How do I import new digital assets?

Create an Asset “Catalog” (File | New Catalog…)

All “assets” are organized by “catalogs”, so the first step (if you haven’t done it already) is to create a catalog to accept your asset file information. You can use just one catalog for all your assets, but you might have more flexibility if you segment them logically by division or by your main product lines. The “Root Asset Locations” are one or more network paths where the assets are stored. These “Root” Paths become separate access points in the catalog.

Generally, it’s a good practice to select UNC paths from “My Network Places”. Otherwise you could use permanent mapped drive letters. Important Note: Due to a design limitation, you must not select the lowest directory in the tree. Be sure you select at least one up from the bottom. This is because each lowest directory name becomes a “Folder”. Press OK.

You will then be asked to “Import assets for new catalog …”. Press OK. The loading progress will be displayed in the status bar and the total assets found will be shown at the end of the process. You should now see “Folders” displayed in a list.

Selecting a “Folder” will display thumbnail images (if possible) in the viewport on the right. There are three “tabs” in this viewport: “Thumbnails”, “Asset” and “Info”. The “Thumbnails” view displays each asset, if possible, as a small picture. Selecting one and going to the Asset tab will show a larger image of the asset. The “Info” tab shows detailed information about the selected asset including “properties.”

You can then use File > Import Assets at any time to “refresh” your folders (pulling in any new or updated assets).