When you have created a project in StreamBIM, this screen is the first thing you will see.
Here you can see where IFC files can be uploaded to be published in a shared, multidisciplinary 3D model that can be used for collaboration.
If you follow the prompt and click the gear icon in the upper left corner, you will enter the Model Administration menu. Here you can continue following the instructions and click “Add files,” allowing you to select IFC files from the documents in StreamBIM or from a file, meaning from your local file on your computer.
Note: Files uploaded directly from the local disk will be placed in the root folder of the document overview.
After the first file is uploaded, it will automatically appear in its own layer/folder, named after the file. In the example below, an architectural file was uploaded, so it is natural to rename the layer to “ARCH.”
You can then continue adding more layers in the same way as you uploaded the IFC file. Here, three layers have been created: ARCH, STRUCT, HVAC and ELEC.
In the TECH-layer, we add a few more layers, HVAC and ELEC, which are placed at a level beneath TECH.
We create yet another layer under HVAC, which becomes a new sub-layer. There we can add VENTILATION, HEATING, and SANITARY. It will look like this:
This provides a clear overview of the files and layers, and you can easily turn them on and off, either by layer or individually.
When this is done, click “Process changes.” You must then choose the “SOURCE LAYER FOR NAVIGATION MAP”. What you are being asked is which discipline model you want to use as the source for the 2D navigation maps in StreamBIM. This is usually the architectural model.
When the source for the 2D plans is selected, click “OK” and publishing of the selected IFC files will begin. As soon as processing is complete, the status of the file will change from “Ready for processing” to “Published.” The models are then ready for use, and you can close the Model Administration menu by clicking the X in the upper right corner.
Tip: During processing, you can close the processing window at any time and continue working with the latest revision of the model or other tasks in StreamBIM. When processing is complete, the 3D (and 2D if applicable) views will update.
When you exit Model Administration, you will first arrive at the 2D view. If you have not added a custom drawing to the 2D map, this will show a footprint of a floor from the discipline/layer chosen as the source. In this case, the selected layer is "ARCH".
To access the 3D model view, follow the prompt and double-click in the 2D view.
Note: Only administrators can choose which files are published in the 3D view. However, when users with write access to a folder in StreamBIM upload revisions of already published IFC files, they will be asked whether they want to publish the latest revision.
Users with write access who upload a revision of a published IFC file will be asked if they want to publish the new revision. If they answer “Yes,” processing starts immediately, and the new file becomes available in the project’s 3D view. If they answer “No,” the file will remain ready for processing by the project administrators.
Written by Lirian Rusiti
Last updated December 2025