The Tool Palette API classes provide functions that write XML content to ATC files. These functions eliminate the need to author this content manually. For instance, when you define a catalog, you create a new AcTcCatalog object. You then add tool palettes, tools, and other items to the catalog object with the AcTcCatalog::AddItem() function. At some point in the catalog object's lifetime, you call the AcTcManager::AddCatalog() or AcTcManager::AddStockToolCatalog() function to let the AcTcManager object assume ownership of your catalog. Later, when you call the AcTcManager::SaveCatalogs() function, the manager converts your catalog to XML nodes and writes the resulting data to appropriate ATC files.
Tool Palette API signatures rarely use generic XML API objects directly. However, reading and writing your tool's custom data requires manipulation of XML nodes and tree structures. This assumes knowledge of Microsoft's C++/COM XML objects. Documentation for these objects can be obtained from Microsoft.