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Items in the BrickLink reference catalog are grouped into one of six main item types defined below and then further classified by categories. This page only explains item types. To learn about categories, visit the Category Notes page.
Items are defined by the primary object for which the catalog entry was created. For example: if the primary object is a book that also includes parts, then the item type is Book. If the primary object is a building set that also includes a book, then the item type is Set.
| Item Types |
- Sets - Parts packaged together that can be combined to build or accessorize a model or models, even if there are no instructions for building a specific model.
- Parts - Individual elements and assemblies used for building models or play scenes.
- Figures - A single part or part assembly that represents an autonomous entity. See Figure Classification below.
- Books - Bound, stapled, or otherwise connected works consisting of multiple pages. Single-page items are not generally considered books.
- Gear - Accessories intended for human use such as watches, clothing, video games, and any items that do not fit naturally into other item types.
- Catalogs - Printed works depicting items for sale around the time of printing, including single pieces of paper, leaflets, and bound items resembling books.
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| Additional Item Types |
- Instructions - Printed directions for using parts from sets to build a model or models. Instructions entries are automatically generated for the Sets item type.
- Original Boxes - Packaging that contained the items in a set. Original box entries are automatically generated for the Sets item type.
- Unsorted Lots - LEGO items that would not have catalog entries (a container of unsorted parts, for example).
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| Figure Classification |
Figure classification can sometimes be difficult. Therefore, this section further clarifies how BrickLink decides if an item is a figure or not.
Figures: Characters, fantasy creatures, humans, mechanical objects, and statues. Additional clarifications listed below.
- Characters - These typically have a face and a name, but always display sentient behavior beyond that of a similar animal or object.
- Costumed Figures - Figures in costume are still figures, regardless of how many figures make up the costumed assembly.
- Figures Missing Parts - Assemblies may be missing an appendage, such as a skeleton with only one leg. Beyond a single missing limb, these are not figures.
- Single Parts - These are figures if otherwise qualifying and must have the part number/part description added to the figure entry.
Not figures: Non-character animals and objects and items that include another primary function. Additional clarifications listed below.
- Animals - Animals, including pets with names, are not figures unless they are characters or otherwise display exceptional behavior.
- Primary Function - If the figure has a primary function beyond being a figure, then it is not a figure. Examples are flash drives, key chains, and soap bottles.
- Representations of Humans - Holograms, pictures, video screens, and other similar items are not figures unless they actually are a human in another form.
- Transformed Humans - A person transformed into a rat is an example of this distinction and the rat is not a figure.
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| Specific Considerations and Exceptions |
- Brick-Built Items - Items are sets when significantly brick-built, excluding retail displays. Similar items not predominantly built from parts are gear.
- Brick Separators - These are considered parts for the purpose of accurate part counts for sets.
- Cloth, Felt, Paper, and Similar Items - These are considered parts only when they play an integral role in a built model.
- Educational Materials - These are considered books to keep them together in one place, even when only a sheet of paper or a piece of cardboard.
- Set Numbers - When confusion exists about an item being set or gear, the presence or absence of a LEGO set number will be considered.
- Sets without Parts - If an item includes no parts that could be used to build a figure or model, then it is not a set.
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