How do I create materials in the catalog?

Short Answer

You create your own materials in the catalog: under Katalog → Materialien, open the desired catalog or folder and select «Produkt erfassen» (create product) → «Material». Assign a name, save, and enter the characteristic values via «Details bearbeiten» (edit details); then click «Abschliessen» (complete) and «Freigeben» (release). Materials can already be used while in draft status.

When to Use This

Whenever you want to add your own materials to the catalog – for example, to store EPDs as your own materials. As an alternative to manual entry, you can also import materials: from Excel, from Lesosai (.ldl), or from the Archicad material catalog (.xlsx/.txt).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open Katalog → Materialien.
2. Open the desired catalog or folder.
3. Click «Produkt erfassen» (create product) and select «Material».
4. Assign a name and save.
5. Enter the characteristic values via «Details bearbeiten» (edit details).
6. Click «Abschliessen» (complete) and then «Freigeben» (release).

Expected Result

The material is recorded in the catalog and released. You do not have to wait for the release: materials can already be used while in draft status.

Update (version 1.8.5)

As of version 1.8.5, products in the catalog no longer save automatically – so you deliberately review your changes before clicking «Save». Layer attributes are also now correctly preserved when toggling a layer on and off.