Packages are the logical unit that Morpho uses to represent your data files and their descriptions (metadata). Morpho provides an easy interface for you to access your data and its descriptions. There are two major components of Morpho that deal with packages; the Package Wizard which guides you in creating a new package and the Package Editor, which helps you manipulate existing packages. Each of these interfaces are described in detail below. The links in the text will take you to a visual representation of the step being described.

When you begin to create a package, you will use the Package Wizard to get started entering basic descriptions. To begin creating your new package, select the 'File' menu and select 'New Data Package'. The initial screen of the Package Wizard should then be displayed.

After reading the initial instructions of the Package Wizard, click the 'Next' button. You will then be presented with the basic information screen. In this screen enter all of the contact information for each person who had a part in collecting the data that you are describing. Also enter the title of the dataset and any keywords that apply to this dataset.

Some fields in the package wizard are repeatable, that is, you may add a copy of the same field if you need to describe more than one of the same type of information. Sometimes, a group of fields can also be repeated as a unit. If a single field is repeatable, its label will be displayed as a button. If you click the button, the field will repeat. If a group of fields is repeatable, a 'Repeat' button will be displayed at the top of the group. Clicking the 'Repeat' button will duplicate the entire group of fields.

The Package Wizard alerts you to fields that are required by coloring their label red. If you do not fill in a field whose label is colored red, you will receive a warning message. If you still do not fill in this field, you may have problems uploading your metadata to the Metacat server (if you have one).

When you are done entering your basic information, click the 'Next' button.

The next screen of the Package Wizard asks you to locate your data file. You can do this by either clicking the 'Browse' button and navigating to your data file, or you can type the full path into the text box. If you do not want to include your data file in a package and just wish to create data descriptions (metadata) leave the text box blank and click next.

The next screen displayed in the wizard is the table description form. Enter the description of your data table here. If you have more than one table in your data file, enter information for only one of them here. You can add additional tables later using the Package Editor.

The next screen displayed in the wizard is the field description form. Describe each of the fields in the previously described table. To add more than one variable, use the 'Repeat' button at the top of the 'Field Information' group.

The final screen of the Package Wizard gives you a summary of what you are creating and asks you some questions about putting your package onto your Metacat server. The box at the top of the screen lists the items that are going to be in your package. Selecting the 'Save package to Metacat' checkbox will upload the package to your Metacat server (if you have one). If you uncheck the checkbox labeled 'Package should be publicly readable (on Metacat)' your package will not be accessible to anyone but yourself. Note that publicly accessible packages are read-only to anyone but yourself. When you are satisfied with your new package, click 'Finish' and the new package will be created.

Upon successful completion of the wizard process, the Package Editor will be opened with your new package being displayed. Go on to the next section for a complete description of the Package Editor

The Package Editor allows you to manipulate an existing data package. The editor is divided into two parts. The top of the window gives a summary of the basic information provided with each package. To edit this basic information, click the 'Edit' button in the upper right part of the window.

The bottom part of the screen describes the components that exist in the package. The 'Table Descriptions' box shows all of the tables for which there is a description. Double clicking on a table description will bring up the Table Editor for editing the table and field information.

The 'Other Information' box shows a list of all of the descriptions that are do not describe table information. This includes access control, distribution, software and physical file descriptions. Double clicking on any of these descriptions will allow you to edit it.

The 'Remove' button at the bottom will remove any description from the package. The 'Edit' button performs the same action as double clicking on a description (i.e. it opens an editor for the description). The 'Add' button opens the 'Add New Description' wizard which guides you through adding new descriptions or data files to your package.

The New Description Wizard allows other you to add information to your package to more accurately describe your dataset. The wizard also allows you to add a data file to your package. You may add as many data files to your package as you wish.

The first question that the wizard asks is what type of information you would like to add. Select whether you would like to add a new data file or a new description file.

If you choose to add a new data file, you will be given an area to type the path to your data file. You may also browse to the data file. If you choose to add a new description file you will be presented with a list of types of descriptions that you can add. Once you select the type of description you wish to add, click the 'Next' button. You will then be presented with the form to create the new description. Once you are done entering your description, click the 'Save Changes' button on the data entry form. You will then be shown the 'Finish' screen of the wizard where you can complete the process of adding your new description. Click the 'Finish' button to add the new description and refresh your Package Editor.