---
title: "Replace or clear your catalog"
description: "Learn when to replace or clear the Interlinked product catalog, what changes immediately, and why you should keep a backup before bulk catalog actions."
section: "Products"
url: https://interlinked-ai.com/en/resources/docs/replace-or-clear-your-catalog
lang: en
lastUpdated: 2026-04-24
reviewedAt: 2026-04-24
---

# Replace or clear your catalog

## Direct answer

Use **Replace catalog** when you want a new uploaded file to become the full active catalog. Use **Clear catalog** only when you want to delete every product from Interlinked. Both actions affect the live AI agent immediately and cannot be undone from the panel.

<div class="docs-callout docs-callout-warning">
  <p><strong>Important</strong></p>
  <p>There is no draft mode for product catalog actions. Keep a backup copy of your catalog before replacing or clearing products.</p>
</div>

## Replace catalog

Replace catalog is for full catalog refreshes. Use it when your spreadsheet is the new source of truth for products, prices, stock, and attributes.

When you replace a catalog:

- The previous catalog is deleted.
- The uploaded file becomes the active product catalog.
- The new products become visible in the Products table immediately after upload.
- The live AI agent uses the updated product catalog.
- AI search preparation may continue briefly after upload, especially for larger catalogs.

<div class="docs-media-placeholder">
  <p class="mono-label">Screenshot: Replace catalog button on the Products page</p>
</div>

### Before replacing

Check that the new file includes the products you want active. Replacing the catalog is not a merge unless the panel explicitly offers an add or append flow. If a product is not in the replacement file, it may be removed from the active catalog.

## Clear catalog

Clear catalog deletes the entire current catalog.

When you clear a catalog:

- All products are removed.
- The AI agent no longer has product catalog data to recommend or answer from.
- The action cannot be undone from the panel.
- You must upload a new catalog if you want the AI agent to use product data again.

<div class="docs-media-placeholder">
  <p class="mono-label">Screenshot: Clear catalog confirmation before deleting all products</p>
</div>

## When to use each action

| Goal | Recommended action |
|------|--------------------|
| Refresh all products, prices, stock, and attributes | Replace catalog |
| Remove all products from Interlinked | Clear catalog |
| Add one urgent product | [Add products manually](/en/resources/docs/add-products-manually) |
| Improve product detail before a full upload | [Prepare your product catalog](/en/resources/docs/prepare-your-product-catalog) |

## After replacing or clearing

Product table changes appear immediately. AI search preparation may take a few minutes depending on catalog size and detail level. For very large catalogs, including catalogs with tens of thousands of products, preparation can take longer.

After a replacement, review the Products table and test common customer questions. After clearing, confirm that your AI agent should operate without product catalog data until a new file is uploaded.