This article also applies to the following legacy products:
Pro | Architectural | Suite
QUESTION
How do I add or copy library objects to my User Catalog?
ANSWER
The User Catalog is a folder in the Library Browser that you can add objects to. This can be helpful if you use a specific library object frequently or if you have created a custom object that you would like to save for future use.
In this article, we will cover the following topics:
To add an object to the User Catalog
Many types of objects can be added to the User Catalog directly from a plan file, such as cabinets, doors, windows, wall types*, appliances, fixtures, materials, HVAC items, and more.
*Applies to Chief Architect Premier only.
- Using the Select Objects
tool, select the object that you would like to add to the User Catalog, then click on the Add to Library
edit tool.
Multiple objects can be group selected and added to the User Catalog using the same process. To learn more about group selecting objects, please see the Related Articles section.
Separate components that are applied to objects, such as materials, can be added to the User Catalog using the Add to Library As edit tool.*
CAD objects must be part of a CAD Block before they can be added to the User Catalog.* See the Related Articles section to learn more.
*Applies to Chief Architect Premier only.
- Right-click on the newly added object in the User Catalog, select Rename, and type a descriptive name for this object.

- Notice that for many types of objects in the User Catalog, the contextual menu has an Open Object
option that allows you to modify the object.
To copy an object to the User Catalog
- Browse to the object you would like to copy from the Chief Architect/Home Designer Core, Bonus, or Manufacturer catalogs.
- Right-click on the object and select Copy to User Catalog from the contextual menu.

- The object will be added to the User Catalog, where it can be renamed and/or opened for modification.
To create a new object in the User Catalog
- Right-click on the User Catalog and select New from the contextual menu.
- Notice the available options, such as Backdrop, Fill Style, Pattern, Material, and more*.
*Available options vary based on the program you are using.

- Once an option has been selected, you may either have to select an image or file from your system, or define the new object in the dialog that displays.
To add links to frequently used objects
A link to an object is different than a copy of an object. Links use much less space on your system's hard drive, but you can't modify the linked object until it is placed into your plan.
- Find a frequently used object in the Chief Architect/Home Designer Core, Bonus, or Manufacturer catalogs.
- Right-click on the object and select Add Link.
In Chief Architect X15, Home Designer 2024, and prior versions, select the Move to Folder(s) option instead.

- In the Add Link or Move to Folder(s) dialog that appears, select the User Catalog folder, then click OK.

To create folders
If you will be creating different types of objects, you may want to keep them organized in folders within the User Catalog. For example, you may want to put all of your cabinets in a folder called "Cabinets".
- To create a folder within the User Catalog, right-click on the User Catalog and select New> Folder from the contextual menu.

- Type a descriptive name for the newly created folder.

To move objects
There are several ways to move objects:
- Drag-and-drop an object onto a folder of your choice.

- Right-click on an object, select Cut from the contextual menu, then right-click on the destination folder and select Paste.
- Right-click on an object and select Move to Folder.
To locate a link source
Select a linked object in the User Catalog, then click on one of the links in the Details panel.

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