Various options for opening models in BIMcollab Zoom

Various options for opening models in BIMcollab Zoom

In BIMcollab Zoom, there are three methods to manage and access models effectively, catering to different project requirements and team workflows. By utilizing these multiple methods—integrating shared project folders, adding local files, and using BIM WebViewer models—teams can effectively manage and collaborate on models in BIMcollab Zoom. Each method offers distinct advantages, enhancing overall project efficiency and data accessibility.

Loading Files from a Local Computer

One method is to add IFC files directly from a local computer to BIMcollab Zoom. This approach allows team members to perform preliminary checks or work on specific project requirements before sharing files with the entire team:
  1. Open BIMcollab Zoom.
  2. Navigate to File > Add to project...
  3. Browse and select the desired IFC file from your local directory, then click Open.
  4. You can also drag and drop models to BIMcollab Zoom in Windows. 
  5. The file will be added to the project and displayed in the 'Navigation' tab with a file Icon  in front of it. This model is available only to the user who added it.

Once validated and ready for team access, move the IFC file to the shared project folder or BIMcollab WebViewer. This action ensures visibility for all team members after connecting to the BIMcollab project. For detailed instructions on loading files locally, refer to the article Open and combine IFC files in BIMcollab Zoom.


Using BIMcollab WebViewer Models

Since BIMcollab Zoom version 8, users can seamlessly review BIM WebViewer models directly within Zoom. This feature enhances workflow efficiency by only uploading models to one place, the WebViewer. Here’s how to use BIM WebViewer models in BIMcollab Zoom:
  1. Make sure models are loaded in BIMcollab Model WebViewer and the toggle to load models in BIMcollab Zoom is turned on in BIMcollab Nexus. 
  2. Connect BIMcollab Zoom with the BIMcollab Nexus project.
  3. Select the desired project.
  4. The models will initially appear in grey in the 'Navigation' tab. Right-click on the models to load them, turning the cloud symbol  yellow and making the model tree visible.

For detailed instructions on using BIM WebViewer models in BIMcollab Zoom, refer to the article Loading WebViewer models in BIMcollab Zoom.


Integration with Shared Project Folders

A feature in BIMcollab Zoom is the ability to link IFC files and point clouds stored in shared folders directly to projects in BIMcollab Nexus. Managed by a Project Leader or Editor with Zoom editing rights, this setup ensures that all team members have access to the latest project files when they connect to the project from BIMcollab Zoom. Here’s how to set up and utilize shared project folders:

Set Up a Shared Folder:
  1. Create a shared folder on a server or cloud storage platform (like Dropbox, OneDrive, Autodesk, etc.).
  2. Ensure this folder is accessible to all project team members, contains the most recent IFC and point cloud files for the project and you and the team have the shared folder locally on your computer.
Link the Shared Folder to a BIMcollab Project:
  1. Open BIMcollab Zoom.
  2. Connect to the desired project on BIMcollab Nexus.
  3. Go to File > Project folder...
  4. Click the [...] button, navigate to the correct shared folder, and click Select.
  5. Under 'Shared project folders', the directory structure of the selected folder will be displayed.
  6. Select the preferred subfolders to link to the project.
  7. Click Share to share the settings with the rest of the team.
  8. Click Synchronize Project to ensure all settings are updated in BIMcollab.
Access the Shared Folder as a Team Member:
  1. When connecting to the project in BIMcollab Zoom for the first time, team members will see the shared files in the 'Navigation' tab, initially displayed in red.
  2. Go to File > Project folder... and click the [...] button to navigate to the correct folder on their computer.
  3. Ensure the folder selected is the same one set up by the Project Leader. (The path can be slightly different in each computer.) 
  4. Click Select and then OK to confirm.
  5. The models will initially appear in grey in the 'Navigation' tab. Right-click on the models to load them, turning the folder symbol  yellow and making the model tree visible.

For detailed instructions on using shared project in BIMcollab Zoom, refer to the articles Set up the Project folder to link shared files to a project and Load the files from a shared project folder in BIMcollab Zoom.


The project folder workflow can also be used alongside the WebViewer synced models.
You can also open IFC files locally, however these will only be temporarily added to the project in the current Zoom session.



1. File from shared project folders
2. Local file
3. Models From the WebViewer 

Once these models are loaded, the icons turn yellow: 



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