Hello Tom,
One solution is to have an object library of your own,
which has your customed materials, fill types
and line types stored in a Master_GDL file.
When loading libraries ArchiCAD reads all the files that
begin with 'Master_GDL' and adds all the materials, fill types
and line types found there to the corresponding menus.
(Nothing with the same name is NOT replaced though,
so setting made in PLN are not ruined every time you load
libraries).
This method has the advantage that you don't have to manually
add materials etc. with the attribute manager -> all your customed settings appear automagically by reading the custom library.
There has been a discussion about how to export master files at:
http://archicad-talk.graphisoft.com/viewtopic.php?p=31051&highlight=gdl#31051
and
http://archicad-talk.graphisoft.com/viewtopic.php?p=27657&highlight=master+gdl#27657
This is a slightly different thing as you would
save 'GDL-materials' or 'GDL-fills and line types'
from the special-menu. The saved file should be
named by the format;
Master_GDL_myIndoormaterials.GDL
Master_GDL_myWoodMaterials.GDL
Master_GDL_myLineTypes.GDL
Feel free to remove all the extra materials and other
definitions with text editor and leave just the necessary
ones left. You can also modify, copy and rename attributes
here. Be sure to include all the needed texture bit maps
in your library too. I attach a short material master, which
has an oak material defined in it.
Hope this helps, Juha