Forma Data Management can be used in combination with BIMcollab in several ways:
Through Document Management using BIMcollab Document Sync
Though WebViewer with the Forma Data Management integration in a BIMcollab project
As a Project folder in BIMcollab Zoom
⚠️ Attention: This feature is not available on all tiers. To check if it’s included in your subscription, review the feature comparison list on the pricing page or contact your admin. If the feature isn’t available, you may need to upgrade your tier.
Each workflow supports different collaboration needs. This article explains when to use each option and which workflow BIMcollab recommends.
⚠️ Attention: Every team member in the BIMcollab project who needs access to the models from Forma Data Management in the WebViewer needs an account for Forma Data Management and should have access to the models there.
Connect Autodesk Forma using Document Management (BIMcollab Document Sync)
Autodesk Forma can be connected to BIMcollab through Document Management using BIMcollab Document Sync.
With this connection, documents and models from Autodesk Forma can be uploaded to the BIMcollab project and managed within the Documents tab.
In this workflow:
Files are uploaded from Autodesk Forma into the BIMcollab Documents tab
Models can then be viewed in the WebViewer
The same models can also be opened in BIMcollab Zoom
This workflow provides:
Centralized document management
Better version control
Consistent model access across BIMcollab applications
This approach is especially recommended for projects using BIMcollab as a Common Data Environment (CDE) or following ISO 19650-based processes.
You can find more details about this workflow here: Connecting Autodesk Forma with Document Management.
Forma Data Management integration in the BIMcollab project
The Forma Viewer integration allows users to display Autodesk-hosted models directly in the BIMcollab Model tab using the Autodesk viewer.
This workflow is useful when:
Models remain fully managed in Autodesk
Teams mainly require online viewing
Minimal document management is needed
Find more about the set up here: How to integrate Forma Data Management into my project
⚠️ Attention: Although this workflow supports integration with Autodesk Forma, BIMcollab recommends using the Document Management workflow (BIMcollab Document Sync) for more accurate and centralized model and document management.
Project folder in BIMcollab Zoom
Teams using BIMcollab Zoom for model coordination can connect Autodesk folders as a shared Project Folder using Autodesk Desktop Connector.
This workflow is best suited for:
BIM coordination workflows in BIMcollab Zoom
Teams working with large local model sets
Shared desktop coordination environments
Find more information about the set up here: Set up the Project folder to link shared files to a project
⚠️ Attention: Files must be locally synchronized through Autodesk Desktop Connector before they can be loaded in BIMcollab Zoom.
Final recommendation
For most BIMcollab projects, the recommended workflow is Autodesk Forma with Document Management (BIMcollab Document Sync)
Autodesk Forma → Documents → WebViewer → BIMcollab Zoom
This workflow keeps documents, models, and collaboration data centralized inside BIMcollab while still allowing teams to work with Autodesk-hosted content.
The direct Forma Viewer integration is best suited for lightweight online viewing workflows, while the Project Folder workflow is primarily intended for BIMcollab Zoom coordination teams.