# Create a product manually

Register a single product from manufacturer-supplied files when no GTC package is available.

Source: https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/library/guides/create-product-manually/
Updated: 2026-10-29

Use this guide when a vendor provides individual files — a `.p21` data file, a STEP model, a DXF drawing — but no full GTC package. Also use it when creating a custom or internal tool that has no manufacturer data at all.

**Prerequisites:** You have at least one of: a `.p21` data file, a `.stp` 3D model, a `.dxf` drawing, or product specifications from a catalog sheet.

**Required permission:** Library → Products — User or above. Admins can edit any product; Managers and Users only the products they created.

## Create the product with a data file (recommended)

If you have a `.p21` file from the manufacturer, one form and one click populate the number, order code, barcode, connection codes, parameters, and operations.

1. In the sidebar, click **Library → Products**.
1. Click **+ Create**.
1. Select the **Manufacturer**. If the manufacturer does not exist yet, create it from the Manufacturer list first.
1. Select the **Class** (ISO 13399 generic class, e.g. `DRLFSS` for solid drill).
1. Attach the `.p21` file as the **Data File**, and any 3D models, drawing, or pictures you have (see [Attach 3D models and drawings](#attach-3d-models-and-drawings) below).
1. Click **Save & Parse Data File**.

![The Create new Product drawer with Sandvik Coromant as Manufacturer, the MILSQS class, and a .p21 file chosen as Data file, with Save & Parse Data File outlined](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/guides/product-new-data-file-eng.webp)

*Fig. 1: Manufacturer and Class are required; everything else — including the Product Number — is parsed from the attached .p21 file.*

The Product Number, designation, all parameters, operations, and connection codes are parsed from the file. Review the **Parameters** and **Operations** tabs on the saved product to confirm the values look correct — see [How Operations Affect Downstream Workflows](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/library/overview/product-catalog/#how-operations-affect-downstream-workflows) if Operations comes back empty.

## Enter parameters manually (if no .p21 file)

If no data file is available, save the product first, then fill in the key parameters from the manufacturer's catalog sheet.

1. Follow steps 1–4 above (Manufacturer, Class), enter the **Product Number** manually, and click **Create**.
1. On the saved product, click the **Parameters** tab → **+ Add Parameter**. Add the parameters relevant to this product type. Common ones:

| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| `DC` | Cutting diameter (mm) |
| `LF` | Functional length (mm) |
| `RE` | Corner radius (mm) |
| `ZEFF` | Effective number of teeth |

1. Enter **Connection Codes** (machine-side and cutting-side) if known. These enable automatic assembly compatibility filtering.
1. Set **Operations** manually if none are parsed — the machining calculator cannot calculate cutting data for a product with no operations.

## Attach 3D models and drawings

Attach whatever the manufacturer provides — every slot is optional:

- **Basic Model** — simplified `.stp` file (used in CAD Viewer for daily work)
- **Detailed Model** — full-detail `.stp` file (used in Setup Sheet renders)
- **2D Drawing** — `.dxf` file (viewable in the drawing viewer)
- **Picture** — catalog photograph

![New product form showing Picture, Family drawing, Data file, Drawing, Model basic, and Model detailed attachment slots](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/guides/product-attachments-eng.webp)

*Fig. 2: Attachment slots on the product form — each accepts a specific file type.*

## Re-sync after the manufacturer updates the file

If the manufacturer releases a corrected or updated `.p21` file for a product you already created:

1. Open the product → **Edit** → replace the **Data File** → **Update**.
1. On the product page, click **Parse Data File** in the bottom toolbar to re-parse it.

## Notes

- A product without a `.p21` file can still be used in tool assemblies and inventory — parameters, connection codes, and operations can be entered manually.
- A product without a 3D model will appear as a blank space in the CAD Viewer but is otherwise fully functional.
- To import a full vendor catalog at once instead of product by product, see [Import Products from a GTC Package](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/library/guides/import-products/).