cmBuilder Layout Update

Understanding the New Scenario Layout

cmBuilder just got a facelift! We are changing things around to allow for more features to be added to the platform in the future. We'll walk through the main updates below.

💡 Note: You can choose to show the old toolbar for reference by going to User Settings > General > Experimental Features, and turning on the respective toggle. This will be available for a few months to allow users to adapt to the new interface. Also, we'd love to hear your feedback on the changes!

Command Bar

The main command bar is now located on the left hand side of the interface and it has a new tool organization.

Tool Organization

• Project Schedule: Manage scenario milestones and import construction dates from a schedule file
• Drawing Overlay: Import drawings, satellite, drone orthomosaics and other images
• Terrain
  • Excavation Operation: Create cuts, fills, ramps and other operations to build an excavation plan
  • Custom Terrain (Model): Reshape the terrain using a topography 3D model
  • Custom Terrain (Points): Reshape the terrain using a points manually or imported from a table
• Buildings
  • BIM Import: Import 3D files (RVT, IFC, FBX or STP) and visualize each part individually
  • Scan Import: Import 3D files (RVT, IFC, FBX or STP) and visualize all parts combined
  • Imported Resource: Import 3D files (GLB) to represent a custom resource
  • Massing: Create a layered massing to represent buildings or generic volumes
  • Split Building: Split imported BIM models using reference lines
• Resources: Add construction elements from a library of 3D models
• Annotate
  • Zone: Highlight different areas using colors and textures
  • Label: Identify elements in the screen using a text box
  • Line: Create lines to mark the scenario, outline areas and build animations
• Presentation and Slides: Create a presentation using saved camera angles and other markups
• Measure
  • Measure Distance: Measure the distance between two points and visualize their components
  • Measure Min. Distance: Measure the minimum distance between a point and a surface
  • Sea Level Elevation: Measure the elevation of a point according to sea level
  • Custom Section: Create a section cut using a custom surface as reference
  • X Section: Create a section cut using the X plane as reference
  • Y Section: Create a section cut using the Y plane as reference
  • Z Section: Create a section cut using the Z plane as reference
  • Clear All: Clear all measurements and sections in the view

Model Browser (Tree Structure)

The Tree Structure is now docked in the command panel and can be expanded/collapsed by clicking on its icon.

Additionally, you can now add elements directly from the tree by clicking on the Plus Button besides the category:

A notification badge will appear at the tree icon if one or more elements in the tree are temporary hidden or shown.

You can clear the temporary visibility states by clicking on the X Button in the warning at the top of the list or by hovering your mouse on the tree button and clicking on Reset All if the tree is collapsed. 

Tool Menus

All tool menus (excavation, drawing overlay, resource library etc...) are now docked on the right side of your screen and will contain all actions and operations related to the active tool.

Resource Library

Like all tool menus, the resource library is now docked in the right side of the interface, but there are other improvements to understand further:

The default view (1) will show all categories in the library combined but you can click on the drop down to see the resource categories (2) and subcategories (3).

You can also import your resource and visual programming templates through the dropdown (4).

Other Menus

The Scenario Settings and App Performance dashboards are now docked on the lower part of the left toolbar. 

The Comment function is now docked on the middle part of the left toolbar. 

The items and actions inside these menus remain unchanged.