Best practice for the "Identifier" entry field

[Eddy M]

Hi
How is the "Identifier" entry field used?
Is there a best practice?
I've attached a screen shot that contains my question for clarification.

 

[Silveras]

Some folks use it for codes that help them find the published book/page/entry that is the source. Others use it to differentiate two things with similar or identical names, especially common ones (like "kitchen" in two or more places).

 

[thedarkelf007]

I use mine depending on the context of the item.

For locations from a module or map I have it use a unique code that will sort all the locations my dungeon, then level then rooom

For player content I have the player initials and a unique number for the character it is created for. This helps me to sort out what I have done and why without much thought required.

As it is a sortable field for the tree, making it something meaningful is very useful.

for example: Pathfinder Adventure path book 5, part 3, room c4 (Note: not a real reference)

This would be a location that has an ID of AP05P3RC4.

And then when the party gathers items from this location, they write this code down, and any special details about these items can be figured out later (such as magical properties) as they are generally too busy to take the time to identify while in a location. Also with the ID attached to the item and curses or special features not standard can be associated with this item.