The Workspace Interface
A tour of the Bimsta workspace, toolbar, canvas, panels, and views.
Overview
The Bimsta workspace is divided into four main areas: the toolbar at the top, the element palette on the left, the canvas in the centre, and the properties panel on the right.
The Toolbar
The toolbar contains your primary drawing and editing tools:
- Select, click elements to select them; drag to multi-select
- Wall, click and drag to place a 3D wall
- Slab, draw floor or ceiling slabs
- Opening, add doors and windows to walls
- Dimension, place dimension annotations
- Undo / Redo, keyboard shortcuts Ctrl+Z / Ctrl+Y also work
The Canvas
The canvas is your drawing area. By default you work in Plan view (top-down 2D). Switch to 3D view using the view toggle in the top-right of the canvas to see your model in three dimensions.
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Keyboard shortcuts
Hold Shift while drawing walls to snap to 45° angles. Press Escape to cancel the current tool.
The Properties Panel
Select any element to see its properties on the right: dimensions, material, construction phase, and more. Changes apply immediately and are reflected in both 2D and 3D views.
Floor Manager
The Floor Manager (bottom-left) lets you add and switch between storeys. Each floor has its own level height. Elements placed on a floor are automatically offset to the correct elevation in 3D.