Import a Reference File

You can add a file from Trimble Connect (Project) or from disc (Files) into the model for reference purposes.

The referenced file doesn't contain any objects but can be displayed together with object data in the model. Reference files use the TrimBIM-files (.trb) format.

When selecting a reference file from a project in Trimble Connect, you can choose from a number of formats. In the referencing process, the system generates a TrimBIM file version in the background and references it to the model.

For example, if you select a .dwg file in a project, a TrimBIM version of that file is what ends up in the Object Manager.

These file formats are supported for importing reference files:
  • TRB
  • DWG
  • DGN
  • IFC
  • SKP
  • DXF
  • RVT
  • LandXML - some, but but not all. Entities such as AlignmentCurves, BillboardText, SweptDiskSolid, and GridLine are not supported for TrimBIM-files in Object Manager, and will not be displayed.
  1. To reference files from projects:
    1. Select the Projects tile to go to the Trimble Connect app.
    2. Navigate to the pertinent project.
    3. Browse to and select the file(s) you want to add to the model as a reference.
      Each file's name displays in the File name field.
    4. Select Save.
  2. To reference TrimBIM-files (.trb) files from files:
    1. Select the Files tile to open the standard Windows Explorer file chooser.
    2. Browse to and select the file(s).
    3. Select Open.
Your chosen files are imported into the Object Manager as references.