IFC troubleshooting: scale, orientation and missing elements

If your IFC looks empty, very small or incomplete, start with framing and hidden elements. Then check a known dimension and its location. These steps help distinguish a display issue from something that needs correcting in the original file.

The viewer interface is in Spanish. Spanish control names are followed by their English meaning in this guide.

Editorial review: October 20, 2026 · DRB Studio.

1. Confirm that the IFC has finished loading

   Open the file with “Abrir mi proyecto” (Open my project) and switch to “Revisión” (Review). In “Modelos” (Models), check whether it is still loading or shows an error. If you only have an RVT, ask for an IFC export: the viewer does not open RVT directly.

2. Show the model again and bring it into view

   In “Modelos” (Models), enable the file’s checkbox and select “Ir” (Go to) to frame it. Use “Mostrar todo” (Show all) to restore hidden elements. If section cuts are active, disable them in “Cortes” (Sections); showing elements does not turn off cuts.

3. Check floors and search for the missing element

   In “Pisos” (Floors), select “Solo” (Only) beside the floor you want to inspect. You can also search for the element by name in the explorer. Finish with “Mostrar todo” (Show all). If an element is still absent, check that it was included in the source export. The viewer cannot reconstruct elements missing from the IFC.

4. Compare a distance with the original project

   Activate “Medir” (Measure) and click the ends of a known distance, such as an opening’s width. Compare the reading with the original model. If it clearly differs, review units and export settings in the source software. Do not rescale a building just because it looks small on screen: use “Ir” (Go to) first.

5. Separate camera framing from site placement

   In the standard 3D view, left-drag orbits and right-drag pans. Scrolling zooms toward the point under the cursor as in SketchUp; middle-mouse dragging looks around from your current position. If the building is misplaced relative to the streets, open “Entorno” (Context) → “Ubicación y entorno” (Location and context), check the address and select “Buscar” (Search). Use “Acomodar en el mapa” (Position on the map) to adjust position and rotation, then confirm with “Guardar” (Save).

6. Export again when the problem is in the file

   If elements are missing, dimensions do not match or geometry is distorted, correct the model or export in the source software. Open the new IFC and repeat the checks. Keep the original for reference. The viewer helps you review the result; it does not replace editing the BIM model.