3D model viewer

The 3D model viewer lets you explore a project’s model and connect its elements to the Parts and Assemblies recorded in Fabritec.

Use the viewer to inspect model properties, review linked item information, control what is visible, switch between model views, and review element and link changes between model versions. The Color by selector also provides viewing modes for operational topics such as production, quality, material shortages, and assembly readiness.

You can open a local model for viewing or use Model manager to work with saved project models.

Important: Opening a local file does not upload it to Fabritec. Viewing a model, matching its elements, and saving links to Fabritec items are separate actions.

Where to Find the 3D Model Viewer

Navigate to:

Projects → Select a project → 3D model viewer

Check the project name and number in the page header before adding a model or linking its elements.

Before You Begin

For model viewing, have an IFC or Fragments file available on your device, or identify a saved project model in Model manager.

For element linking, first confirm the relevant Building, Phase, and corresponding Fabritec Parts and Assemblies. You will also need to identify the IFC properties that correspond to the Fabritec fields used for matching.

For example, a model may store part marks in PART_POS and assembly marks in ASSEMBLY_POS. Use the properties contained in your own model rather than assuming every IFC file uses these names.

Understand the Viewer Workspace

The main controls are above the viewing area.

Control	Purpose
Model manager	Access saved project models, add IFC models, review model versions, and open element linking.
Model browser	Explore the loaded model’s hierarchy and control element visibility.
Properties	Inspect IFC properties and the associated Fabritec item information.
Model views	Choose a standard viewing direction and access the projection-mode selector.
Building	Select a building context or All buildings.
Phase	Select a phase context or All phases.
Color by	Choose the model’s original appearance or an operational viewing mode.
Open local models	Open IFC or Fragments files from your device without uploading them.
Refresh models	Refresh the viewer’s models.

The bottom toolbar contains navigation, visibility, sectioning, measurement, screenshot, full-screen, and settings controls.

The status bar identifies the viewer’s state. It can display Ready, the number of Loaded models, and the number of Selected elements. When nothing is selected, it prompts you to select an element to inspect.

Open a Model

Open a Local File

Use this option to inspect a file from your device without uploading it.

Click Open local models in the page header or the empty viewer.

Select an IFC or Fragments file.

Wait for the model to load, then use the viewer controls to explore it.

Local viewing is not a saved-model upload. Use Model manager when you need the saved project-model workflow, including model versions and element linking.

Add an IFC Model Through Model Manager

Click Model manager, check the Building selector, and click Upload IFC.

Choose the IFC file and complete the Add model form.

Click Save model.

Monitor the preparation status in Model manager.

The Add model form contains:

Field	What to enter
Model name	Enter a clear name that identifies the model. The walkthrough uses `IFC4Bridge`.
Discipline (optional)	Enter the model’s discipline when relevant.
Model reference	Choose the appropriate reference. The walkthrough uses `01 / Main mall`.

Check the model reference against the building you intend to use when linking elements.

Wait for Model Preparation

After saving, the model can appear with Preparing viewer files, while Model manager displays Waiting for preparation.

The Current version column can show Not activated during this stage. Saving the model and preparing it for viewing are therefore distinct stages.

Use the refresh control in Model manager to check the displayed state. Once the model is prepared and its viewing control is available, use the control in the Visible column to display it.

Choose a Model from Documents

When the model is already stored in Documents, use:

Model manager → Choose from Documents

This is a separate entry point from opening a local file. Check the intended document before adding it to your model workflow.

Work with Model Manager

Model manager provides a searchable model table and a Building selector.

Column	What it shows
Visible	The model’s viewing or visibility control.
Model name	The model name and any displayed preparation status.
Model reference	The reference associated with the model.
Current version	The current model version or a status such as Not activated.
Link coverage	The saved-link coverage shown for the model, such as `2334 / 2354`.
Actions	Available model-management actions, including access to versions and element linking.

Use Search, column filters, and pagination to locate a model. Scroll horizontally when the Link coverage or Actions columns are outside the visible area.

Link coverage is not production completion. It concerns associations between model elements and Fabritec items, not manufactured quantities or completed production work.

Link Model Elements to Fabritec Items

Linking connects model elements to the relevant Fabritec Parts and Assemblies. This allows you to inspect the associated project-item information through the Fabritec tab in Properties.

The workflow is:

Choose the scope → Configure matching → Run matching → Review results → Save links

Step 1: Open Link Model Elements

In Model manager, locate the model and open its Link model elements action using the link icon.

Check the model name at the top of the dialog.

Step 2: Select the Building and Phase

Choose the Building and Phase containing the Fabritec items you want to match.

The walkthrough uses:

Setting	Example
Building	`01 / Main mall`
Phase	`JOB-2026-00003-01-11`

Confirm both selections before running matching. A similar item mark is not sufficient on its own to establish that you are working in the correct project context.

Step 3: Configure Parts and Assemblies Separately

The dialog contains separate matching sections for Parts and Assemblies.

Each section pairs a Fabritec field with an IFC property.

Matching section	Fabritec field in the walkthrough	IFC property in the walkthrough
Parts	Item mark	`PART_POS` from `PartInformation`
Assemblies	Item mark	`ASSEMBLY_POS` from `AssemblyInformation`

Each section includes the following controls:

Control	Purpose
Fabritec field	Choose the field from the Fabritec item record used for matching.
IFC property	Choose the corresponding property from the model.
Add field	Add another field mapping to the configuration.
Add filter	Add a filter to the matching configuration.
Run	Run matching for that section.

Review the IFC property values before choosing a mapping. For example, a general element name such as PLATE may not identify the item in the same way as a mark such as PL-2.

Use your model’s actual properties. PART_POS and ASSEMBLY_POS are the properties used in this walkthrough, not universal requirements for every model.

Step 4: Run Matching and Review the Results

Click Run in the Parts section and in the Assemblies section as needed.

Review the resulting rows before saving links.

Results column	Meaning
IFC value	The model-side value displayed for the element.
Fabritec item	The corresponding Fabritec item identified by matching.
Status	The row’s matching or linking state.
Reason	Additional information about the result, when available.

Use All, Parts, and Assemblies to review the relevant item group. Search, column filters, and pagination help you inspect the results.

Understand Matching Statuses

Status	Meaning
Unmatched	The element does not currently have a matching result ready to link. Check the Reason column.
Matched	Matching has identified a corresponding Fabritec item, but the association has not yet been saved as a link.
Linked	The association between the model element and the Fabritec item has been saved.

Before matching runs, a row can show Unmatched with Reason: Not run. This means matching has not yet been performed; it does not indicate that the configured rules have failed.

Step 5: Save the Matched Links

After reviewing the proposed associations, click Link matched items (number).

The number on the button identifies the matched entries included in the action. In the walkthrough, the table displays 50 items per page, but the button shows Link matched items (2334) and the footer summarizes All pages.

Review the all-pages total, not only the rows currently visible.

After saving, confirm the completion message and check that the relevant rows show Linked.

Example: From Matching to Saved Links

The supplied walkthrough follows this sequence:

Stage	Matched	Unmatched	Linked
Before matching	0	2,354	0
After matching	2,334	20	0
After saving links	0	20	2,334

Before saving, the all-pages total contains 1,670 Parts and 664 Assemblies.

After saving, the dialog displays Reviewed links saved: 2334 / 2334, and Model manager shows Link coverage: 2334 / 2354.

The remaining 20 unmatched entries still need review. A successful link-save operation does not mean every entry has been linked.

Review Unmatched Entries or Incorrect Links

For unmatched entries, check the Reason column, selected Building and Phase, and the values in the chosen Fabritec field and IFC property. Confirm that the intended Fabritec item exists in that context.

For an incorrect saved association, select the relevant row and use Unlink selected. Review the selection carefully before removing links, then correct the matching configuration as needed.

Navigate and Inspect the Model

Use the bottom toolbar to change the viewing position and focus on relevant elements.

Tool	Use
Orbit	Rotate the viewing position around the model.
Pan	Move the view across the model.
Zoom	Move closer to or farther from the model.
Fit	Reframe the model in the viewing area.
Isolate	View the selected elements separately from surrounding elements.
Hide	Hide selected elements from the view.
Show all	Restore hidden elements to the view.
Section	Access the sectioning tool.
Measure	Access the measurement tool.
Screenshot	Capture an image of the viewer.
Full screen	Expand the viewer into full-screen mode.
Settings	Configure selection, viewing, appearance, lighting, performance, and workspace options.

Some controls appear unavailable when no model is loaded or no suitable selection is present.

When locating an element, start with Fit, navigate to the relevant area, and select the element. Check Selected elements in the status bar before using a selection-based action.

Choose Part or Assembly Selection

Open:

Settings → Selection → Select by

Choose Part or Assembly according to the level you need to inspect.

The Keep adding to selection option lets you build a selection across multiple picks. Zoom to selected elements controls whether the view moves toward selected elements.

Selection and matching have different purposes. Selecting by Part or Assembly controls inspection in the viewer. The mappings in Link model elements determine how model elements correspond to Fabritec records.

Use Model Views

Click Model views to choose a standard viewing direction.

The available view buttons shown in the walkthrough are 3D overview, Top view, Front view, Right-side view, Rear view, Left-side view, and Bottom view.

Use 3D overview for an overall spatial view. Use a directional view when you need to inspect the model from a consistent side.

The dialog also contains Projection mode. This setting is also available under Settings → View controls. The walkthrough shows Perspective selected.

Explore the Model Browser

The Model browser provides a hierarchical view of the loaded model.

Click Model browser.

Expand the hierarchy to locate the relevant branch or element.

Use Search element type or ID when you know the element type or identifier.

Use the eye icon beside a node to control its visibility.

The hierarchy reflects the model’s own structure. The walkthrough includes nodes such as IFCPROJECT, IFCSITE, IFCBRIDGE, and IFCELEMENTASSEMBLY, followed by their child nodes.

Control Visibility Through the Hierarchy

An open eye indicates a visible node. A crossed-out eye indicates a hidden node.

In the walkthrough, hiding a parent branch also shows its displayed descendants as hidden. Check the parent node when a child element is unexpectedly absent.

Use the browser to work through the model structure, and use the scene to understand where the selected content sits within the overall model.

Inspect Element Properties

Select an element in the model, then click Properties.

The dialog separates information into two tabs:

Tab	Information source
IFC properties	Properties contained in the model.
Fabritec	Information from the associated Fabritec item record.

Use Search properties to find a field. Expand or collapse property groups to focus on the information you need.

IFC Properties

The fields and groups depend on the selected element and the information stored in the model.

The walkthrough includes:

Group	Example information
General	IFC type, Element ID, IFC GUID, Name, Description, Tag, and PredefinedType.
Pset_ColumnCommon	IsExternal, LoadBearing, Slope, and Roll.
PartInformation	ASSEMBLY_POS, MAIN_PART, ID, PHASE, WEIGHT_NET, PART_POS, and LENGTH.
Qto_ColumnBaseQuantities	Length, cross-section area, surface areas, volumes, and weights.

These properties help you identify the element and inspect the values available for matching.

For example, the selected column in the walkthrough contains PART_POS: W1 and ASSEMBLY_POS: COL-2.

Fabritec Properties

The Fabritec tab identifies the linked item and its project context.

The walkthrough shows:

Field	Example value
Mark	W1
Name	COLUMN
Category	Built-Up
Material	St-52
Profile	PL6*750
Paint	Epoxy
Item type	Part
Operation Type	Stock
Building	Main mall
Phase	JOB-2026-00003-01-11
Item quantity	10
Drawing Number	1062

Check the Mark, Item type, Building, and Phase to confirm that the element is associated with the intended Fabritec record.

The two tabs represent different information sources. Inspect IFC values in their model-property context and Fabritec values in their linked-item context. The linked record’s Item quantity is also different from the viewer’s Selected elements count.

Review the Model with Color By

Use Color by to choose the subject of your visual review.

The modes shown in the walkthrough include:

Mode	Review focus
Original appearance	The model’s original visual appearance.
Item status	Item status.
Production stage	Production-stage information.
Production completion	Production-completion information.
Quality and rework	Quality and rework information.
Holds and blockers	Holds and blockers.
Material shortages	Material-shortage information.
Assembly readiness	Assembly-readiness information.

Before interpreting an operational view, check the selected Building, Phase, and the model’s Link coverage.

Use Properties → Fabritec to verify the associated item when investigating an element.

Do not interpret original model colors as production or quality statuses. Original appearance is a separate viewing mode from the operational options.

Manage Model Versions

Use Versions to inspect a model version, upload a new IFC, and review element and link changes.

Open Model manager, locate the model, and open Versions.

The top of the dialog identifies the Model name, Current version, and the Version selected for inspection. Check these fields separately when reviewing model history.

Upload a New IFC Version

Open Versions for the correct model.

Under Upload new IFC, click Choose File and select the updated IFC.

Use the upload control beside the file field.

After preparation, select the relevant version and review Element changes.

Check the displayed Current version rather than assuming that selecting a version for inspection makes it current.

Understand the Comparison

The selected version is compared with the nearest older prepared version.

When no earlier prepared version exists, the selected version is treated as the initial baseline.

Important: The comparison checks IFC identities and links, not geometry. Use it to review element presence and link continuity; it is not a geometric-change report.

Review the Summary Cards

Summary	Meaning
New elements	Elements identified as new in the selected version relative to the comparison baseline.
Missing elements	Elements from the comparison version that are missing from the selected version.
Retained links	Links retained in the version comparison.

The Element changes section includes All changes, Retained links, New elements, Missing elements, and Needs link review views.

Inspect the relevant rows and any entries flagged for link review before relying on the updated model’s associations.

Example: The Initial Baseline

Version 1 in the walkthrough shows:

Summary	Value
New elements	2,354
Missing elements	0
Retained links	0

This is the first prepared baseline, so the listed elements are shown as Added in this version.

Individual rows can still show Linked. Zero retained links does not mean zero saved links when there is no earlier prepared version from which links could be retained.

Configure Viewer Settings

Click Settings in the bottom toolbar. Scroll through the dialog to access all groups.

Selection

Setting	Purpose
Select by	Choose Part or Assembly selection.
Keep adding to selection	Continue adding elements to the current selection.
Selection highlight	Choose the selection highlight color.
Zoom to selected elements	Move the view toward selected elements.
Fade others on model browser selection	Fade surrounding elements when selecting through Model browser.
Fade others on model selection	Fade surrounding elements when selecting in the model.
Other elements opacity	Set the opacity used for surrounding elements when fading applies.

Use fading when you need to emphasize selected content while retaining surrounding context. Use Isolate when you need a separate view of selected elements.

View Controls

Setting	Purpose
Projection mode	Choose the camera projection setting. The walkthrough uses Perspective.
Navigation speed	Adjust navigation speed. The walkthrough uses Normal.
Zoom toward pointer	Control whether zooming is directed toward the pointer position.
Smooth camera movement	Control smooth camera movement.

Model Appearance

Setting	Purpose
Scene theme	Choose the scene theme. The walkthrough uses Studio.
Canvas background	Choose the background mode. The walkthrough uses Custom.
Background colour	Choose the background color.
Show ground	Control ground visibility.
Ground colour	Choose the ground color.
Show ground grid	Control ground-grid visibility.
Grid colour	Choose the grid color.
Show navigation cube	Control navigation-cube visibility.

This section also contains Show estimated pattern with an information icon. Its explanation is not included in the supplied screenshots, so the pattern’s meaning is not defined in this guide.

Lighting Intensity

Setting	Purpose
Overall light strength	Adjust the overall lighting strength.
Ambient light	Adjust ambient lighting.
Directional light	Adjust directional lighting.
Light colour	Choose the light color.
Light direction	Adjust the light’s direction.
Light elevation	Adjust the light’s elevation angle.
Tone mapping	Choose the tone-mapping setting. The walkthrough uses Neutral.
Exposure	Adjust exposure.

Adjust one control at a time and inspect the result so that you can distinguish which change improves the view.

Shadows

Setting	Purpose
Show shadows	Enable or disable shadows.
Shadow quality	Choose the shadow-quality setting. The walkthrough uses Balanced.
Soft shadow edges	Control softened shadow edges.

Performance

Setting	Purpose
Rendering quality	Choose the rendering-quality setting. The walkthrough uses Balanced.
Maximum pixel ratio	Set the maximum rendering pixel ratio. The walkthrough shows 2×.
Fragment updates	Choose the fragment-update mode. The walkthrough uses Economy.

When adjusting performance settings, change one setting at a time and check the model’s appearance and navigation response.

Display Units

The Display units section lists the viewer’s units. The configuration shown in the walkthrough is:

Measurement	Displayed unit
Distance	m
Area	m²
Volume	m³

Read IFC property values within their property-group context. Do not use this summary alone to assume the unit or definition of every property stored in the IFC file.

Workspace Layout and Reset Options

Option	Button	Purpose
Inspect model	Apply	Apply the Inspect model workspace layout.
Focus on model	Apply	Apply the Focus on model workspace layout.
Reset windows	Reset	Reset the viewer windows.
All viewer defaults	Restore defaults	Restore the viewer’s default settings.

Choose the layout or reset action that matches the change you need.

Example settings are not defaults. Values such as Balanced, Economy, 2×, and the displayed lighting values describe the walkthrough configuration, not a required setup for every user or model.

Troubleshooting

Situation	What to check
The viewer says “Open a model to begin.”	Open a local IFC or Fragments file, or use Model manager to display a saved model.
Model manager shows no records.	Confirm the project and Building selection, check search and column filters, and refresh the model list.
The model shows “Preparing viewer files.”	Check its preparation state before attempting to display it. Use Model manager’s refresh control to review the displayed status.
All entries show Unmatched with “Not run.”	Configure the relevant field mappings and click Run. Matching has not yet been performed.
Entries show Matched, but Linked is still zero.	Review the matches, then use Link matched items to save the associations.
Some entries remain unmatched.	Review their Reason values, matching fields, IFC values, and selected Building and Phase.
A linked element shows unexpected Fabritec information.	Check the linked Mark, Item type, Building, and Phase. Review the association in Link model elements.
An element is not visible.	Check the model and parent-branch visibility in Model browser, the viewer’s visibility controls, and the Building and Phase selections. Use Fit to check the viewing position.
Selecting an element moves the camera unexpectedly.	Review Settings → Selection → Zoom to selected elements.
Surrounding elements appear faded.	Review the two fading options and Other elements opacity under Selection.
Version 1 shows zero retained links despite linked rows.	Check whether the version is the initial baseline. Retained links and saved links are different measures.

Best Practices

Confirm context before matching. Check the project, model, Building, and Phase before creating associations.

Review values before saving links. Verify the IFC property and Fabritec item correspondence, including results beyond the current page.

Use link coverage as a follow-up check. Investigate unmatched entries instead of treating a successful save as complete model coverage.

Check the linked record when interpreting the model. Use Properties → Fabritec to confirm item identity and context.

Review every prepared model update. Inspect new elements, missing elements, retained links, and entries needing link review. Do not treat the version summary as a geometric comparison.

Reports – Analyze production performance

Dashboards – Track daily productivity trends

Shifts – Manage worker schedules

Labours – Assign and manage factory workers

Where to Find the 3D Model Viewer#

Before You Begin#

Understand the Viewer Workspace#

Open a Model#

Open a Local File#

Add an IFC Model Through Model Manager#

Wait for Model Preparation#

Choose a Model from Documents#

Work with Model Manager#

Link Model Elements to Fabritec Items#

Step 1: Open Link Model Elements#

Step 2: Select the Building and Phase#

Step 3: Configure Parts and Assemblies Separately#

Step 4: Run Matching and Review the Results#

Understand Matching Statuses#

Step 5: Save the Matched Links#

Example: From Matching to Saved Links#

Review Unmatched Entries or Incorrect Links#

Navigate and Inspect the Model#

Choose Part or Assembly Selection#

Use Model Views#

Explore the Model Browser#

Control Visibility Through the Hierarchy#

Inspect Element Properties#

IFC Properties#

Fabritec Properties#

Review the Model with Color By#

Manage Model Versions#

Upload a New IFC Version#

Understand the Comparison#

Review the Summary Cards#

Example: The Initial Baseline#

Configure Viewer Settings#

Selection#

View Controls#

Model Appearance#

Lighting Intensity#

Shadows#

Performance#

Display Units#

Workspace Layout and Reset Options#

Troubleshooting#

Best Practices#

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