How do I create a new object library?

[Reilly]

I am working on creating a library of objects for my office. Most of these objects have already been created as embedded objects, then exported into a folder on our company dropbox. How do I format this so it can be loaded as a linked library in the library manager? So far, when I try to link the new library folder, the objects do not appear when using the object tool. I have not tried making an lcf file yet as I am still working on and editing some of the objects, but that is next on my list to try once the objects are created.

Operating system used: Mac Apple Silicon

[scottjm]

When you link the library folder, do you still have the objects in your emebded library? if so, it will only show the objects in one location in the object tool as it knows they are duplicates.

Try linking the library folder to a separate archicad file, or remove the objects from your embedded library.

The suggested workflow when developing objects is to work on the objects from a linked library folder.

If you are intending to upload your library to a BIMCloud Library, I would suggest packaging them as an LCF.  This will prevent them from accidently being modified by other users, and also has a slight performance increase when loading the library.  The only downfall is you have to repackage the lcf whenever you modify an object.

[Marc H]

scottjm gives you a great overview of the choices: a) Export the objects (.gsm) to an external library folder, or b) create an (external LCF) and place in a centrally accessible location.

For my part, I am always editing, creating, or re-creating objects, mostly to represent various equipment. The setup working for me is to have two externally linked office library folders.  The first is an office library, wherein there is a 'final version' object LCF (these will load the fastest).  The second is also an office library, but non-LCF with sub-folders by category, filled with 'working' parametric or static object files which I can use, but might benefit from some additional enhancement. It also carries some sub-folders of imported Revit or other static 3D objects.  

I like the fact I can quickly see all the object (.gsm) sizes at-a-glance in the non-LCF library folders, especially those in the imported objects folders.  I can sort their directory by size to prioritize those imported objects that need to be re-created.  (Imported objects can easily top 1MB, while the same recreated object might be only 90kb.)  It also helps organize the library objects. I can add or edit the sub-folders and/or the object names within and re-load libraries within my session.