Searchable catalog for externally defined graphic element (edge) definitions

A catalog for storing externally defined graphic element (EDGE) definitions allows graphics developers and system designers to share customized and application-specific operator interface graphics. The catalog includes publishing functionality that allows a user to submit new graphic element definitions to the catalog together with instructions regarding how the graphic element definition is to be classified within a browsable hierarchy of industry-specific categories. Search and retrieval functionality allows an HMI developer to search for desired graphic element definitions using keyword-based searching or by browsing the classification hierarchy. Advanced search functions can generate or refine search criteria based on characterizing information polled from one or more of an operator interface application, an industrial control program, or networked field devices. The catalog can reside at a central network-accessible location or locally on a developer workstation to facilitate access to the stored graphic element definitions.