1.1 Import 3D Models

How to Import 3D Models

In this tutorial, you learn how to upload a model file from within the scenario and position it in your site plan.

Import 3D models

• In edit mode, click Buildings from the toolbar, followed by Imported Model
• Upload a model from a file, or browse existing project files (accessed from Documents)
• The model will now upload and be optimized for the web or "cooked", which may take several minutes depending on the size of the file
• Note: The file size upload limit is 1.5 GB and the recommended file size should be less than 500 MB to prevent affected site load time
• cmBuilder accepts the following file formats:
• IFC 2x3
• IFC 4
• FBX - (Warning: Do not export FBX directly from Revit)
• STP
• RVT (Not available for Revit 2025 yet, export to IFC if using Revit 2025)

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Position 3D Models

• Edit the model position either by right-clicking the object and selecting Edit Model
• Or, by clicking the pencil icon on the model card
• Choose a movement option from the floating menu
• Translate - use the movement handles to manually manipulate the position in x, y, z directions, or grab and drag the plane
• Rotate - Click and drag to rotate about x, y, z axes
• Snap - Orient rotation with 'parallel to plane' and adjust the alignment with 'point to plane'
• Automatically position the model using the following features:
• 'Center model on map tile' - Aligns the model to the center of the map tile
• 'Snap to position using another model' - Align the model to a pre-existing positioned model
• 'Scale Model Units' - Convert units 1:1 Eg. 1m = 1ft
• Note: Scale Model Units only available for FBX files

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Edit Model Elements

• cmBuilder now allows you to edit the color of individual model elements
• Right-click the model element
• Select Edit model element
• From here you can edit the name and color of the model element

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Managing Model Files

• Store and manage uploaded models from Documents
• To download the original model file, click the three dots on the model card, followed by Download Original Model
• Click Upload to upload another model file from here
• Like with projects, you can archive models. This will not remove them from the scenario to preserve where the models is used in previous scenario versions
• Click the three dots on the model on the model name, then click Archive
• To remove the model from the scenario, that must be done within the scenario from Imported Models

Update 3D Models

This feature is not available with a Starter (Legacy) subscription.

Update and preserve the model position and sequencing with Model Sync. To update an existing model:

• Click the three dots on the model card from the 'Imported Model' side sheet
• Click Update with a new model and upload the new file
• You will be notified once the new version is available

• Click Review from the pop-up notification, or Review new version from the model card
• Review changes and confirm by clicking Update Version

Note: Changes are indicated by the blue dots

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Further Reading:

🔗 Object Controls - For information on how to manipulate an object's spatial position and orientation