> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.poelis.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Readable IDs - User manual

Every entity in Poelis (products, items, properties, and versions) has a **readable ID**. A readable ID is a **stable, human-readable identifier** used to reference an entity. While names are meant for display and can change freely, readable IDs act as the canonical reference.
Readable IDs are used consistently in:

* the Poelis web interface

* the [Python SDK](/python-sdk/navigation) and browser-style dot notation

### Why readable IDs exist

Readable IDs provide a bridge between **human-friendly modeling** and **machine-friendly access**. They allow you to:

* reference entities reliably in scripts and integrations

* navigate data programmatically using dot notation with the [Python SDK](/python-sdk/navigation)

* avoid ambiguity when names change

* maintain stable references across versions

For example, in the [Python SDK](/python-sdk/navigation), dot notation directly reflects readable IDs:

```text theme={null}
poelis.<workspace>.<product>.<item>.<property>
```

This notation works because each level is identified by its readable ID, not by its display name.

### Behavior and guarantees

Readable IDs:

* are unique within a scope that depends on the entity:
  * a **product** readable ID is unique within its workspace
  * an **item** readable ID is unique within its parent scope (the product for a root item, or the parent item when nested)
  * a **property** readable ID is unique within its item

* are preserved when data is versioned or baselined

* can be **copied directly from the UI**

* can be edited manually when needed

When duplicating entities, Poelis automatically adjusts readable IDs to avoid collisions, typically by appending an index.

### Names vs readable IDs

It is important to distinguish between the two:

* **Name:** A human-facing label used for display and discussion. It can change freely.

* **Readable ID:** A stable identifier used for references, integrations, and programmatic access.

In practice, names help people understand *what* something is, while readable IDs define *which* thing it is.