> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.acelabusa.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Using the General Research Project

> Learn how to use the General Research project for private exploration and comparison.

*Written by Patricia Causey · Updated March 20, 2026*

The **General Research Project** is a default private project that is automatically created in your account when you sign up. It serves as your personal workspace where you can:

* Explore the Material Hub
* Save and compare products
* Build a collection of materials or products outside of specific projects or the Firm Library

<Tip>
  **Note: The Firm Library** is a shared space for your organization, while the **General Research** is your personal workspace.
</Tip>

***

## Key Features of the General Research Project

#### 1. **Private Space**

The General Research Project is exclusively yours. It does not include collaborators, making it ideal for personal research and exploration.

#### 2. **Unfiltered Product Access**

When using visual search or selecting a project for product exploration, choosing General Research will show **all products in the Acelab database** without applying location filters.

#### 3. Save and Compare Products

Save products to the General Research for easy comparison and reference.

#### 4. Similar Functionality to Projects

General Research offers all the functionalities of a standard project, such as saving, organizing, and comparing materials.

***

## How Is General Research Different from Projects

|                     | **General Research**           | **Projects**                  |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------ | ----------------------------- |
| **Collaborators**   | None (Private)                 | Can include collaborators     |
| **Location Filter** | No location filter applied     | Products filtered by location |
| **Purpose**         | Personal research & collection | Project-specific research     |

***

## When to Use General Research

Use the General Research Project when you want to:

* Explore products without location constraints
* Save materials for future reference or comparison
* Conduct research independently without involving collaborators

***

## How to Use General Research

**1. Access General Research**

* Click on Projects, in the left-side menu. General Research will be listed as a default project.

**2. Save Products**

* When exploring products, click "Save to Project" and select General Research to add products to your collection.

**3. Visual Search**

* When prompted to select a project for visual search, choose General Research to view all available products without location filters.

**4. Organize Your Collection**

* Use General Research to organize and compare saved products for your personal research needs.
* You can also leave personalized notes and comments for products for future reference.