Slot Management & Layout
Organize your habitats like a pro with flexible slot systems that grow with your collection. Smart layout tools that actually make sense.
Managing multiple enclosures in one space? CrittrHavens gives you the flexibility to arrange habitats exactly how they fit in real life, from simple setups to complex multi-level configurations.
Getting Started: New to haven layouts? Start with our Haven Management Guide to create your workspace, then return here for advanced organization strategies.
Understanding the Slot System
Each haven comes with a base layout of slots - designated spaces where you place habitats. Think of slots as shelf spaces, table areas, or designated spots in your physical setup.
Setting Up Habitats: Once you have your slot layout organized, see our Habitat Setup Guide for comprehensive habitat configuration and care scheduling.
Base Slot Layouts
Simple Haven: 2 main slots
- Table space and dresser space
- Perfect for starter setups
Desk Haven: 1 large slot
- Wide desk area for bigger enclosures
- Great for office setups
4-Shelf Haven: 4 horizontal slots
- Standard bookshelf configuration
- Popular apartment choice
5-Shelf Haven: 5 horizontal slots
- Maximum organization potential
- Serious collector setup
Each slot can hold one habitat, but here's where it gets smart - you can split slots when you need more spaces.
Slot Splitting Fundamentals
What is Slot Splitting?
Splitting divides one slot into two smaller spaces. Perfect when you want to fit multiple smaller enclosures where you originally planned one larger one.
Split Levels Explained
Most slots support 2 levels of splitting:
Level 1: Slot 0 becomes → Slot 0-0 and Slot 0-1
Level 2: Slot 0-0 becomes → Slot 0-0-0 and Slot 0-0-1
This hierarchical system lets you create complex layouts that match real shelving with dividers, risers, and multi-level arrangements.
When to Split Slots
- Multiple small habitats in one shelf area
- Different species needing separation
- Quarantine setup alongside main habitat
- Growing collection outgrowing original plan
How to Split Slots
The process is smooth and visual - you see exactly what's happening.
- Long press an empty slot to enter edit mode
- Tap "Split Slot" to divide it in half
- Confirm the split - the slot divides with a visual boundary
- Place habitats in either sub-slot as needed
Split Slot Behavior
When you split a slot that already contains a habitat:
- Existing habitat moves to the first sub-slot automatically
- Second sub-slot opens for a new habitat
- All care schedules remain intact and connected
Multi-Level Splitting
You can split sub-slots further:
- Long press a sub-slot (like 0-0)
- Split again to create 0-0-0 and 0-0-1
- Continue organizing with even more granular control
This creates complex nested layouts perfect for small species or detailed organization systems.
Merging Slots Back Together
Sometimes you need to simplify or want larger spaces back.
Simple Merge Process
- Long press a split slot area
- Select "Merge Slots" to combine sub-slots
- Handle habitat conflicts if both sub-slots contain habitats
- Confirm the merge - slots combine back to original size
Habitat Conflict Resolution
When merging slots that both contain habitats:
Option 1: Move one habitat to another empty slot first
Option 2: Unassign one habitat (moves to unassigned list)
Option 3: Choose which habitat stays in the merged slot
The app prevents accidental habitat loss - you always choose what happens.
Drag and Drop Layout Management
Moving Habitats Between Slots
- Long press a habitat to start dragging
- Drag to any empty slot within the same haven
- Release to place - habitat moves with all its data
Cross-Haven Movement
Moving habitats between different havens:
- Start dragging a habitat
- Drag to screen edges to switch between havens
- Drop in destination slot - habitat relocates completely
- Care schedules follow the habitat automatically
Smart Drop Zones
The app shows you exactly where you can drop:
- Green zones: Available empty slots
- Red zones: Occupied slots (can't drop)
- Haven edges: Switch to adjacent havens
Advanced Layout Strategies
Planning Your Organization
By Species Size
- Large species in single slots
- Small species in split slots
- Growing species with expansion room
By Care Requirements
- High-maintenance habitats in easily accessed slots
- Low-maintenance setups in upper slots
- Similar care schedules grouped together
By Visual Appeal
- Display species in prominent slots
- Utilitarian setups in background slots
- Balanced visual arrangement
Temporary Layouts
For situations that change:
Breeding Season: Quick splits for breeding setups
Quarantine Needs: Emergency slot creation
Growth Phases: Expanding space as animals grow
Seasonal Changes: Rearranging for winter/summer care access
Mobile Touch Controls
Gesture Guide
Single Tap: Select habitat or slot
Long Press: Enter edit mode (split/merge options)
Drag: Move habitats between slots
Pinch: Zoom in on complex split layouts (if enabled)
Visual Feedback
- Slot boundaries clearly marked during editing
- Drop zone highlighting when dragging
- Hierarchy indicators show split level depth
- Occupancy status immediately visible
Layout Troubleshooting
Common Issues
Slots Won't Split: Check if slot has reached maximum split levels (usually 2)
Can't Merge: Resolve habitat conflicts first by moving or unassigning
Drag Not Working: Ensure long press to activate drag mode
Lost Habitat: Check unassigned habitat list - they don't disappear
Recovery Options
- Undo recent changes within current session
- Reset to base layout if organization gets chaotic
- Export habitat list before major reorganizations
- Contact support with specific layout issues
Best Practices
Start Simple, Grow Complex
Begin with base slots and split only when you actually need more space. Over-splitting early creates unnecessary complexity.
Match Physical Reality
Keep your digital slot layout close to your actual physical arrangement. This makes the app more useful for daily care routines.
Plan for Growth
Leave some slots unsplit initially. It's easier to split later than to reorganize everything when you get new animals.
Regular Cleanup
Periodically review your slot organization. Merge unused splits and reorganize as your collection evolves.
Document Complex Layouts
For intricate split configurations, take screenshots or notes about your organization logic. This helps when setting up similar layouts or troubleshooting.
Related Guides
Haven & Habitat Management
- Haven Management Guide - Create and organize your digital workspaces
- Habitat Setup Guide - Comprehensive habitat configuration and care scheduling
Daily Workflows
- Care Center Guide - Monitor and manage all care activities
- Pet Management Guide - Assign pets to organized habitat layouts
- Task Management Guide - Automate care for complex multi-habitat setups
Getting Started
- Quickstart Guide - Essential workflows in 10 minutes
- User Guide Home - Complete feature overview and navigation
Smart slot management keeps your digital space organized and functional. Take time to plan layouts that work with your physical setup and care routines.