# Creating a Collection

## Overview

Create custom collections to organize and share specific datasets from your Publisher data sources. Collections are user-defined subsets of the data connected to Publisher.

## Creation Process

### Starting a New Collection

* Navigate to Collections in the sidebar
* Click "Create Collection" in the top-right corner
* You'll see a list of all available files and tables from your connected data sources

### Using Filters

Use the Filters panel (accessed via the filter icon) to define collection contents:

* Toggle between Files and Tables views
* Set conditions for:
  * File names
  * Filename suffixes
  * Data source types
  * Data source names
* Apply filters to update the view
* Multiple filters can be combined
* Active filters are displayed and can be removed individually

{% hint style="info" %}
To learn more about the filters, please see [Collection Filters](/products/publisher/collections/collection-filters.md)
{% endhint %}

### Collection Information

Provide required details about your collection:

* Name (e.g., "Precision Medicine Initiative")
* Description (study details, sample information, data types)
* URL (automatically formatted for web access)
* Tags (optional)

{% hint style="info" %}
This metadata can also be edited later. See [Editing Collection Metadata](/products/publisher/collections/editing-collection-metadata.md)
{% endhint %}

### Sharing Options

Configure data sharing services:

* Discovery: Makes collection metadata publicly visible
* Search: Enables content searching
* Download: Allows file downloads
* [Access Policy](/products/publisher/access-policies.md): Set permissions for collection access


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