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Leanna30
Leanna30
Known Participant
January 29, 2026
Question

Category Icons - New png items added to Caticons not showing in Category Menu

  • January 29, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 28 views

I have been using Elements for years and have always added my own png files to the Caticon folder so that I have more Category Icon options for my Keyword Hierarchy. I now have Elements 2023 and new png files added to the Caticon folder do not appear in the Category Icon list. I know I can add individual icons to keywords but that option does not exist for the Category heading. Is there a limit to how many png files can be in the Caticon area. My new ones take it over 70. 

    1 reply

    Glenn 8675309
    Glenn 8675309
    Legend
    January 29, 2026

    There is no specific, published, or fixed numerical limit on the number of keyword tags (icons) you can create in the Adobe Photoshop Elements Organizer. 

    The system is designed to handle very large catalogs, with users reporting successful organization with over 150,000 to 180,000 media files. 

    However, there are practical constraints to keep in mind:

    • Performance: A massive number of tags can make the Keyword Tags pane sluggish.
    • System Resources: The limit is effectively governed by your computer's memory (RAM), storage, and processor speed.
    • Maximum Tag Length: Individual keyword names are limited to 40 characters.
    • Visual Display: If a photo has more than five keyword tags attached, the Organizer displays a "Multiple Keyword Tag" icon to save space, rather than showing every individual tag. 

    For large, complex libraries, it is recommended to run File > Catalog > Repair and Optimize regularly to maintain performance. 

    Leanna30
    Leanna30Author
    Known Participant
    January 29, 2026

    Thanks Glenn,

    I am not actually taking about individual keyword tags. I save my keywords under a hierarchical system using the Category and Sub-Category levels to group/organise the keywords. Elements comes with very few Category ICONS (A few flowers and symbols) I have over the years added more - by saving (in explorer in the Assets/Caticon folder) small png files that then come through as additional ICONS to use when I create or Edit a Category. in Elements 2023 this no longer works - I have all my previous ICONS but when I add more to the Assets/Caticons area they do not come through to use as Category Icons. 

    Thank youLeanne
    Glenn 8675309
    Glenn 8675309
    Legend
    January 30, 2026

    Please post a screen shot of this “n explorer in the Assets/Caticon folder”

    It sounds to me that you have a reached an undocumented limit of icons.   Generally icons are 100 x 100 in size, or are automatically generated, as needed. 

    Be sure to check your keyword and tags settings in your preference file (Right now you’re probably thinking “Check my what in my what”… Let me know if you need help with that. 

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