If you have added or edited materials in either the catalog materials library or project-specific materials library, you can save the custom materials to the external materials library file (materials.mlb). You can then import the custom materials from the library file into any materials library, whether that be the catalog materials library or project-specific materials library. The library file basically acts like a shuttle between libraries.
You can save materials to the default materials library, or create a new library to save them in.
To save customized materials to a materials library file:
Access the materials library. How to
In the Materials dialog, select File > Transfer.
In the Open dialog, select the library you want to export materials to, then click Open. The main materials library is called materials.mlb.
Tip: You can create a new library file if you want by entering a name in the File name edit box.
In the left pane, select the customized material, then click Export Item. The material (and the group it is under) is added to the materials library file. If you wanted you could also click Export All to instantly export the entire materials list to the library file.
Click OK.
If you want to import the customized materials into your catalog materials library or project-specific materials library, see Importing Materials from a Materials Library File.