# Tutorial 1: Accessing Dietrich's Material Database

This tutorial focuses specifically on how to access the material database in Dietrich's software, which is the essential first step before you can explore or modify materials.

### Introduction

The material database in Dietrich's is the central repository for all materials used in your construction projects. Before you can use, explore, or modify any materials, you need to know how to access this database.

### Accessing Through Project Data Program

The primary and most comprehensive method to access the material database is through the Project Data Program:

1. **Start Dietrich's software**
   * Launch the main Dietrich's application from your desktop or start menu
2. **Open the Project Administration**
   * This is typically the first screen that appears when you start the program
   * If you're already in another module, you can return to the Project Administration
3. **Launch the Project Data Program**

   * In the Project Administration, locate and select the Project Data Program. This is under Program Menu, and then Project Data. Option 4-1.
   *

   ```
   <figure><img src="https://1589690351-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FJwVNn4I5lBr9h9dnVyjh%2Fuploads%2FzpReJCMxSFCQ9La8KVsy%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=52990292-5ea7-44d4-84fe-e4b9e1f5078c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
   ```
4. **Navigate to Master Data**

   * Within the Project Data Program, look for a menu option labeled "Master Data" or "4 Master data"
   * From the Master Data options, select "Material Database"
   * The material database will open, displaying the available materials and categories
   *

   ```
   <figure><img src="https://1589690351-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FJwVNn4I5lBr9h9dnVyjh%2Fuploads%2F2TwtLXcdRSDuAsdM8iru%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5edfb347-4e9f-4be3-a096-2a8a848a90bf" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
   ```

### Verifying Successful Access

You'll know you've successfully accessed the material database when you see this:

*

```
<figure><img src="https://1589690351-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FJwVNn4I5lBr9h9dnVyjh%2Fuploads%2FuthstKiOh7tofqNuN8E8%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=0aa9c387-9caa-4705-b547-b6cdee33d243" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
```

### Next Steps

Once you've successfully accessed the material database, you're ready to:

* Explore existing materials
* Create new materials
* Edit material properties
* Work with replacement item numbers
* Transfer data between databases

These topics are covered in the subsequent tutorials in this series.

***

Now that you know how to access the material database, you're ready to proceed to Tutorial 2: "Exploring Dietrich's Material Database" to learn how to navigate and understand the materials available in your system.
