1. What is the Part List?
The Part List is a tool to make building projects with Octopart easier. Use it to keep track of parts which spark your interest, keep a list of datasheets you always use, organize your parts into projects, or buy all the parts in a list once you are ready to build.
2. Do I need to register to use the Part List?
No.
3. How do I use it?
First, search for parts. When you find a part you want to add, click 'add to partlist' and the part will appear in your list.
4. I already have this long list of part numbers...
Save your list of part numbers as a txt or csv file (with the proper extension). Then, use the options menu and click 'import parts'. Select the file and Octopart will look for part number matches in our database.
5. What can I do with parts once they are in my partlist?
If you click on the part, you will be taken to a page with more information about it. Clicking on the arrow next to a part shows its datasheet, a thumbnail of its image and an estimate of the total price. You can use the up and down arrows to change a part quantity, or click on the quantity and type in a new value. To delete a part, right click on the part title and use the pop-up menu.
6. How can I save my partlist?
If you are already logged in, any changes you make to your projects will get saved automatically. If you don't have an Octopart user account and would like to save your work, then click on 'save' and a registration window will appear in the top right corner of your screen. Register and your projects will get transferred to your new account.
7. How can I create new lists and organize old ones?
Click on the '← select' link in the top-left of your Part List. This will open a new window which you can use to create new partlists and also to add folders for organizing your lists.
Once you are in the Projects window you can see all of your partlists organized by folders which you can open and close by clicking on the icons. To select an existing partlist or folder simply click on its title. If you have selected a partlist, the contents of the list will appear in the main window. To create a new folder or a new partlist, choose its parent directory and then go to the 'options' menu in the top left. To add a top-level folder or partlist, make sure to unselect your previous selection. In general, once a list or a folder is selected you can edit it by going to the 'options' menu. Currently you cannot cut and paste folders or partlists (coming soon!).
8. I 'accidentally' used a name for my project that isn't fit for work and my boss is around the corner!
Quick, close your browser! Once you are in a safe place use the options menu and click 'rename'. In general, check the options menu first for special features.
9. So now that I have this great list of parts - how do I share it with the world?
Use the options menu to either e-mail your partlist, or publish it. Once you've published the list, use the 'share' button and follow the instructions to embed your list on your own page, as seen on the left.
10. I can't do everything I want with my Part List - what is wrong with you lazy Octopart guys?
We'd love to hear your ideas. Send us an e-mail.
11. I followed the FAQ and nothing is working, more like 'Octosuck'...
Please e-mail us with any bugs, complaints or requests. If you aren't using Firefox, try downloading it.
12. I never want to see the Part List again. Get rid of it, now.
Click on the 'x' in the top right of the Part List to hide the window. If you want to get it back, just add a part or use the 'Show Partlist' option in the login header.