In this article, you will learn:
how to upload a 3D model (IFC file) to specter
which settings you should pay attention to during the upload
how to manage multiple sub-models
how to update an existing model
1. Upload an IFC-Model
Video: IFC Upload
Timestamps:
0:00– Introduction: Uploading an IFC model in specter
0:23– Uploading an IFC file
1:22– Uploading multiple sub-models
2:02– Selecting Model Software & Dimension Properties
3:08– Starting the upload & displaying the model on the dashboard
4:11– Displaying axes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Start the Upload
Open the menu in the top left corner and go to Project Management.
Switch to the Manage Files tab.
Select the Components section (for 3D models).
Drag your IFC file into the upload field or click the field to select a file.
After uploading, the file will turn green and will be automatically selected in the dropdown menu.
2. Upload Multiple Sub-Models
You can upload as many sub-models as you like (e.g., architecture, structural works, MEP):
Simply upload additional IFC files.
Each model appears individually in the dropdown menu and can be selected or deselected.
Only the selected models will be displayed in the viewer.
💡 Tip: Only the activated models will be loaded into the viewer.
3. Important Upload Settings
Setting | Recommendation |
Model Software | In the most cases: Standard |
IFC Dimension-Properties | Usually select No – unless you know your quantities are provided as |
iTWO Quantity Extraction | Only relevant if using iTWO-Nutzung – usually can be ignored |
4. Start the Pipeline
Select the relevant models in the dropdown menu.
Click Next Step.
Start the Upload by clicking Start.
Your model will now be processed in the cloud — you can close your browser or shut your laptop during this process.
5. Upload Complete
Once the upload is complete, a pop-up will appear:
"Data upload successful! Please refresh the page."
Click the green button to reload your dashboard.
Your 3D model will now appear in the viewer.
6. Automatic Extraction of IFC Axes
If your IFC file already contains axes, specter will automatically detect and extract them.
You can find them in the viewer under the Axes section.
2. Updating an IFC Model
Video: Updating IFC Models
Timestamps:
0:00– Introduction: Updating models or sub-models
0:20– Uploading a model without Smart Update (activation required via specter)
1:22- Activate multiple models
1:38– Handling "Keep Object Hierarchy"
2:13– Activating Smart Update: What changes
3:00– Important: Filename must stay exactly the same
Step-by-Step Instructions
✅ Updating a Model without Smart Update
If Smart Update is not activated (standard in most projects), follow these steps:
Select the model
Click the model you want to replace in the Model Manager (e.g., "Demo-Structural").Upload the new version
Upload the updated IFC file.
The file name can be different because you manually select the model.Select models to remain active
Check the boxes next to all models that should stay visible.
Only selected models will appear later in the Model Inspector.Keep Object Hierarchy?
Yes → Your individual adjustments in the tree (e.g., renamed levels or new areas) will be preserved.
No → The hierarchy will be reset based on the IFC structure.
Complete the upload
Follow the next steps and start the upload.
⚡ Updating a Model with Smart Update
If Smart Update is activated (visible via the green toggle in the top right corner):
Keep the filename exactly the same!
The updated file must have the exact same name as the original file (e.g., "Demo-Structural.ifc").Upload the file
Upload the new version — specter will automatically detect that it’s an update.Other models remain unaffected
All other models (e.g., architectural model) will remain automatically.Keep object hierarchy if desired
Choose whether to keep your customized tree structure.Complete the upload
Follow the steps and start the upload.
💡 Smart Update not activated yet?
No problem – just contact us! We’re happy to enable the feature for you.