Search, Filter & Grouping

Easily find and reorganize every cherished item in your forest

“As your collection grows, life doesn’t have to become cluttered. Viewing belongings from fresh perspectives through thoughtful categorization and gentle rearrangement turns tidying into a quiet conversation with your daily rhythm.”

As you record more belongings in MononoMori, you may find yourself in moments like these:

• Taking Inventory: During seasonal changeovers or spring cleaning, when your screen is filled with clothes and daily necessities, you want to focus exclusively on items stored in the “Storage Room” or the “Top Shelf of the Closet” without endless scrolling;
• Decluttering & Reviewing: You want to quickly gather all “Spare” or “Idle” goods for redistribution, or check which everyday medicines are nearing their expiration date;
• Reminiscing: You suddenly want to revisit the very first fountain pen you bought as a student or a souvenir brought back from a memorable trip—regular searches are fast, but they rarely let you stroll quietly through the rings of time.

MononoMori provides a deeply natural, multi-tiered retrieval and organization architecture: locate items instantly with the top search bar and category capsules, or tap the 「≡ Filter」 button to summon the Sort and Filter panels—rearranging the view of your forest just like inserting dividers into physical bookshelves and storage boxes.

The Mental Model: Finding and Organizing

In MononoMori’s design philosophy, “finding” and “viewing” are not cold technical queries, but intuitive extensions of physical home organization:

1. Global Search & Quick Filters (Freeform Finding): Standing in the center of a room, a simple tap on a category icon or typing a few letters brings the desired item and its associated tags immediately into view;
2. Grouping & Sorting (Reframing Perspectives): Inserting wooden dividers into wide drawers or bookshelves—grouping items by room, expiration date, or time of arrival;
3. Multi-Dimensional Advanced Filtering (The 4-Drawer Box): A storage box with four distinct compartments—Basic (categories, dynamic custom attributes, tags, and usage statuses), Location (groves and specific storage spots), Details (brands, models, multi-currency price conversion, and life chapters), and More (hibernation states and story attachments)—layer by layer, revealing only what matters.

Basic Retrieval & Instant Filtering

During everyday use, the most intuitive lookup and quick-filter tools rest right at the top of your main screen:

Main screen overview: top search bar, category capsules, and the 「≡ Filter」 entry

1. Hybrid Dual-Mode Search (Unified Items & Tags)

Tap the top search bar “What are you looking for?” to bring up the dedicated search interface:

• Hybrid Matching: Simultaneously matches item names, brand models, notes, and custom tags;
• Smart Pinyin & Romanization: Seamlessly handles phonetic and alphabetical inputs;
• Dual Results Section for 「Items」 and 「Tags」: When you type any keyword into the search bar, MononoMori presents results cleanly separated into two distinct sections:
  • 「Items」: Displays individual item cards whose name, brand, or notes match the keyword. Tap any item to view its complete details;
  • 「Tags」: Groups all tags matching the keyword along with the number of linked items (e.g., Clip (1 item), Traveling (7 items)). Tapping a tag takes you to a dedicated tag view showcasing every item across your forest bearing that tag.

Item Search: Pinpoint names, models, and photo cards

Tag Search: Discover related tags and linked item counts

2. Category Capsule Quick Filters

A row of elegant category icons rests directly below the search bar (such as All, Food, Books, Cosmetics, Digital, etc.):

• Tap Once: Immediately filters the main view to display all items belonging to that category;
• Tap Again: Deselects the capsule, returning smoothly to your entire forest.

Subcategory quick filters

After selecting an enabled main category with available groups, a subcategory row appears. For Books, you can then choose Fiction.

• All includes every record in that main category, including unassigned items.
• A named subcategory includes only its assigned records.
• No Subcategory finds unassigned records. It appears only when that main category has items without a subcategory (or when it is already selected).

All only clears the subgroup restriction. Main category, location and tags can still limit results; clear other filters to see the whole inventory. See Subcategories.

3. Three View Modes

Tap the view mode toggle button on the right side of the toolbar to match different daily contexts:

• Card View: Generous photo presentation, visually rich and ideal for leisurely browsing your life records;
• Compact List View: Information-dense text and thumbnail layout, perfect for quick comparison and auditing;
• Grid View: A balanced multi-column photo grid, offering expansive visibility for large collections.

Bringing Harmony to Your Forest: Grouping & Sorting

When you wish to reorganize how items are laid out across your screen, tap the 「≡ Filter」 button on the left side of the toolbar, then select the Sort tab on the left of the bottom sheet.

Sort & Group panel: Combine 7 grouping options with 6 sorting rules

1. Group By

Grouping introduces natural visual dividers into your item list, clustering individual pieces into distinct sections:

• None: Default continuous stream layout;
• By Category: Clusters items by category (e.g., Food, Books, Clothing);
• By Grove: Organizes items by physical living spaces (e.g., Bedroom, Living Room, Studio);
• By Location: Pinpoints specific containers, shelves, or drawers (e.g., Nightstand Drawer, Desk Shelf);
• By Status: Groups items by their lifecycle pace—In Use, Spare, Idle, In Repair, etc.;
• By Expiry Status: Clearly separates items into Expired, Expiring Soon, and Normal;
• By Added Time: Groups items chronologically—Today, Yesterday, This Week, This Month.

2. Sort By

Determines the sequence of items within each group or across the unsegmented list:

• Created Time: (Default recommended) Most recently added items appear first;
• Modified Time: Items with recent tree-ring entries, photo updates, or note edits appear first;
• Name: Alphabetical order (A–Z or Z–A);
• Expiry Date: Items expiring soonest appear first—essential for food and medicine safety;
• Quantity: Ranked by inventory count, handy for managing bulk household supplies;
• Custom Order: Honors your personal drag-and-drop arrangement in the forest.

Layer by Layer: The 4-Dimensional Advanced Filter System

Tap the Filter tab at the top of the panel to access MononoMori’s comprehensive 4-dimensional filtering suite: Basic, Location, Details, and More. Conditions across all tabs can be freely layered together.

Dimension 1: Basic (Categories, Dynamic Custom Attributes, Tags & Statuses)

When an enabled main category is selected, advanced filters also let you select several of its subcategories and optionally No Subcategory. Fiction and Reference Books match either group, while location, tags and other conditions continue to apply. Removing the main category or disabling subcategories adjusts the related filters.

The first step closest to daily habits:

Basic filtering: Cross-select categories with dynamic attribute linkage

1. Category Selection: Directly tap one or multiple categories (tap “Show All” to expand custom and preset categories).
2. Dynamic Custom Category Attribute Filtering (Signature Feature):
   Dynamic Custom Attribute Linkage

   If you have configured custom attributes in your custom categories (such as scale for "Scale Figures", roast level for "Coffee Beans", ISO for "Vintage Film", or shade/volume for "Skincare"), selecting that category immediately reveals the Category Attributes filter below! You can directly filter across these specialized fields to find items matching your exact specifications.

3. Frequently Used Tags & Search: Common tags appear as sleek tap-to-select capsules, alongside a “Search Tags” button for quickly locating long-tail tags.
4. Built-in & Custom 「Usage Status」 Multi-Selection: Usage statuses in MononoMori are never rigid or predefined. In addition to thoughtful preset options, custom usage statuses are fully supported. Any custom status you add in personalization settings automatically appears here for filtering:
   • Common presets: Brand New, Like New, In Use, In Use (Old Version), Idle, Spare, Low Stock, Lent Out, Under Repair, No Status;
   • Custom statuses: Personal labels like “Waiting for Resale”, “Seasonal Packing”, or “Loaned to Family” can all be checked and combined seamlessly.

Dimension 2: Location (Groves & Specific Storage Points)

Quickly review the physical distribution of goods across your living spaces:

• Groves & Rooms: Check “Master Bedroom”, “Bathroom Vanity”, “Pantry”, etc., to narrow your focus to that specific area;
• Auditing Tools for Unassigned Items:
  • No Grove: Isolate items that have not yet been assigned to a main living space for quick batch organizing;
  • No Location: Find items placed in a room but lacking a specific drawer, bin, or shelf.

Dimension 3: Details (Brands, Price Conversion, Life Chapters & Expiry)

Explore the history, value, and life narrative behind your belongings:

Life Chapters nostalgic timeline and independent expiry controls

1. Brand & Model Search: Quick-tap popular brand bubbles, or use the model search box to pinpoint electronics and appliances;
2. Price Range & Intelligent Multi-Currency Conversion:
   • Freely enter minimum and maximum price ranges;
   • Convert Currency Toggle: Off by default. When off, prices are compared as entered, regardless of currency. When on, MononoMori converts prices into your base currency using fixed built-in reference rates before applying the range filter. The rates cover 13 currencies (USD, CNY, JPY, EUR, CAD, GBP, KRW, TWD, HKD, AUD, SGD, CHF, THB) and are not updated over the network, so treat the result as approximate;
3. Purchase Date Range: Choose “All”, “Last 7 Days”, “This Month”, “This Year”, or custom date spans;
4. Life Chapters (Nostalgic Timeline):
   • Connect items to the milestones of your life journey (the defaults are Preschool, Elementary School, Middle School, High School, University and Working Life; you can customize them);
   • Check a chapter to instantly recall the cherished belongings that accompanied you during those formative years;
5. Independent Expiry Switches:
   • Dedicated toggles for “Expired”, “Expiring Soon”, and “Normal”, allowing you to inspect any combination with ease.

Dimension 4: More (Hibernation Modes & Story Attachments)

Mindful touches for life’s quiet corners and emotional attachments:

More filters: 3-state hibernation toggle, Treasure Box attachments, and Forest Stories

1. Hibernation Mode:
   • Active Items Only: (Default recommended) Hides seasonal items or belongings in declutter contemplation, keeping everyday views calm and clean;
   • All Items: Simultaneously displays active and hibernating items;
   • Hibernating Items Only: Dedicated focus on packed away, deep-storage, or seasonal goods;
2. Attachments & Stories:
   • Has Treasure Box Attachments: Filters items that have digital user manuals, receipts, warranty slips, or replacement parts attached;
   • Has Forest Story: Isolates items enriched with personal diary entries, gift memories, or reflective notes.

Applying and Resetting Filters

After configuring your desired criteria:

1. Tap the green 「Done」 button at the bottom of the panel to apply your selections immediately;
2. Back in the list, the toolbar’s Filter button shows the current grouping, sort and “Filtered N” (N is the number of active conditions, not the number of items), with an × beside it;
3. How to Reset:
   • Open the filter panel and tap the 「Reset」 button in the lower left corner;
   • Or tap the × beside the Filter button to clear the filters;
   • If no items match, the empty results screen shows a 「Clear Filters」 button.

Practical Life Scenarios

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Does adjusting grouping and sorting change my original item records or categories?

Not at all. Grouping and sorting change only how items are viewed on screen, like looking through a different set of lenses. It never alters your items’ physical locations, assigned categories, tree-ring records, or IDs. You can tap “Reset” at any time to return to the original view.

Q2: Are filter conditions retained after closing or quitting the app?

Yes, they are saved locally on your device. MononoMori thoughtfully remembers your active filters and display preferences so that each time you open the app, you can continue browsing exactly how you like. Whenever you wish to reset or change your view, tap “Reset” inside the panel or tap the × beside the toolbar’s Filter button.

Q3: When do custom category attribute filters appear?

Custom attributes are dynamically linked to specific categories. When you select a category that has custom attributes defined (e.g., custom categories like “Figurines”, “Film Rolls”, or “Coffee”), the system dynamically reveals those unique attribute filters below. If no category is selected, the area gently rests in an informative standby state.

Q4: Where can I customize usage statuses?

Navigate to MononoMori’s Settings and Personalization module. You can freely add, rename, or reorder usage statuses (e.g., “Ready for Resale”, “Moving Box A”). Once created, they automatically appear under Usage Status in the filter panel.

Q5: How does multi-currency conversion work? Does it work offline?

Prices are converted only when the Convert Currency toggle in the price filter is on (it is off by default). Then MononoMori converts prices into your base currency using fixed built-in reference rates before applying the range filter. It supports 13 currencies: USD, CNY, JPY, EUR, CAD, GBP, KRW, TWD, HKD, AUD, SGD, CHF and THB. The rates are not updated over the network, so conversion works offline, but the results are approximate. With the toggle off, prices are compared as entered, regardless of currency.

Q6: Why can’t I find an item in my main list?

If an item seems missing from your main forest, follow these three simple checks:

1. Check the Filter button: If the toolbar’s Filter button shows “Filtered N”, filters are still active; tap the × beside it to clear them;
2. Check for Hibernation: Hibernating items are hidden from daily views. Search for them in the top search bar (marked with 💤 Hibernating), or select “All Items” under the [More] tab in the filter panel;
3. Check the Memory Forest & Recycle Bin: Items that have undergone a farewell ritual reside under the stars of the “Memory Forest”, while deleted items rest in the “Recycle Bin”.