1. Compatibility & Permissions
Compatible file types
File Type | Category | Duplicate? | Reposition? | Rotate/Scale? |
.dwg, .ifc, .dgn, .glb, .rvt, .nwd | 3D Only | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
.dxf | 2D + 3D | ❌ No | ⚠️ Z-axis only | ❌ No |
.kml, .geojson | 2D Only | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Permissions
Permissions: You must have Member or Manager workspace permissions (or "Edit" access) to duplicate or reposition files.
CDE Sync: Files synced to a Common Data Environment (CDE) cannot be repositioned.
Downloads: Repositioned or duplicated models cannot be downloaded because they lose their original georeferencing. To download, the file must be restored to its original position.
2. How to duplicate layers
Duplicating is useful for comparing different design options (e.g., Option A vs. Option B) using the same source file.
Navigate to the item that you want to duplicate in the Scene Manager.
💡Tip: right-click on any layer to quickly find an item in the panel, read how.
Click the three-dot menu and select Duplicate.
3. The new duplicate will:
Be slightly offset from the "parent" position.
Automatically enter Reposition mode, ready to be moved.
Retain all Timeline properties and be saved in the same folder as the original.
3. How to Reposition, Rotate, and Scale
To enter editing mode, click the three-dot menu on your desired layer and select Reposition.
A. Repositioning (Moving)
There are three ways to move your model:
Click to place: Best for moving models long distances. Simply click any point in your scene (on a point cloud or another model) to snap the centre of your model’s base to that location.
Manual coordinates: Edit the X, Y, and Z text fields in the "Centre Point" window.
Note: Units are defined by your project’s Coordinate Reference System (CRS). If you use a metric CRS, units will be in meters even if your display settings are imperial.
The Move Gizmo (arrows):
Axis Move: Drag the arrows to move along the X, Y, or Z axis.
Planar move: Drag the yellow square to move freely along the XY plane while keeping the elevation (Z) fixed.
B. Rotating
Hover over the arcs on the gizmo until the rotation axis highlights.
Click and drag to rotate.
Rz (Rotation around the Z-axis) is the primary value reported in the Scene Manager.
C. Scaling (Resizing)
You can resize your model visually or with mathematical precision:
Using the Gizmo: Hover over the cubes at the ends of the arrows. Click and "pull" the cube out to enlarge or "push" it in to shrink the model along that axis.
Using Scaling Factors: Enter values into the scale text boxes.
1.0 = 100% (Original size)
1.1 = 110% (10% increase)
0.5 = 50% (Half size)
4. How to reset to original position
If you need to revert your changes or enable the file for download again:
Select the item in the Scene Manager.
In the details panel, locate the Original centre point.
Click the blue Reset link.
Note: This returns the model to its original upload coordinates, not the previous "undo" position.
5. How can I tell if a model/layer has been repositioned or scaled?
Its icon changes, as shown below - "Option B" has been edited and "Option A" has not:
In the Scene Manager and in Content, the "Current centre point" and "Original centre point" are reported for moved items only.