IFC upload - troubleshooting
This page describes what to do when an IFC file fails during upload or does not display correctly in 3D Designer. It covers three reported patterns: the upload fails with an error message, the model does not appear in the Library after upload, and the file uploads but has no geometry.
Supported file formats and versions
Only .ifc files are confirmed as supported. The file name must end in .ifc (lower case). Some tools export .IFC in upper case, so rename the file to .ifc and try again.
Other BIM formats (OBJ, GLTF, DWG, DXF, Revit .rvt, SketchUp .skp, Rhino .3dm) are not supported directly. Export to IFC from the relevant tool:
| Tool | Export menu |
|---|---|
| Revit | File > Export > IFC |
| ArchiCAD | File > Save As... > IFC |
| Tekla Structures | File > Export > IFC |
| SketchUp (via plugin) | IFC Manager or SketchUp IFC Exporter |
Maximum file size
The maximum file size per IFC file is 100 MB. Files above the limit are rejected by the conversion service, so reduce the file size in your export tool before you try again (see the steps below).
Very large IFC files (but under 100 MB) take longer to convert. If the conversion runs for more than ten minutes without the status message changing, the file is probably too large or contains geometry that stops the conversion. In that case, try the steps below.
Reduce the file size in the export tool:
- Exclude MEP systems (plumbing and ventilation, electrical, fire safety) if you only need the building geometry.
- Export only the relevant building or floor, not the whole project database.
- Turn off export of IFC properties and project standards you do not need (PropertySets).
- Select "Coordinates from project" rather than exporting with the full georeference intact, and adjust the coordinate system afterwards in Placepoint.
Error messages and what they mean
| Message in the dialogue | Possible cause | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| "Upload failed" with a Try again button | Network error during upload, or the file was rejected by the conversion service | Please try again. If it fails three times in a row, download the file again from the architect and check that it opens in another IFC tool (for example BIMvision) |
| The progress indicator stops at "Converting 3D model to a readable format..." | The conversion service is overloaded, or the file contains geometry that stops the parsing | Wait a few minutes and reload the page. If the model does not appear in the Library, report it to support (see below) |
| The model appears in the Library but the thumbnail is empty or black | The geometry has been converted, but preview generation failed | Click the model to place it in the scene. The geometry can still be correct even if the thumbnail image is missing |
| The file uploads, but the model ends up in the wrong place on the map | The IFC file has no correct coordinate system or origin | Move the model manually to the right place in the scene (drag and drop on the map) |
The Library does not show the model after upload
Sometimes the upload finishes without an error message, but the model does not appear in the Library afterwards.
Checklist:
- Reload the page (
Ctrl+R/Cmd+R). The Library does not always refresh automatically after an upload. - Open another collection and go back. There are reports that the Library shows a delayed picture of the files.
- Check that you are signed in with the right account. The Library is per organisation, but an upload is linked to the signed-in user, so sign out and in again if you suspect session problems.
- Try another browser (Chrome or Edge are the best tested). Some browser extensions (ad blocker, security proxy) can interrupt the upload without the dialogue showing an error message.
If the model is still missing after these steps, report the case to support (see below).
The model is placed in the wrong location
IFC files contain coordinate information that Placepoint uses to place the model in the correct geographic position. If the architect has exported with local project coordinates instead of georeferenced coordinates, the model can end up far from the right place.
How to move it manually:
- Place the model from the Library in the scene.
- Click the model on the map to select it.
- Drag the model to the correct position, or use the move tool in the side panel.
Give feedback to the architect to export with IfcSite georeferenced to a Norwegian coordinate system (EUREF89/NTM or UTM zone 32/33) to avoid the problem in the next delivery.
What the geometry keeps and what is lost
The conversion from IFC to GLB (a 3D web format) prioritises geometry. This is what you lose:
- Text-based annotations (room names, dimensions, labels from the drawings).
- IFC properties and PropertySets (material spec, fire class, U-value, and so on).
- Exact material effects, reflections and texture mapping. Main colours are kept, detailed material textures are not.
- Spatial structure (IfcSpace, IfcZone). The geometry is there, but the room division is not navigable.
This is intentional: Placepoint uses the model as a visual contextual representation, not as a complete BIM data source. Use Solibri, BIMcollab or Autodesk Docs for full BIM data inspection.
Reporting a new IFC error to support
Include this in your message to support@placepoint.no or in chat:
- File name of the IFC file (you do not need to send the file itself at first).
- The tool the file was exported from (Revit, ArchiCAD, Tekla, and so on) and the version number.
- IFC version or schema if you know it (IFC2x3, IFC4, and so on, usually shown in the file header).
- The error message you see in the dialogue, or a description of what is missing.
- Property ID or collection name you were working in.
- Screenshot of the error message or the empty Library view.
- Timestamp for the attempt (date and approximate time).
The more detail you give, the faster the team can reproduce and isolate the problem.
See also
- 3D Designer - Features - full overview of 3D Designer, including import steps and an explanation of the Library.
- FAQ: 3D and visualisation - short answers to common questions about IFC, sharing and navigation.
- Help and support - channels for reaching the Placepoint team and expected response times.
Something else entirely may have changed. If you have a problem that is not covered here, get in touch at support@placepoint.no or through the chat bubble on the map.