How do I configure the software to use an existing catalog?

Background

Users often need to configure the software to use a catalog created by someone else, such as a downloaded manufacturer catalog, their standard corporate catalog, or a catalog from a client or vendor. This article describes how to incorporate a catalog in the form of a folder, not a file with a .CTLG extension. For files with a .CTLG extension, see Import Catalog.

Steps to Accomplish

1. Open the Catalog Paths dialog.
2. Click the + button to add a catalog path.
3. On the resulting Add Catalog box, click the [...] ellipsis button.
4. Browse to and select the catalog's folder.  Do not select a subfolder of the catalog such as the "Symbols" subfolder.
5. Click OK on the Browse For Folder dialog and again on the Add Catalog dialog.

Notes:

In V8i, catalog folders are often kept in the promis-e Data folder or Substation Data folder but can be located elsewhere.

In CONNECT Edition, catalog folders are often kept in the WorkSpace folder. For example, an out of the box path would be

C:\ProgramData\Bentley\Bentley Substation CONNECT Edition\Configuration\WorkSpaces\Substation Example\Standards\Substation\Catalogs

It is possible to add more than one catalog to Catalog Paths. 

A catalog path is also added to the configuration when a catalog is imported and when a catalog is created.

When there are duplicate symbol names in different catalogs, the symbol definition in the catalog that is highest in the Catalog Paths list will be used.  Similarly for macros, families, and title blocks. Change catalog priority by moving it higher or lower in the Catalog Paths list using the up and down arrow buttons.

See Also

How to Create a new catalog in Bentley Substation and Promis.e

Import Catalog

Adding Manufacturer Data To promis.e