if I import a folder structure with starts with a folder name containing office and a subfolder name containing project_XX which is the best way to autocreate (and assign) the categories office, projects,project_XX during import?
Why do you want to do this? This sounds like you are trying to duplicate your folder hierarchy also as categories? Would that not duplicate information?
You can assign files to existing categories during indexing (See Indexing (https://www.photools.com/help/imatch/#rmh_config_indexing.htm)) but you cannot create categories based on file names or folder names or whatever.
You can make IMatch run a Metadata Template (https://www.photools.com/help/imatch/#md_templates.htm) during indexing and dynamically produce keywords using variables - which includes the ability to use parts of the folder and file names to produce different keywords. Keywords automatically fill the special @Keywords Category (https://www.photools.com/help/imatch/#cat_keywords.htm).
To do this would use Variables (https://www.photools.com/help/imatch/#var_basics.htm) which extract the part of the folder and/or file name you want to produce keywords from.
Another way to deal with this would be Data-driven Categories (https://www.photools.com/help/imatch/#cat_data.htm), created based on the folder and/or file name or parts thereof. Or even based on variables, if nothing else can do the trick. This would be fully dynamic, too.
concerning variables - I found them and the VarToy but where can I find all the possible arguments to refine the variables?
As always, give the IMatch Help a try: Variables (https://www.photools.com/help/imatch/#var_basics.htm)
I found one example for date "{Application.DateTime|format:YYYY}" with |format:YYYY
What are the possible arguments for files and folders / path - is there a complete list?
A complete list of what? When I click the "Browse Variables" button, I see
(https://www.photools.com/community/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=11577.0;attach=27612;image)
The List of File Variables (https://www.photools.com/help/imatch/#var_basics.htm?dl=h-42) in the IMatch help is a good place to start.
The formatting functions explained in the same help topic (Formatting Functions (https://www.photools.com/help/imatch/#var_basics.htm?dl=h-206)) show the many ways you can access, modify and manipulate variables.
Let us know if you tried all that and still cannot find a solution to your particular problem.
Tank you very much Mario!
I meant the "formatting functions" called "arguments" (so searching for "arguments" did not help) in another place.
I think this should help me.
I will try it tomorrow ...