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

# Managing Datasets

> Learn how to organize, search, and manage your datasets

This guide covers best practices for organizing and managing datasets in Avala.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gIiZEgPlHjQ" title="How to connect a dataset" frameBorder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowFullScreen />

## Organization Strategies

### By Project

Organize datasets by the project they belong to:

* Group related data together
* Use clear naming conventions
* Add descriptions for context

### By Data Type

Separate datasets by data format:

* Images for 2D annotation
* Point clouds for 3D annotation
* Video sequences

### By Stage

Track data through your pipeline:

* Raw uploads
* In progress (being annotated)
* Completed (ready for training)

## Tagging Best Practices

Use consistent tags for easy filtering:

| Category | Example Tags                       |
| -------- | ---------------------------------- |
| Status   | `raw`, `annotated`, `reviewed`     |
| Source   | `batch-1`, `batch-2`, `external`   |
| Domain   | `indoor`, `outdoor`, `aerial`      |
| Quality  | `production`, `test`, `validation` |

## Search and Filter

Avala supports powerful search:

```
tags:annotated visibility:private
```

### Search Operators

* `field:value` - Exact match
* `"quoted phrase"` - Phrase match
* `-term` - Exclude term

### Filterable Fields

| Field        | Description               |
| ------------ | ------------------------- |
| `visibility` | `public` or `private`     |
| `data_type`  | `image`, `video`, `lidar` |
| `owner`      | Dataset owner username    |

## Bulk Operations

Select multiple datasets for bulk actions:

* **Bulk tag**: Add or remove tags from many datasets
* **Bulk delete**: Remove datasets (with confirmation)
* **Bulk visibility**: Change visibility settings

## Dataset Settings

### Visibility

* **Private**: Only you and collaborators can access
* **Public**: Listed in public marketplace

### Collaborators

Add team members who can view or edit your dataset:

1. Go to dataset **Settings**
2. Click **Add Collaborator**
3. Search for user by username or email
4. Set permission level

## Best Practices

1. **Use descriptive names**: "Training Images Batch 3" is better than "data"
2. **Add descriptions**: Help teammates understand the dataset contents
3. **Tag consistently**: Establish tagging conventions for your team
4. **Archive completed work**: Move finished datasets to archive to keep workspace clean