The active catalogs function is used to set which products are available for purchase on your individual stores. The active catalog allows you to show specific categories and subcategories on each of your micro or multi-stores.
To set active catalog categories for individual stores go to 'Settings > Catalog > Active Catalog'.
From here, select the the micro or multi store catalog that you would like to add categories to.
If you would like to show all categories, just check the check box labeled 'Show All Catalog'.
If you would like to have specific categories available on each store, you can search for those categories in the search box. Once you have found the category or categories that you want to add to the store, click on the check box next them. Next, select 'Add Selected', this will add that category to the active catalog of that specific store.
Congratulations! You have just added active categories to your micro or multi store. You will now see the categories you have added to that store at the bottom. From here, you can also select to make any of these your root category.
