Reviewing Design in 3D with Solibri free Viewer
December 14, 2023 at 9:37 am,
No comments
IFC is a popular file exchange format for 3D or BIM models. I like to compare it to PDF - where you do not need MS Word installed to open a document but can use freely available tools. The same is with IFC - the designer can export to IFC almost from any of the tools they use for modeling.
One of the popular free viewers for IFC format files is called Solibri Anywhere. It is a desktop solution, so you will need to register, download, and install it.
Opening and Navigation
The free version of Solibri allows you to open only one model at a time. So it means that either you review models one by one or ask someone to send you a combined (federated) model. This can be done in multiple ways, but I won't go into details now. Also, the full version of Solibri is available for a 30-day trial.
When a file is opened, you will be prompted to choose a discipline. This is needed for the full version of Solibri for automated checking and other purposes. If those are not used, then you can choose any of the appropriate disciplines.
Navigation is done using the mouse and keyboard. The model can be rotated by left-clicking the mouse, pan mode is activated by pressing and holding the middle wheel button, and zoom is done using the mouse wheel.
TOP 7 Solibri Anywhere features
- Game Mode: Allows you to walk through the building like in a video game. Use the mouse to look around and use either arrow or WASD buttons on the keyboard to walk around.
- Info Tab: Allows you to view the properties available in the object. Sometimes it helps to identify the visible object or read values like type or dimensions.
- Dimension: Allows you to measure between 2 points in 3D.
- Sectioning: Allows you to make one or multiple section planes. Just click your left mouse button on any plane, and a section will be made. To move the section, press SHIFT and use your mouse wheel or left mouse button. Delete any section by clicking on the plane and press delete.
- Show/Hide: Quickly hide or show a category of objects like walls, floors, etc.
- Show Component Footprints: Allows you to see 2D projections like room names and door opening directions in 3D. A horizontal section should be made to see this information.
- Communication: You can create presentations that contain screenshots with comments and markups. These presentations can be exported to PDF or other formats for easy review. An awesome feature is that you can upload a new version of the model and click through the old presentation to see if the issues have been fixed.
Conclusion
Solibri Anywhere is a great tool used by many to review design and facilitate communication between different parties involved. The paid version of Solibri has additional functionality like Quantity take-off and rule-based checking, making it one of the best QC tools in the world.
Free video
I give a much more detailed presentation of this tool in a FREE video you can access through the link HERE.