PDF Exporter is a plugin that enables the export of vector-based cross-sections of IFC models into PDF files, based on cutting planes defined within BIMvision. It generates clear technical drawings that can be printed, measured, and imported into CAD software without any loss of quality.
The plugin provides two buttons: “Section to PDF,” used for exporting the drawing, and “Options,” which allows for configuration of settings. Preferences are saved and persist even after restarting BIMvision.
Key features and capabilities:
- Section export – each active cutting plane generates a separate A3 sheet, with orientation and scale determined automatically.
- Geometry representation – cut elements are filled with colors consistent with BIMvision and outlined with lines. Visibility of elements can be managed by hiding them prior to export.
- Automatic dimensioning – optional external dimension lines, with the ability to select units and define the precision of the dimensions.
- PDF layers – elements are grouped by IFC type, allowing them to be displayed or hidden independently.
- Interactive object links – an optional feature that allows you to click an element in the drawing to open the corresponding object in BIMvision.
- Measurements and georeferencing – the PDF file contains data that enables measurements at an actual scale and links points in the drawing to the model’s coordinates.
- Automated documentation – the sheet includes a border, a header, and a title block containing the project and file names, scale, export date, and information regarding the cutting plane.
Note: This plugin requires BIMvision version 3.2.1 or later.