This video shows how to upload, view, and review 3D BIM models in the Verify module. The written guide below covers how to connect models from Autodesk Construction Cloud or your computer, how the processing pipeline normalizes them for consistent review, and how to use the 3D navigation and inspection tools.
Bring your models into a browser-based verification environment
Before you can check a model against scope requirements, you need to get it into the Verify module. Plannerly supports multiple ways to do this. You can connect directly to Autodesk Construction Cloud to synchronize models and their versions, upload from your computer by dragging and dropping, or connect to a file already stored in File Manager. The supported formats are extensive: Revit, IFC, DWG, Navisworks, SketchUp, and many more, so most teams can work with whatever their authoring tool produces.
When a model is uploaded, three things happen behind the scenes. First, it is processed into a lightweight web-viewable format so it loads quickly in the browser regardless of file size. Second, the model is normalized so that every model, regardless of its source format, looks and behaves consistently in the viewer. Third, all properties are indexed so they can be checked against the requirements you defined in Scope. This indexing step is what makes automated checking possible later. You can leave the screen while processing runs and come back when it’s done – Plannerly sends an email notification when the model is ready.
The 3D viewer itself is a full-featured inspection environment. Orbit by left-clicking and dragging, zoom with the scroll wheel, and change the pivot point by right-clicking on any element. Double-clicking an element selects it, zooms to it, and sets it as the pivot point. You can isolate individual objects to inspect them without surrounding geometry, and choose in settings whether hidden objects appear as ghost lines or disappear entirely. First-person mode lets you walk through the model using arrow keys, which is useful for interior reviews and spatial coordination. Measurement tools handle distances and angles with configurable snap points and units. Cross-sections can be taken on vertical, horizontal, or angled planes to cut through the model and reveal internal structure.
Every element in the model carries properties that you can inspect by selecting it. The property panel shows all the data that was authored into the model – materials, dimensions, classifications, and custom parameters. You can navigate the element tree to understand the hierarchy of objects, select higher-level groupings like all structural foundations with a couple of clicks, and even pull groups of elements out of the building for independent evaluation. All of these inspection capabilities feed into the next step: connecting model elements to tasks so automated checking can confirm whether deliverables meet the requirements you have set.
How to upload and review a 3D model in Verify
- Add a new model – Click the add model button in the Verify module and choose your connection method: Autodesk Construction Cloud, direct upload, or File Manager.
- Upload or connect – Drag and drop a model file from your computer, or select it from your ACC connection. Complete the metadata fields when prompted.
- Wait for processing – The model is converted to a lightweight format, normalized, and indexed. You can work in other modules and return when processing is complete.
- Navigate the 3D view – Use orbit (left-click drag), zoom (scroll), and pivot (right-click) to move around the model. Double-click elements to zoom and select.
- Isolate and inspect elements – Select an element and isolate it for focused review. Use show all to return to the full model view.
- Use first-person mode – Switch to first-person for walk-through reviews. Double-click a location to move there, then use arrow keys to navigate.
- Measure and section – Use measurement tools for distances and angles, and apply cross-sections on any plane to cut through the model.
- Review properties – Select any element to view its full property list. Enable “open properties on select” in settings for automatic display.
- Explore the element tree – Navigate the hierarchy to select groups of related elements, or use “select higher level” to quickly group by category.
What you’ll learn
- Multiple upload methods – How to connect models from Autodesk Construction Cloud, upload from your computer, or link from File Manager.
- Processing pipeline – How models are converted to lightweight format, normalized for consistency, and indexed for property checking.
- 3D navigation – How to orbit, zoom, pivot, isolate, and use first-person mode to review model geometry effectively.
- Property inspection – How to view element properties and navigate the element tree to understand what data is in the model.
- Preparation for checking – How uploaded and indexed models connect to scope tasks for automated requirement verification.
Common questions
Which file formats are supported?
The Verify module supports a wide range of formats including Revit (.rvt), IFC, DWG, Navisworks (.nwd, .nwc), SketchUp, and others. Every format is normalized during processing so models look and behave the same in the viewer regardless of their source. If you have a specific format question, the Verify help collection covers supported types in detail.
How long does model processing take?
Processing time depends on model size and complexity. You don’t need to wait on the screen – Plannerly sends an email when processing is complete, and you can work in other modules (Scope, Docs, or the Kanban board) in the meantime. The result is a lightweight viewer that loads quickly in any modern browser.
How do model elements connect to scope tasks?
Once a model is indexed, elements can be linked to tasks in two ways: by adding a rule at the model level that connects all elements with a certain property to a matching task property, or by linking individual elements to specific tasks manually. You can also use a combination of both approaches. This connection is what enables automated checking in later steps.
Can I use the viewer to group and evaluate specific element types?
Yes. You can select an element, then use “select higher level” to group by category (for example, all structural foundations). You can pull grouped elements out of the model for independent evaluation, then show the rest of the model to place them back in context. This is useful for reviewing specific disciplines or checking properties across a category of 3D model elements.
Explore further
- 3D model navigation – Companion lesson covering the full set of navigation tools in the Verify 3D viewer.
- Troubleshooting ACC hub access – Guide to resolving connection issues when linking Autodesk Construction Cloud models.
- Model connections help collection – Documentation on linking model elements to scope tasks for automated checking.
- BIM model quality with the Verify module – Overview of how Verify supports model quality and delivery confidence.
- BIM Boot Camp – Free course covering BIM management fundamentals and ISO 19650 workflows.