> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://luw-ai.gitbook.io/luw.ai-studio/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://luw-ai.gitbook.io/luw.ai-studio/import-and-export/ifc-viewer.md).

# IFC viewer

Open an IFC building model at studio.luw\.ai/ifc, look through it in 3D, search its elements and IFC properties, and open it as a Luw\.ai Studio project.

The IFC viewer at [studio.luw.ai/ifc](https://studio.luw.ai/ifc) is a separate page of Luw\.ai Studio for BIM models. It converts an IFC file from Revit, ArchiCAD or another BIM tool into the Studio's own walls, slabs, doors, windows and rooms, then lets you inspect the result before you commit to it. When it looks right, one click turns it into a project.

You can also import an IFC file directly from the Import dialog in the editor. The viewer is the place to go when you want to check what's inside first. See [Import](/luw.ai-studio/import-and-export/import.md).

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Early alpha.** IFC exports differ a great deal between tools, so expect rough edges: elements in the wrong place or missing, walls at a default height, furniture left out. The 3D preview shows you what you'll get before you open the project.
{% endhint %}

## Open the viewer

Go to [studio.luw.ai/ifc](https://studio.luw.ai/ifc) in your browser, or click **Preview and inspect first** in the **BIM model** section of the Import dialog, which opens it in a new tab.

The page uses the same top bar as the editor, with **IFC to Studio** next to the logo, and follows the language and light or dark theme you've chosen in the Studio.

You don't need to be signed in to look at a model. You only need to sign in to open it as a project.

## Load a model

1. Drop an `.ifc` file onto **Drop an IFC file here**, or click the area to choose one from your computer.
2. Wait while it loads (**Loading file…**) and converts (**Converting to Luw\.ai Studio**, with the current step and a percentage).

The conversion runs entirely in your browser. A large model can take a while, depending on your computer.

If the file can't be used, a red box reads **This file couldn't be converted.** with the reason underneath. A file that doesn't end in `.ifc` is refused with **Choose an .ifc file.**

To look at a different model, drop the next file onto the same area.

## Read the summary

Once converted, the bar above the preview shows:

* the file name,
* the number of **elements** in the converted model,
* the number of element **types** it contains,
* the buttons **Download IFC**, **Download JSON** and **Open in Studio**.

## Filter what you see

Two rows of chips narrow the preview down. They appear when the model has more than one type or more than one level.

* **Types** lists the element types with their counts, for example **42 walls**, **12 doors** or **3 stairs**. Click a chip to hide or show that type; **All** shows everything again.
* **Levels** lists the model's storeys by their own names. Click a level to hide or show it; **All** and **None** switch them all at once.

Filters only affect the preview. When you open the model in the Studio, the whole model comes along, filtered parts included.

## Search the model

The search box, **Search elements by name, type, material or property…**, looks through element names, element types, IFC classes, type names, materials, Global IDs and the names and values in every property set.

Each result shows the element's type, its name and the field that matched. Click a result to select that element and open it in the inspector. The list shows up to 50 results (**Showing the first 50 results**); type more to narrow it down. The cross in the box clears the search.

Try searches such as `FireRating`, `concrete`, `IfcCurtainWall` or part of a Global ID.

## Move around the 3D preview

| Action             | How        |
| ------------------ | ---------- |
| Orbit              | Drag       |
| Pan                | Right-drag |
| Zoom               | Scroll     |
| Inspect an element | Click it   |

The toolbar along the top of the preview changes how the model is shown. Each button switches to the next option when you click it:

| Button   | Options                                                                       |
| -------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Camera   | **Perspective** or **Orthographic**                                           |
| Levels   | **Levels: Stack**, **Levels: Solo**, **Levels: Exploded**, **Levels: Manual** |
| Walls    | **Walls: Full**, **Walls: Cutaway**, **Walls: Down**, **Walls: Translucent**  |
| **Grid** | Shows or hides the ground grid                                                |

**Fit** (top right) brings the whole model back into view. For a model with several storeys, a list of levels runs down the left side, top floor first. Click one to select it; with **Levels: Solo**, only the selected level is shown.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Levels: Exploded** spreads the storeys apart vertically, which is the quickest way to see whether each floor's walls and slabs ended up on the right level.
{% endhint %}

## Inspect an element

Click an element in the preview, or a search result, and the inspector opens beside the preview. It shows what the file says about that element:

* **Identity**: **Type**, **Type name**, **IFC type**, **Global ID**, **Express ID** and **Level**.
* **Geometry**: values such as **Start** and **End** points, **Thickness**, **Height**, **Width**, **Position**, **Elevation**, **Sill height**, or the number of points in a **Polygon**. Lengths are in metres.
* **Material**: the material name, and for layered constructions each layer with its thickness in millimetres.
* **Property sets**: every property set in the file, with its names and values exactly as the authoring tool wrote them.

Only the fields the element actually has are listed. The cross closes the inspector.

## Look at the JSON

The **JSON** button opens **Scene JSON**, a side panel with the converted model as text. Use **Copy to clipboard** to copy it, or the cross to close the panel. This is mostly useful for developers or for reporting a conversion problem.

## Download or open in Studio

| Button             | What it does                                                                                                                          |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Download IFC**   | Saves the original IFC file you loaded.                                                                                               |
| **Download JSON**  | Saves the converted model as a `.json` file named after your IFC file.                                                                |
| **Open in Studio** | Creates a new project in your Luw\.ai account from the converted model, named after the file, and opens it in the editor in this tab. |

Signed out, the last button reads **Sign in to open in Studio** and takes you to sign in first.

The new project contains the whole model, whatever the filters were set to. From there you edit it like any other project: walls, slabs, doors, windows and rooms that came in as Studio elements can be changed directly. See [Projects and saving](/luw.ai-studio/getting-started/projects-and-saving.md).