The Desktop Viewer interface is minimalist, which is a strength. It hides the complexity of the model behind a clean canvas.
: Models are typically exported directly from Archicad into the .bimx format.
| Not supported | |---------------| | Editing or modifying geometry | | Saving new views / markups | | Exporting to any format | | Clash detection (automated) | | Loading native .pln or .ifc – only .bimx | | Animations or sun study (static shadows only) | bimx desktop viewer
Press Space to cycle through Orbit/Walk/Fly.
The desktop application is designed for detailed project reviews and high-fidelity presentations. The Desktop Viewer interface is minimalist, which is
| Feature | How to | |---------|--------| | | F5 or View → Full Screen | | Shadows | View → Shadows On/Off | | Edges | View → Edges → All / None / Profiles only | | Background | Settings → Background (Sky / Solid color / Gradient) | | Frame rate limit | Settings → Performance (helps on weaker PCs) |
| Mode | Icon | Mouse Control | Use case | |------|------|---------------|----------| | | 🌍 | Left-click + drag to rotate Right-click + drag to zoom | Exterior viewing, overall building context | | Walk | 🚶 | Mouse = look direction W/A/S/D or arrow keys = move Shift = run | Interior walkthroughs, realistic path | | Fly | 🕊️ | Similar to walk but no gravity – can move vertically | Large sites, above ceilings | | Select | ☝️ | Left-click element → shows properties | Inspection, measurement | | Not supported | |---------------| | Editing or
| Area | Function | |------|----------| | | Navigation modes, section box, measure, info, settings | | Left sidebar | Hyper-model tree (2D plans + 3D views list) | | Right sidebar (toggle) | Element properties / measurement results | | Bottom status bar | Coordinates, speed (walk mode), scale | | Main view | 3D or 2D canvas |
BIMx Desktop Viewer is a that allows anyone to open, navigate, and interrogate BIMx models ( .bimx files) exported from ARCHICAD. It bridges the gap between BIM authors and project stakeholders (clients, consultants, contractors) who need to explore the model without editing it.