There is the ability to group items together into a compound item to create customised parts/items. These can then be added to the catalog for future use.

Create a compound item

Place items

Place required items/parts that will form your compound item on the drawing. In this example...

Items can be selected in 3D view and the right click menu options can be used.  

• Open a new drawing and select the library that has the parts required.
  • We are going to use the items from the CM-Parts library.
• Add an End and a Shelf to the drawing
• Then place items together, as shown below.

You will see that the end and shelf are currently being treated as separate items in the Breadcrumbs Bar.

Convert to Compound Item

• Create a compound item by selecting both items.
• From the right-click menu select 'Convert to Compound Item'.
  The Breadcrumbs Bar will now show the new item combined as one part i.e. End Left_Shelf.
  
  
• The right-click for menu will now allow you to 'Format...' the Compound Item - click on image.
  Notice that the category tree contains the friendly pages for both items.
  

  Menu options in Plan and 3D view

Add to Compound Item to Catalog

Add to Catalog

We can save our new compound item into the catalog ...

• Ensure that you select the library on the Home tab that you want to add your new item into.
  • Here we are changing to the CM-Cabinets library but you can choose another library e.g. CM-Parts.
• Right-click on the compound item and choose Add To Catalog.
• In the present edit box, type in a New Name and click OK.
  • An informational messages will be presented to inform you that it has been successfully added (click on image)
    If you get messages to 'Save to nnnn.qim' then select Yes
  

  Click to view informational messageImage Title

Library Catalog Manager

In the Library Catalog Manager (open from the View tab) you will see the new compound item i.e. 'End Left_Shelf'.

• Here we have sorted by Type. Ensure the Code is ticked, as shown.
• Save and Exit the LCM (Click on image).
• When you exit the LCM, the category tree is updated to show new item for selection - compare to image above.
  • If you want, you can designate a Sub Type (shown here as blank).

Click to Expand

You can now reuse this compound item, in the same way as you would any cabinet, and add to your drawing.