How Do I Open Altium Content Vault?

To access your Altium Content Vault within Altium Designer, you typically connect to the server hosting the vault and then browse its contents through a dedicated panel in the software. In Altium Designer 19, as referenced in the video title "How to use Altium Content Vault in Altium Designer 19", this is commonly done via the **Libraries panel** or the **Explorer panel**, depending on your configuration and the specific vault technology being used (such as a legacy Altium Vault or a Workspace).

Here's a general guide on how to access vault content:

## Steps to Access Altium Content Vault

1.  **Ensure Connection:** First, make sure your Altium Designer is connected to the server that hosts your Content Vault. This is usually configured through your Altium account or server settings within the software.
2.  **Open the Relevant Panel:** Navigate to the menu in Altium Designer to open the panel that displays server content. The primary panels for browsing vaulted components are typically found under the `View` menu:
    *   Go to `View` -> `Panels`.
    *   Select the panel used for browsing server content. This might be **Libraries**, **Explorer**, or in later versions, **Components**.
3.  **Browse Vault Content:** Once the panel is open and you are connected to your server/vault, you will be able to navigate through the folders and items stored within the vault.

## Exploring Content Within the Vault

Once the vault content is displayed in the panel, you can browse and search for the electronic components you need. As highlighted in the reference video, the interface provides helpful visual cues:

*   **Model Availability:** A significant feature you'll notice is the **green package icon**. This icon indicates that **symbol and footprint models are available for the listed part**. This visual confirmation helps you quickly identify components that are ready for use in your schematics and PCB layouts.
*   **Filtering Options:** The interface also provides options to refine your view. You can choose to **show only those parts that include these models** (those with the green package icon), making it easier to find components with the necessary graphical representations.

By opening the appropriate panel and connecting to your server, you gain access to the managed components and features of your Altium Content Vault, streamlining your design workflow.

## Key Features When Browsing Vault Content

Accessing the Content Vault allows you to leverage managed components with verified data. Here's a summary of key aspects you interact with once the vault content is displayed:

| Feature              | Description                                                                    | Benefit                                                |
| :------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------- |
| Connected Server View | Displays components and data from your connected Altium Vault or Workspace.    | Centralized access to approved and managed components. |
| Green Package Icon   | Indicates availability of schematic symbol and PCB footprint models.             | Quick visual confirmation of usable components.        |
| Filtering Options    | Allows showing only components with models or other specific criteria.           | Efficiently find components meeting design requirements. |
| Component Details    | Provides access to parameters, datasheets, lifecycle states, etc., for each part. | Comprehensive information for informed part selection. |

Understanding how to open and navigate these panels is essential for utilizing the full capabilities of Altium Designer's managed content features.