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Sketch to BIM

Convert a space-based concept model into BIM using BIM settings presets, and edit the parametric walls it creates.

Sketch to BIM turns a concept model made of spaces into a BIM model with walls, floor slabs, roofs, flooring and ceilings. Use it when your massing and layout are settled enough to start detailing.

Before you start

  • BIM Mode is available on the Pro, Organization and Enterprise plans. It is not included in the Free or Starter plans.

  • Build your concept model as spaces in Design Mode first. Sketch to BIM works from spaces.

  • Assign tags to your spaces before you convert. Tags carry over to the flooring that Sketch to BIM creates.

Convert spaces to BIM

  1. Open your project with the concept model in place.

  2. In the top bar, click the BIM tab to switch to BIM Mode.

  3. In the right panel, open the Properties tab and check the BIM settings for each element type (see the next section).

  4. Click Sketch to BIM in the top toolbar to generate the model.

Snaptrude converts the spaces into walls, floor slabs, flooring and ceilings, and places a roof on the top story, all using the BIM settings you chose. You can then keep detailing the model with materials, doors, windows and furniture.

Set the presets for walls, slabs and finishes

The BIM settings in the Properties tab have a preset for each element type:

  • External walls

  • Internal walls

  • Parapet walls

  • Floor slab

  • Plinth

  • Roof

  • Flooring

  • Ceiling

  1. Pick a type for External walls. Choose a default Snaptrude wall type or, if the project belongs to a team on the Organization or Enterprise plan, a wall type from your team library. The thickness updates to match the type you pick.

  2. Adjust the thickness if you need a different value.

  3. Repeat for Internal walls and Parapet walls.

  4. Pick a type for the floor slab, plinth, roof, flooring and ceiling, and adjust their parameters the same way.

Tip: Set up your firm's standard wall and slab types in the team library so everyone converts with the same presets.

What carries over from spaces

  • Labels and areas: space labels carry over to the flooring and show in the Areas tab of the right panel.

  • Tags: tag values on spaces transfer to the flooring. They export to Revit as Room parameters (default values are not exported).

  • Custom columns: custom data columns are hidden after conversion, but the data stays linked to the flooring and exports to Revit rooms.

Edit walls after Sketch to BIM

Walls created by Sketch to BIM are parametric. When you move a wall, Snaptrude updates the adjoining walls, junctions and flooring to match, and doors and windows stay in place.

Note: A wall stops being parametric if you change its type, thickness or height, add a void, split a face or delete part of it. Floor slabs are not parametric. Walls drawn directly in BIM Mode, walls in older projects, and most walls imported from Revit are also not parametric (simple arc walls imported from Revit are the exception).

Generate BIM with the Snaptrude Agent

You can also ask the Snaptrude Agent to take your massing to BIM. Click the Agent button at the top of the far-left rail to open the AI chat panel, then describe what you want in the Ask anything box. AI prompts use credits.

Troubleshooting

  • You can't switch to BIM Mode: your account is on the Free or Starter plan. Upgrade to Pro, Organization or Enterprise to use BIM Mode.

  • Moving a wall doesn't update its neighbours: the wall may have stopped being parametric, for example after its type, thickness or height was edited. See "Edit walls after Sketch to BIM".

Related articles

  • BIM Mode overview

  • Wall types and the team library

  • Space Types and tags

  • Area Panel

  • Snaptrude Agent

  • Managing licenses and billing

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