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 <version>\enu\AEC Content directory.
Note: AutoCAD MEP 2024 toolset provides a catalog editor that a CAD manager or advanced user can use to browse, edit, or add part content to part catalogs.