Adding imported objects/materials/elements to catalog confuses me

[WimYogya]

Maybe I do things wrong, but adding new things to the catalog confuses me.
It seems to depend on the type of file (.skp or .3ds is what I used so far) but also on the type of stuff you want to add.
Is it a material? Is it an object? Is it an element? Is it something else?
This recent example might illustrate my confusion - maybe someone can give clarification:
I found an aluminium louvred window that I want to add to my catalog and add.
I clicked building > windows, then windows collection opened in the properties box. I clicked on the 'louvered' folder, 'add element'.
I expected to see a popup window that allows me to 'select' an external file that I can import (like what I have seen before, but where???).
Instead only an existing window type opens, that I can edit and then save. So nothing external can be added here.
Why not here? Because it is a structural part of a building? I added external elements like painting, toilet, bathtub etc. Why not a door or window?
So then I tried it another way: with file > import > object wizard. Here comes the first problem again: I have to select a folder to store my new stuff. But I don't see windows and doors mentioned here. So just to have 'any folder' for it, I selected 'Interior Accessories' for my new window and gave it the name 'aluminium louvre window'.
I followed the object wizard's procedures till I saw the new window appear in my project. I could use it now, but not sure if it was in my catalog.
So I have chosen files > catalogs > save element to catalog. Clicked the 'save icon' on my new window but saw nothing happen.
Then browsed through the catalog but couldn't find my new window back, not in the selected folder 'interior accessories' nor anywhere else.
Then I tried two 'searches' in the property box, first with 'aluminium' and then with 'louvre' - but no results returned.
So where IS my new window?

I feel a bit lost in a sort of catalog maze. Who helps me out? Thanks!

[Allan Chesney]

Basically there are two parts to the catalogue, elements (objects) or materials (texture images etc). Technically however images are not stored in the catalogue as such but are linked to the image itself on your computer (Textures folder - but can be elsewhere). The catalogue serves as a list to where things are and what other things are attached (as in what textures are attached to which element and where they can be used.

You can only add elements to some sections of the catalogue - that is why there is no provision to ad to the Windows and doors section. TFP objects in these sections of the catalogue have the 'knowledge' of how to cut a hole in the wall that fits their requirements - your imported window does not have that intelligence - it is a "thing" not a window - even it it looks like one. TFP does not know what to do with it because it is not communicating.

Even if you import the window into your model as you did with the Import Wizard it would not cut a hole in the wall, although you could use the built-n tools to cut the hole and just position the 'window' into the hole. TFP does that automatically with its own windows, stretching the hole if you change the size, move it etc, even adjusting the internal framing automatically to accomodate it. Your imported window has none of that 'inteligence' built into it. Lighting is a slight exception - TFP will add the lighting functionality to an object you import to lighting (via the Properties dialog not right click in the catalogue) but it mearly adds light it does not have to change walls as doors and windows have to do.

If you cannot import into any specific section it is becasue there are functions performed by these objects that the import (3DS or SKP) will not have. A BIM file is different as it brings with it all the necessary functions for the object to work.

The surest way to import an object to a specific part of the catalogue (if it will accept imports) is to right click in the group where you want it to be and select Add Element.  If the dialg has the option "Import geometry from file" then it will accept an imported element.  There is no question then where it is. 

Adding an element via the Import Wizard, then Adding it to the catalogue, usually works but you must take note of the section you chose and you can't control which section of that group it will be in. Many have reported that they have lost objects this way but personnally every time I have used the Import Wizard the object has been in the catalogue in the section I chose. That said, I still import usually as mentioned above as I know it is there before I use it.

Hope that helps,

Allan

[WimYogya]

It does not solve all my catalog/import problems, but for sure it is more clear now why certain simple looking things are not possible.
Especially your door/window explanation clarifies a lot!
It also indeed makes clear why my 'aluminium louvered window' was not really visible in the wall: I had to make it extremely FAT before it showed up: it had apparently not cut a hole in the wall!
Much more clear now, thanks.

BTW: do you LIVE in a virtual TFP house? You seem to be around anytime and questions often answered before they have been asked...

[Allan Chesney]

No I do live in a normal home! 
The secret is probably my mobile phone, as it notifies me of a new post and often I can answer the question straight away using the phone - if I do not need to check something in TFP first obviously - TFP does not work on the phone!!! - my wife is pleased about that!  ).  I also spend quite a bit of the day working on TFP projects (evenings mainly - which means half the night!), so again I am aware of new posts and like to help it I can. I received a lot of help myself from other forum users in the early days, especially Jack, so it is nice to be able to help others myself too.

Good to hear that the catalogue functions are a little cleared to you now.

Allan