Custom ONIX Codes
The Custom ONIX Codes page tailors the ONIX code lists your team sees when editing titles: you can hide standard values you never use, add your own values to a list, and give each value headings in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese. Customisations are made per ONIX list and per ONIX version.
Where to find it
- Settings menu: Custom ONIX Codes. Route:
/preferences/custom-onix-codes. - Visible to accounts with access to Preferences.
Screen overview
- ONIX List — the code list to work on, shown as number – list name (for example 17 – LstContributorRole); type to filter. ONIX Version — ONIX2 or ONIX3 (the default). Changing either reloads the table.
- Add — opens the dialog to create your own value.
- Table — Code, Text (the English heading) and one action per row: Hide on a standard value, Show on a hidden value, Edit on one of your own values. Standard and hidden values are listed first, your own values after them. Pages of 15, 30 or 50 rows.
Actions on this page are saved immediately — there is no Save button.
How to hide or show a standard value
- Select the ONIX List and the ONIX Version.
- Click Hide on the row. The value no longer appears in the editing lists of your users and the button turns into Show.
- Click Show to make it visible again.
How to add your own value
- Click Add. The Custom ONIX Code dialog opens with a warning: WARNING: If you define your own custom ONIX codes, your ONIX files could be declared invalid and rejected by your trading partners.
- Enter the Code.
- Pick a Language (EN, FR, ES or PT — each can be used once), type the Heading and click Add new translation. Repeat for the other languages. An EN heading is mandatory (You must add at least the EN translation.).
- Correct a heading by typing directly in the Text cell of the translations table; remove one with its trash button.
- Click OK. The value is added to the selected list and version.
How to edit or delete your own value
- Click Edit on the row.
- Add, correct or remove translations as above, then click OK — or click Delete in the dialog footer to remove the value entirely (no further confirmation is asked).
Tips
- Auto translate is not available yet; translations are entered by hand.
- Some lists exist only in ONIX 2.1 (barcode, e-publication type, media file types…): they are not offered under ONIX3.
- Lists with a negative number are internal ONIXEDIT lists (Thema and BISAC subjects, skin names…).
Frequently asked questions
Will custom codes break my ONIX files?
They can. Files using values that are not in the standard ONIX code lists may be declared invalid and rejected by your trading partners — the dialog warns you about it. Use custom codes for internal purposes only.
Why can't I click OK in the dialog?
Every custom code needs at least an English (EN) heading. Add the EN translation first.
Why did my list disappear after switching to ONIX 3?
Some code lists exist only in ONIX 2.1. When you select ONIX 3 they leave the list picker and the page falls back to list 1.
Is hiding a value reversible?
Yes. Click Show on the row; the customisation is removed and the standard value is visible again.
Why is Auto translate greyed out?
The translation service is not configured yet (Coming soon). Enter the translations manually.