Overview
The intent of this fourth quick start lesson is to access the SpecLink BIM Viewer, learn basic navigation, and view element information from within the model viewer. In quick start lesson 3, you walked through the steps to sync the Sample_Revit_2026.rvt file. In this lesson we will use this file to access the SpecLink BIM Viewer.
Accessing the SpecLink BIM Viewer
- Locate the Project to which you’ve attached the Sample_Revit_2026.rvt.
- From the Project Dashboard, click to enter the BIM Files list.
- Click the view model icon on the right of the file information row to access the model in the SpecLink BIM Viewer.
A new tab will open in your browser for the SpecLink BIM Viewer to load the model. This may take some time. The Sample_Revit_2026.rvt model will appear as below.
Basic BIM Viewer Navigation
The SpecLink BIM Viewer has two navigation tool locations, one in the top right corner and one located along the bottom of the window.
- If your model does not appear as above, locate the “House” icon in the top right corner tools, as it will reset the model back to its initial view.
- Staying in the corner tools, left click and hold anywhere in the 3D Compass (the colored orbs above the "House" icon) and drag slowly around. You will notice that the model is moving in relation to the compass.
- The same model movement effect can be created by performing a "left-click and hold" anywhere in the model viewing area as well to rotate the model. Try that method as well to determine which you prefer.
-
The default movement "left-click and hold" movement is set to "orbit" the model. This can be changed on the navigation toolbar along the bottom of the screen. Test out the Look Around, Pan, and Zoom options for mouse navigation.
- Using the arrow keys (or WASD) on your keyboard, move the model forward, side to side, and backward. With that same movement, or using the scroll wheel on the mouse, you will see that you can move through the walls of the model.
- If the movement of the model is too fast or too slow, adjust the speed by holding the CTRL key on the keyboard and scrolling up or down on the mouse wheel. Try that now. A number will appear on the screen indicating the navigation speed. The default speed is 25.
At anytime, click the “House” icon again to reset to the initial model view.
Viewing BIM Element Information within the Model
Click on an element within the model to access detailed information about the element. The steps below walk through selecting the roof within the provided model and reviewing the element details.
- Click on the roof of the building in the model viewer.
- Look at the left side of the screen to review the information box that appears providing specific element information. Note that you can scroll in the BIM Inspector box in the bottom left to access more information.
- Using the navigation methods you’ve learned, move around the model and click a few other elements to review the detailed information of each.
- An additional way to highlight a particular element or group of elements in the model is using the Project Inspector on the left side. Using the dropdown arrows, open up Doors > Dbl Flush > 72"x78".
-
Using the Project Inspector, you can highlight groups of elements, or specific elements in the model. Use the Project Inspector to locate a few more elements and then use the navigation tools to bring them into view.
When you are ready to close the model viewer, simply close out of the newly opened tab within the browser.
Review
In this lesson, you were able to access the SpecLink BIM Viewer, learn basic navigation, and view element information from within the model viewer.
Check out these related articles:
Review our online training events schedule.
As always, our support team is available every weekday to address your questions. Call us at (800) 266-7732 or email us at support.usa@rib-software.com.
Comments
0 comments
Article is closed for comments.