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

# Create materials

> Add a new material to your Library — either a verified EPD or a custom (non-verified) entry.

If a product you need is not in the Library yet, you can add it yourself. Real-Time LCA supports two kinds of new materials:

* **Verified EPDs** — backed by a real Environmental Product Declaration document. Use this when you have the EPD PDF and its declaration number.
* **Non-verified (Custom)** — built from values you enter manually. Use this for early-phase estimates or when no EPD exists yet.

## Open the Create Material form

Click **+ Material** in the top-right of the Library.

<Frame caption="+ Material button on the Library toolbar">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/real-timelca/bMAMJ-Pe-pcp6ZrR/images/user-guide/Create%20material%20button.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=bMAMJ-Pe-pcp6ZrR&q=85&s=0ad4f73f1bdc0bef3d1e20714b20849a" alt="Library toolbar with the + Material button hovered, revealing the create-material URL in the status bar." width="3104" height="2024" data-path="images/user-guide/Create material button.png" />
</Frame>

You land on the **Create Material** page with two tabs at the top: **Published** and **Custom**. Switch between them at any time before saving.

## Choose the right type

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="Verified EPDs" icon="file-certificate" href="/user-guide/library/materials/create-materials/verified-epds">
    Add a published EPD with the source URL, declaration number, and document.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Non-verified (Custom)" icon="pen-ruler" href="/user-guide/library/materials/create-materials/non-verified-custom">
    Add a custom material with manually entered indicator values.
  </Card>
</Columns>

<Tip>
  Need a starting point? Open an existing material's overflow menu in the Library and choose **Clone**. The Create Material form opens prefilled with the source material's values.
</Tip>