A catalog part is defined by the associated files, or definition files, that store the part information:
- DWG file. The drawing stores the model geometry that defines the appearance and enables the display of the part.
- BMP file. Stores the preview image of the part, which helps to identify the part during part selection.
- XML file. The extensible mark-up language (XML) file stores the part size and additional part properties that define the part.
Each part family in a catalog contains references to the associated definition files. If a file is missing, the part cannot be defined and is not available during part selection. The definition files are saved in the associated catalog folder in the \ProgramData\Autodesk\MEP 2015\enu\AEC Content directory.
Note: AutoCAD MEP provides a catalog editor that a CAD manager or advanced user can use to browse, edit, or add part content to part catalogs.