# Channels

## Summary

* A channel is an **isolated unit** which manages product data: data sources, rules, data targets and planned tasks. Multiple channels can be created to subdivide stock (for example, by store, language, etc.).
* **Individual channels** can be created for different shop interfaces (**B2B and B2C** or **desktop and mobile**), or to present shop in **multiple languages**.
* Each channel can be based on an **individual data feed,** but the same feed for multiple channels can also be used, each using different configurations (Suggest, Filters, Ranking rules).
* Channel **settings can be inherited:** Using the [Multi-Channel Functionality](/docs/basic-settings/factfinder-ng-channels/multi-channel-supported-settings.md), channels can be set as "parent" and "child" channels. Parent channels pass on their settings to child channels, but still exceptions to that rule can be made.
* Channel Management feature is used to create and manage channels.

The Channel Management feature is a menu item under the Basic Settings section. In the default menu structure it can be reached from More settings…

![Channel Management menu screenshot](/files/Nl0WwsO9KLVpWjRnPS3P)

## License information

A chargeable channel within the meaning of the license is any channel created with the software and used productively in any system of the licensee.

This includes all language channels of any online shop on any platform, as well as previews of the results on mobile or other devices.

At the licensee's request, a free test channel can be created (exclusively for trial purposes).

## List of channels

![](/files/WBdshMqC6SldQzc2vNXk)

The list of channels provides an overview of all existing channels and the following information and functions:

![](/files/Ph63z0daepEWYQihI5Tp)

**Search** the list for a specific channel

![](/files/Ehk1tMw4qBIWvCgJj7rh) **Name** of the channel

![](/files/UipZ5ADW4CYdVObCmdDS) **Type** of the channel (parent, productive, test, development, inactive)

![](/files/2XF0kf1Bm7Z35I6UtFNL)

State — indicates the lock state of channels. A channel is locked if it is currently being edited. Locked channels are marked with ![](/files/bi9UrgG5FNxuPMUAeL1h).

![](/files/cVfuaDKK4FYgURysSN7J) Lock held by — indicates the username of the user who locked the channel. To remove a lock, click ![](/files/NXHp4U79AuzJ7U0au5fo) in the grid and confirm in the popup dialogue.

![](/files/dOZlcoZrhcFshT4JyY3F)

Shop **URL** of the channel

![](/files/afMFqoHYxlD3P4x4s54e)

**Auto import priority**

![](/files/heY1jGf0d6KIgQt5tmq5)

**Health check relevant**

![](/files/OafifViaQkQ4QbI1JAeE)

Start **Installation Assistant** ![](/files/6fYncAhXP1ZVeONcOCUR)

![](/files/XtZWDMJkCYzCx31NsA5Z)

Open **deployment**

![](/files/1XqRxMUifYik4JMWyopV)

**Clone** channel ![](/files/9nvC2XwX0BYpK8IdaO5Y)

![](/files/vnDHuLlQwAzDEixxumZT)

**Delete** channel ![](/files/RKPTmTRqK6qL0EaFDHLP)

![](/files/QuCuzIH0LgT2TFU0dgLy)

**Add** **a channel** button allows to [create new channel](#create-a-new-channel)

## Create a new Channel

After clicking **Add a channel** button, a new overview opens.

![](/files/0P6NZ3BWDvtaB57cz4wE)

* **Select a channel template** (language)
* Enter **Name** of the new channel
* Select **Type** of the channel
* Select a **Parent** **for channel** or chose channel to be independent (`No parent channel` option)

A **standalone channel** is neither set as parent channel, nor is it assigned to a parent channel. Any adjustments made to the channel's setting affect only itself.

Assigning channel to an existing parent turns a channel into a **child channel**. It inherits all setting changes made in the parent channel.

After adding, the channel will be shown in the list of existing channels. If it was added as a **parent channel**, this will be marked. In addition, all new and existing **child channels** will be grouped with their respective parent channels.

**Parent channels are not intended as live channels!** Ideally, use a parent channel as a template for multiple live child channels. This allows to modify each live channel individually.

Almost all functions and settings of FactFinder can be customized. These changes are only applied to the active channel, so that different channels can have different settings.

## Switching the active channel

### Find the Channel Selection

![](/files/ccVeVCIY99VgQkF8S3Mf)

The channel selection is located in the [**header**](/docs/user-interface/the-header-bar.md) of the FactFinder user interface.

### Select a Channel

Click the box and select the desired channel from the list that pops up. Channels that are currently being edited by other users have a corresponding note.


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