For example, an architectural model, a plant design model, or a heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) model can be used as a reference model. Reference models can also be simple 2D drawings that are inserted and then used as a layout to directly build the model on. You can snap to reference model geometry.
Reference models of different formats, such as IFC, IFC4, IFCzip, IFCxml, tcZIP, 3DD, DXF, DWG, DGN, XML, LandXML, STP, IGS, SKP and PDF, are converted by the TrimBimConverter to TrimBIM (.trb) at reference model insert. The .trb file is saved in the current model folder. The reference cache is created in the cache folder based on the advanced option XS_​REFERENCE_​CACHE when the reference model is set visible, which happens automatically at insert and update.
The following file types are supported, for example:
AutoCAD files .dxf
AutoCAD files .dwg (supported version ACAD2018 and earlier)
IFC files .ifc , .ifczip , .ifcxml
IGES files .igs , .iges
LandXML files .xml
MicroStation files .dgn , .prp
PDF files .pdf
Tekla Collaboration files .tczip
SketchUp files .skp (supported version SketchUp 2018 and earlier)
STEP files .stp , .STEP
Filmbox files .fbx
COLLADA files .dae
Autodesk 3DS Max format files .3ds
3D image files .obj
Blender files .blend
GL Transmission Format files .glft
Polygon File Format files .ply
The Add model dialog box lists the extensions of all formats that are currently supported by Tekla Structures.
Some reference models are automatically subdivided or split into reference model objects.
Tip: You can disable the roll-over highlight, which can speed up zooming.
Reference model plug-ins in Tekla Warehouse
Reference model plug-ins are available as .tsep plug-ins in Tekla Warehouse. Tekla Structures installation contains the plug-ins, but you can get newer ones from Tekla Warehouse. First download the needed package from Tekla Warehouse , and then import it to the Applications & components catalog.
For more information about .tsep packages, see Import a .tsep extension to the Applications & components catalog.