Stack spliting

[koch_07_88]

How do i split stack and keep them in my inventory.

everytime i try to split a stack in automaticly sorts is back to a full stack/
can any one help please

[Rahjital]

You can turn off automatic inventory sorting in options. Your inventory will be a mess, but it's the only way without using a chest.

[koch_07_88]

Ok got it Thanks so much

[Night_Ange1]

You can use your hotbar to split stacks too

[ssilk]

I dont split stacks. Splitting stacks is for those, who don't understand, that Factorio is not Minecraft and that it is about automation.

For example: Instead of splitting a stack into 8 parts for my 8 gun turrets, I place belt, inserters, a chest and then I put the ammo in the chest. The rest is done by the inserters. This costs initially more time, but after the third filling, I'm definitely faster.

[koch_07_88]

thats not wat i wanted split stacks for. i wanted it for the first start

[Nova]

That's nice, ssilk, but not what koch_07_88 asked.

I would really like the stack splitting system of Minecraft. That was a nice idea which I have never seen before. Well, but only with a sorting key or if the inventory only sorts when we close it.

[sillyfly]

Well, Factorio and Minecraft have very different inventory management / crafting system.
I have to admit I fail to see the use of stack splitting in Factorio. What am I missing? When is it useful?

[DaveMcW]

When is it useful?

The main uses are feeding furnaces in the first 15 minutes, and filling gun turrets.

I keep my inventory sorted, and use my toolbar for splitting.

[sillyfly]

Err... I split ammo and coal between turrets and furnaces by Ctrl+Right-clicking. Much faster than opening the UI, and doesn't require me to keep a split stack

[DaveMcW]

How many steps does it take to equally fill 8 turrets?

[Nova]

But you are fixed on using half a stack.

Yes, in Factorio you should not care about the one ammunition pack more in the one turret. You can automate the things en masse and can fill everything to the brim, but mayne people still like it symmetric, ordered and nicely done. Having exactly the right amount in every turret is one of this things.

[sillyfly]

How many steps does it take to equally fill 8 turrets?

Assuming I have enough ammo - 11 clicks.

[DaveMcW]

Let's assume you only have 1 stack of ammo.

[sillyfly]

Well, it won't be equal because 100 isn't a multiple of 8, but still 11 clicks for close-enough (12/13 in each)

[DaveMcW]

I don't get it. What are your 11 clicks if you're not splitting stacks?

[sillyfly]

I don't split them in my inventory.
I start with the one stack of 100 ammo in my hand, then:
(All clicks are Control+Right Click, unless stated otherwise)

Click 1: Turret 1, give it 50, I have 50.
Click 2: Turret 2, give it 25, I have 25.
Click 3: Turret 3, give it 12, I have 13*.
Click 4: Turret 4, Ctrl+Left Click, give it 13, I have 0.
Click 5: Turret 1, take 25, it has 25.
Click 6: Turret 5, give it 12, I have 13*.
Click 7: Turret 6, Ctrl+Left Click, give it 13, I have 0.
Click 8: Turret 1, take 12, it has 13*.
Click 9: Turret 7, Ctrl+Left Click, give it 12.
Click 10: Turret 2, take 12, it has 13*.
Click 11: Turret 8, Ctrl+Left Click, give it 12, I have 0.

End result*:
T1: 13
T2: 13
T3: 12
T4: 13
T5: 12
T6: 13
T7: 12
T8: 12
Player: 0

As close as you can get to evenly splitting, without ever splitting a stack in your inventory, and without ever opening a gui.


*not sure about rounding, could be other way around

[DaveMcW]

Very nice.

[Nova]

That sounds so overly complex and needs so much thinking-ahead... We need splitting.

[sillyfly]

Not really. This could be described much more simply like this:
1. While you have more than the intended end-amount in your hand: Ctrl+Right Click on an empty turret/furnace.
2. If you have exactly the intended end-amount: Ctrl+Left Click on an empty turret/furnace.
3. If there are still empty turrets/furnaces: pick a turret/furnace with more than the intended end amount (either in random or one with the largest amount), Ctrl+Right click on it, and go back to step 1.

I really don't find it complicated or hard, but to each their own
And anyway this is probably only a once or twice in a game thing, as I quickly automate everything anyway

Not that I object the idea of allowing splitting, I just really can't see the usefulness of it, other than satisfying early-game ocd