The `settings_schema.json` file controls the organization and content of the **Theme settings** area of the theme editor. All setting selections in the theme editor are saved in [settings_data.json](/docs/storefronts/themes/architecture/config/settings-data-json).
## Location
The `settings_schema.json` file is located in the `config` directory of the theme:
```text
└── theme
...
├── config
├── settings_data.json
└── settings_schema.json
└── locales
```
## Schema
The `settings_schema.json` file is an array of objects that represent setting categories. Each object needs to have the following attributes:
| Attribute | Description | Required |
| --- | --- | --- |
| `name` | The name of the category of settings. | Yes |
| `settings` | An array of associated [settings](/docs/storefronts/themes/architecture/settings). | Yes |
The `settings_schema.json` file should follow the following basic format:
```json
[
{
"name": "Category",
"settings": [
...
]
},
...
]
```
The `settings_schema.json` file is a JSON file, so all content must be valid JSON. Additionally, make sure you follow the appropriate syntax for your desired setting.
## Usage
When working with the `settings_schema.json` file, familiarize yourself with the following:
- [setting types](#setting-types)
- [accessing settings](#access-settings)
- [adding theme metadata](#add-theme-metadata)
### Setting types
There are two categories of settings:
| Category | Description |
| --- | --- |
| [Input settings](/docs/storefronts/themes/architecture/settings/input-settings) | Settings that can hold a value, and are configurable by app users. |
| [Sidebar settings](/docs/storefronts/themes/architecture/settings/sidebar-settings) | Settings that can’t hold a value, and aren’t configurable by app users. They’re informational elements that can be used to provide detail and clarity for your input settings. |
### Access settings
Theme settings can be accessed through the [settings object](/docs/api/liquid/objects/settings). To learn more about the syntax and considerations, refer to [Access settings](/docs/storefronts/themes/architecture/settings#access-settings).
### Add theme metadata
As a theme author, you can include additional metadata for your theme in the **Theme actions** menu of the theme editor. This menu appears at the left of the theme editor top bar: