Several methods can be used to access any custom toolboxes you use in a project. Choose the method that is most appropriate for each toolbox.
Custom toolboxes can be stored on the file system or in geodatabases, and can be accessed from folder or database connections. However, you can also connect a project directly to a toolbox. Once connected, these toolboxes are available in the Tools group in the Project pane and Project view. When a project is connected to a toolbox, you can quickly access its contents without having to know where it is stored and browse to that location. Toolboxes connect to the project are included in project packages.
Access a toolbox from a folder connection
You can see and work with a toolbox from a folder connection and any additional files stored in the same location. This may be important if the tools leverage data stored in the same location.
- Connect to a folder containing the toolbox you want to use.
- In the Project pane and Project view, browse to the folder that contains the toolbox.
- Browse to the toolbox to start using its tools.
Add a toolbox directly to the project
If you only want to see and work with a toolbox and not other items stored in the same location, add it directly to the project.
- On the Insert tab, in the Project group, click the Toolbox drop-down list and click Add Toolbox.
- Browse to and click the toolbox on the local or network computer.
- Click Select.
The toolbox appears in the Project pane and Project view in the Toolboxes heading.
- Browse to the toolbox to start using its tools.