BIM Explorer is the new interactive BIM communication tool for architects, developed by Graphisoft for ArchiCAD 15.
BIM Explorer is a fantastic way to allow clients to view and explore your proposed design.
With a standard ArchiCAD 15 installation, BIM Explorer files can be saved as full version files until 31st October 2011.
After this date, users must have a valid license of BIM Explorer for ArchiCAD 15 to use this functionality.
To take advantage of this exciting new software, the diiferent workflows avaialble for sharing these files with clients are explained below.
When using the BIM Explorer software, there are four different ways to share BIM Explorer files (from the 'File > Save' menu)
(i) an EXE file
This type of file can be viewed on a Windows-based computer
This file is 'self-running', i.e. it does not require additional file to be opened & viewed
(ii) an MAC.APP file
This type of file can be viewed on an Apple Mac computer
This file is 'self-running', i.e. it does not require additional file to be opened & viewed
(iii) a .bimx file
This type of file can be viewed on mulitple platforms, and therefore requires a Viewer program.
To view this type of file, either:
- the 'Windows Viewer' application must be installed on Windows - downloaded from the Viewer link on http://www.gsbimx.com
- the 'Mac Viewer' application must be installed on OSX - downloaded from the Viewer link on http://www.gsbimx.com
- the' BIMx app' must be installed onto an iPhone or iPad - downloaded from the Apple App Store
Once your client has a viewer available, you can use any of the methods below to deliver the .bimx file to them
- use regular email and attach the file
- use Dropbox
- use www.transferbigfiles.com
The client can open the .bimx file in one of the two standard viewers, or they can use iTunes manually transfer the file to their iPad or iPhone (more information on this iTunes workflow can be seen at http://www.archicadwiki.com/BIMx/iOStransfer )
(iv) the Graphisoft BIMX Community
With this option, you can share your model with the BIMX communtity and your model can then be accessed via http://www.gsbimx.com
Clients can then use the BIMx app on their iPad or iPhone to find, and view, their model.
For more information on BIM Explorer, please see the following links:
- BIMx on GRAPHISOFT's website http://www.graphisoft.com/products/bim-explorer/
- BIMx on ArchicadWiki http://www.archicadwiki.com/BIMx
- BIMx Community Site http://www.gsbimx.com
- Navigating a BIMx model on youtube.com
- BIMx Navigation Shortcuts on ArchiCADwiki.com
