Envisioneer Tool Tip: Importing and Exporting BIM Files
As you update the catalog in your Cadsoft software to incorporate more products, you will want to think about BIM files. A BIM file is a grouping of catalog elements that can be imported or exported out of your current catalog. As an example, Go to Help-Browse More Catalog Content. This takes you to a website where manufacturers store their content to use in Cadsoft software, so you can download products to import right into your catalog. All you have to do is register and then download the products that you want to use in Cadsoft. All of their products are saved as a .BIM file. Once you have downloaded the BIM file, in your Cadsoft software, go to File-Import- BIM to Catalog. There is also the BIM to Project option if you would only be using the BIM objects in a certain project but never again. The BIM to Catalog option will immediately open the "Open" dialog box, wanting you to find the .bim file you want to import. Locate it and click Open. Your current catalog will appear on the left column and the BIM file contents will appear on the right. You can select an entire group of elements to import, or just individual elements to bring over. This is very handy when looking at the various BIM files, some manufacturers have included several hundred items. If you don't use all of their items, don't import them. More items equals a larger catalog which equals a slower catalog. Be choosy. Select the transfer button for each element or group of elements you want to import and you will see the "Status" update as it imports. Once you are done click OK. The new catalog content has been added to your catalog. Now what about the Export feature. Do you have multiple seats of the software in your company, if you add new elements to your catalog on one machine, then use the Export BIM file and send them the products to the other computer. Or when Cadsoft updates we often include new catalog elements in the newest catalog. Open up that new catalog, export out the items you want and import them into your custom catalog. BIM files are a great way to import and export many catalog elements at once. I hope that makes your Cadsoft work, one step easier!