Select the clear control to return to the full current view.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Search narrows what is visible. It does not create a permanent collection. Use **Custom** when you want to preserve a group of tracks.

## Filter by music type

Where the type control is available, choose among the types relevant to your creative role:

* **beats**;
* **loops**;
* **songs**.

Select an active type again to return to all types.

Motif initially interprets type from your role, names, folder context, tags, and supported analysis. If the result is wrong, right-click the track and use **Edit tags → Type**. A manually selected type remains your choice.

## Sort tracks in All

**Library → All** supports these ordering dimensions:

* **date** — when the source file was last changed or dated;
* **name** — alphabetical title order;
* **month** — groups the Library into month sections.

Select the active sort again to reverse its direction. The arrow beside the active label shows ascending or descending order.

Use the **sort by** reset when you want to return to the view's default ordering.

## Sort collection cards

Collection-style views such as Custom and Tracked can be ordered by:

* **date** — based on the collection or its latest relevant music;
* **name** — alphabetical collection name;
* **tracks** — number of tracks.

Tracked additionally preserves a **manual** arrangement. Drag source cards into the order you want, then keep manual ordering active to retain that layout.

## Cover layout and list layout

Collection-style views can be shown as:

* **Cover layout** — larger artwork-led cards suited to visual browsing;
* **List layout** — denser rows that expose more names and details at once.

Changing layout does not change collection contents or playback behavior. Choose the format that best matches the size of the current view.

## Combine controls

Search, type filtering, sorting, and layout can be combined.

Example: in a large Custom collection, you can filter to loops, search for a mood tag or title, sort by date, and use list layout to review the newest matching material quickly.

The playback order follows the visible selection and its current order. If you start playback after sorting or filtering, previous and next move through that listening context.

## Choose the right organizational tool

| Need | Use |
| - | - |
| Find something temporarily | Search |
| See only beats, loops, or songs | Type filter |
| Change the sequence | Sort |
| Change visual density | Cover or list layout |
| Preserve a meaningful group | Custom collection |
| Follow music from an external service | Tracked source |

These controls complement one another; they do not rewrite the source folder structure.


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