A system and method for identifying objects based upon Pritimives is provided. The system utilizes a server (2) connected via a network (4) to user terminals (6) from which request are inputted for an identification of objects associated with identified Primitives. The system utilizes various databases to identify objects. Object database (12) stores object records in a search range. Descriptor database (14) stores associations of descriptor dimensions with Primitives. Custom database (40) allows users to describe descriptors in terms of custom Primitives. Strand database (38) provides associations of descriptors across a palette. One embodiment of the method comprises storing records of objects with Primitives that define the objects, displaying a palette identifying types of objects with descriptors, storing with each descriptor at least one Primitive which defines the descriptor, determining a selection of one descriptor from the palette and identifying objects having at least one Primitive associated with the selected descriptor.
