Catalog File-based Design Import

This task describes particularities about importing Catalogs.

To import Catalog files from a file base design environment, see Using FBDI in standard mode (in Interactive or Batch mode) and Running the FBDI Batch in File based Design Import User Guide.

This task includes the following:

Important: In interactive mode, you can only use Mapping Table Mode to import a catalog.

Changes to applicative data in Version 6 when reloaded from Version 5

Version 5 Version 6
Document.catalog Catalog
Chapter Chapter
Keyword Keyword
Feature Description Feature Item
CATIA Document Description Reference Item or Representation Item
Unset Description Unset Item
Supporting Document Supporting Document
Non-CATIA Document Description Non-CATIA Document Item
Description Description Persistent Query
Part Family Component Family


  • Within a resolved part family, resolved items, generic parts and design tables will be imported.
  • WARNING: If a generic part has the same name as its associated design table, the import will fail due to PLM naming rules.
External Chapter If a V5 catalog contains a link to another catalog, then the linked catalog will also be imported but without the link between the catalogs.
Supporting Document Preview not imported
Preview Description not imported

Update Catalog

Update option is now supported for catalog:


  • Chapter create/delete
  • Keyword create/delete
  • Item create/delete

Performance Issues


  • You should import classified objects first, by packets of 200 to 300.
  • You should import the Catalog last.