How to transfer materials from one file to another?

Issue description

If custom building materials have been created in a project, and they need to be used in a new file. How can these materials be transferred from one project to another?

Solution

Custom building materials can be transferred between files using the Attribute Manager. Follow these steps to ensure all associated attributes, such as fills and surfaces, are correctly imported.

Step 1: Exporting building materials from the source file

1. Open the source project where the custom materials were created.

2. Navigate to Options > Element Attributes > Attribute Manager…
   
3. In the Attribute Manager, go to the Building Materials tab. The window is divided into two sections, with command buttons in the center. For more details on the functions of the commands at the center, you can check this link: Attribute Management Commands.
4. In the left column, find the custom building materials to transfer. Use Shift + Click to select multiple materials.
5. Click Append >> to transfer the selected materials to the temporary list on the right.

6. Enable Include All Associated Attributes to ensure that linked attributes like fills and surfaces are also included. 
   Tip: You can leave this setting unchecked if the material you are exporting contains default Archicad attributes, as these will automatically relink themselves once imported to the host file. But if you have custom made anything for example fills and surfaces, it would be best to have it checked so they will also be imported.  

7. Click Export and save the file.
8. Click OK to close the attribute manager.

Step 2: Importing building materials into the new file

1. Open the new project where the materials will be used.
2. Navigate to Options > Element Attributes > Attribute Manager…
3. In the Attribute Manager, go to the Building Materials tab.
4. Click Import (located at the upper-right corner of the window).
5. Select the exported attribute file, then click << Append to add the materials to the project.

Step 3: Resolving duplicated attributes

During the import process, some attributes may be duplicated, indicated by a (1) at the end of their name (e.g., Batt Insulation (1)). These need to be corrected:

1. Check the Associated Attributes section in the left column of the Attribute Manager.
2. Identify duplicated attributes (those ending in (1)).
3. Navigate to the corresponding attribute tab (e.g., Fills) and locate the duplicated item.
4. Select the duplicate (e.g., Batt Insulation (1))
5. Click Delete.
6. When prompted, choose Replace with [Original Attribute Name] (e.g., Batt Insulation).
   
7. Repeat the process for any other duplicated attributes.
8. Click OK to save the changes.

Tip: Here are some related articles that are related on this:

• How to transfer layouts from one file to another?

• How to export properties from one file to another?

• How to export schedules from one file to another?

• How to export favorites from one file to another?

If you need more help…