Using 3D building models in cmBuilder

Learn how to upload a model file from within the scenario and position it on 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)

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:
  • Note: Scale Model Units only available for FBX files
• '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

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

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

Tips & FAQ:

Why are certain elements (e.g. furniture) of my RVT or IFC model not showing up in cmBuilder?

To optimize performance and remove unnecessary objects from your BIM models, cmBuilder allows you to filter out model elements based on their IFC (BIM) classifications during import. To customize these filters based on your requirements:

• Access User Settings: click on the button with your initials in the top right hand corner, select User Settings
• Navigate to the Import tab
• In the Default IFC/RVT classes to convert section toggle on/off the BIM classes as needed
• Toggle on Always ask on IFC/RVT upload if you would like to be prompted with this choice each time you upload an IFC or RVT model.

Further Reading:

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