IFC Checker

Why is the 3D view slow or empty?

The 3D view needs a recent browser with graphics acceleration switched on. When it cannot draw, the page says why where the model would be, and the results below it are still complete. The usual causes are a model that is too large for the browser to draw, a browser or graphics setting that stops the drawing, or a model that has no geometry.

What to do when the 3D view is empty

  1. Read the line in the 3D view's place. Each says one thing, and the results on the page are complete in every case.
  2. If it says "The 3D view shows when the check is done.", the check is still running. Wait for it to end.
  3. If it says "The browser stopped the 3D view, often because the model needs more memory than this tab has. Close other tabs, then try again. The results on this page are complete.", close other tabs and programs, then choose Try again. For a large check, check fewer models at a time.
  4. If it says "The 3D view stopped drawing in this browser. The results on this page are complete.", the browser stopped drawing. Choose Try again.
  5. If it says "This browser cannot show the 3D view: it supports neither WebGPU nor WebGL 2. The results on this page are complete.", the browser has neither WebGPU nor WebGL 2. Use an up-to-date version of Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari, and make sure hardware acceleration is on in its settings.
  6. If it says "This model has no geometry to show.", the file holds no shapes to draw. That is a fact about the file: look at it in the Model health tab.

The view is slow

A large model draws more slowly, and a computer with no graphics acceleration draws it in software. The view then moves in a coarser picture while you drag or zoom, and sharpens when you stop. Show less at once: choose a group in Most failed properties or a tab to show only those elements. Close other tabs and programs.

A part of the model is missing

  • Rooms, openings and a few other kinds are left out until you ask for them: Show rooms and openings.
  • Elements that have no shape in the file cannot be drawn. The Geometry row of the Model health tab says how many there are and lists them (how to read it).
  • In a check of several models, a model whose geometry could not be built is named in a line, "is not in the 3D view", and the others are drawn.

An element has no body

On an element's card, "This element has no body in the model." means the model has no shape for it, and "Its geometry could not be built." means IFC Checker could not build its shape. Its results are still in the tables.