> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.norrnext.com/norrcompetition/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.norrnext.com/norrcompetition/categories/general-information.md).

# General Information

Learn about categories — a foundational element for structuring contests in NorrCompetition.

Categories organize contests into logical hierarchical structures using standard Joomla category trees (`com_categories`). You can nest subcategories up to 3 levels deep to build intuitive directories for your visitors.

### Example Directory Structure

* **Portraits**
  * Summer Portrait Photo Contest
  * Studio Lighting Challenge
* **Pets & Animals**
  * **Cats**
    * The Best Sleepy Cat
    * Playful Kittens
  * **Dogs**
    * Agile Canines
    * My Funny Dog
* **Automotive**
  * Custom Tuning Showcase
  * Classic Car Restoration

### State & Access Inheritance

* **State Inheritance:** Contests strictly inherit the publication state of their parent category. If a category is *Unpublished* or *Trashed*, all contests assigned to that category (and their entries) are automatically hidden on the frontend.
* **Access Level Inheritance:** Contests respect the viewing access levels defined on their parent category.
* **Clean URLs (Routing):** NorrCompetition maintains decoupled SEF URL structures, ensuring short, SEO-friendly URLs for contests and entries.