Adding and Copying Objects to the User Catalog

The information in this article applies to:

QUESTION

How do I add or copy library objects to my User Catalog? 

ANSWER

The User Catalog is a folder within Chief Architect software that you can use to add objects to. This can be helpful if you use a specific library object in multiple projects or if you have created a custom object that you would like to save for use in a later plan. 

In this article, we will cover the following topics:

• Adding an object to the User Catalog
• Copying an object to the User Catalog
• Creating a new object in the User Catalog
  
• Adding shortcuts to frequently used objects
• Adding additional folders
• Moving objects
• Locating a shortcut source
  
  

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.

1. 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 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 separately using the Add to Library As edit tool.
   
   Do note that CAD objects, as well as polyline solids, must be part of a CAD/Architectural Block before they can be added to the User Catalog. See the Related Articles section to learn more.
   

   
   
2. Right-click on this new entry that was added to the User Catalog and select Rename to give this object a descriptive name of your choosing.
   
   
   Note: On a Mac, hold down the Control key while clicking to initiate a right-click command. More information about right-click commands on Apple input devices can be found in the following Apple resource: Right-click on Mac.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Notice that, for many types of objects, an Open Object  option is available that allows you to make modifications to objects added to the User Catalog.
   
   

To copy an object to the User Catalog

1. Locate the object you would like to copy from the Chief Architect Core, Bonus, or Manufacturer catalogs.
   
   
   
2. Right-click on the item and select Copy to User Catalog from the contextual menu.
   
   In X12 and prior versions, select Copy instead, then right-click on the User Catalog folder and choose Paste.
   
   
   
   
   
3. The object will be added to the User Catalog where it can be renamed or opened to specification for further modification.
   
   

To create a new object in the User Catalog

1. Right-click on the User Catalog and select New from the contextual menu.
   
   
   
2. Notice the options that are available, such as Backdrops, Fill Styles, Style Palettes, and more.
   
   
   Note: For additional information on each of these options, navigate to Help> Launch Help and search your program's documentation or search the Knowledge Base.
   
   
   
   
   
3. 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 shortcuts to frequently used objects

A shortcut to an object is different than making a copy of an object. Shortcuts to objects take up much less space on your system's hard drive, however, you won't be able to make custom modifications to the object until it is placed into your plan.

1. Find the frequently used object from the Chief Architect Core, Bonus, or Manufacturer catalogs.
   
   
   
2. Right-click on the object and select Copy from the contextual menu.
   
   
   
3. Right-click on the User Catalog folder and select Paste Shortcut.
   
   
   
   

To add more folders

If you will be creating different types of custom objects, you may want to keep them organized into folders. For example, you may want all of your cabinets together in a folder called 'Cabinets'.

1. To create new folders (or sub-folders), right-click on the User Catalog and select New> Folder from the contextual menu.
   
   
   
   

   You may notice additional options in this contextual menu, such as Backdrops, Fill Styles, Style Palettes, and more. For additional information on each of these options, navigate to Help> Launch Help and search your program's documentation or search the Knowledge Base.
   

   
   
2. A new folder will be created. Type in a descriptive name for this new folder.
   
   
   
   
   Note: Folders can also be created inside of each other (nested) by right-clicking on a folder name and navigating to New> Folder.
   
   
   

To move objects

Once your new folder is created, simply drag and drop an object onto your folder to move it.

1. Another option is to right-click on your desired object and select Cut from the contextual menu.
   
   
   
2. Right-click on the folder where you want to place it and choose Paste.
   
   

To locate a shortcut source

1. In the User Catalog, right-click on an object shortcut and select Locate Shortcut Source from the contextual menu.
   
   
   
   
   
2. The original object will be selected in the Chief Architect Core, Bonus, or Manufacturer catalogs.
   
   

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