Content center save copy as

[Christian3.14]

I created my own custom library and wanted to insert some of the PEMS included in the Inventor library into my custom one. Under the sheet metal category, I found the PEM family that I wanted to copy. I right clicked and selected "save copy as", made sure to copy to my custom library, selected independent family, and renamed the family, description, and folder. That created a folder in my custom library called "sheet metal" with just that one PEM family located inside it. I decided I wanted to rename that sheet metal folder in my custom library to PEMS. When I changed it and went back to the merged view, the sheet metal category was changed to PEMS. It still has everything from sheet metal in it (nuts, other, standoffs, studs). Why is this moving the whole sheet metal category into my custom library instead of creating an independent one? Is there an easier way to copy all the PEMS I need so they're  in my custom library as well as the Inventor one?  Also, I read a post from a few years back saying that you can't move around families after publish. Was that functionality ever added? 

[Christian3.14]

I would like to copy some of the content center parts in Inventor to a custom library in the content center. The end goal is to be able to download just that one library file to use on all of our computers that have inventor.

I went to a family I wanted to transfer, clicked save copy as, and checked the independent family box. It created a folder in my custom library with the family, however, when I went to edit the name of the folder inside the custom library it also changed the category name that I got the family from on the merged view. I also didn't have a choice where to put the copy I was making, it was automatically placed and locked once in the custom library. I then tried to use "copy to" instead of save copy as but that came out with the same result, plus it was linked to the original family. Does anyone know how I can do this (other than Vault)?

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Christian,

Indeed, once a CC family is published, you cannot change the category easily. You need to republish it. There might be a way to edit the database through backdoor access. But, it is not straight forward.

I am sorry I think you will need to republish it.

Many thanks!

[jan_priban]

Hello Christian,

The structure of Content Center is given/static, so there is no way how to move families from category to category. Like it is not possible to move nut family to washer category. The reason is each category has own category parameters and families properties are mapped to these category parameters. Such mapping allow search. Search performed by user or by application Add-Inns like Bolted connection and so on. Example: bolt moved into washer. Category washers does not have category parameter "bolt length" and it would not be possible to find/search this moved bolt.

So basically: What you did is OK, move (Save Copy As + independent) PEM screws you need to your new/user library and use your custom library. Structure will be same as parent Inventor library, unfortunately there is no way how to change category structure. Note: If you rename category in your library, yes in Merged view you will see it as renamed. Original category name you will see when you exclude your library from active project libraries list.

Regards

Jan Priban