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Getting Started with VIM Desktop

VIM Desktop provides a basic platform for you to create and view VIM files. The VIM file format distills complex relational data and geometry data from Autodesk Revit or International Foundation Class (IFC) files into an open file format designed for database compatibility and efficient loading and 3D rendering. You can open VIM files in VIM Desktop, which displays the building information modeling (BIM) data, the 3D mesh data, and provides a fully-rendered 3D project view.

⚡ Check out the Release Notes to download the latest VIM Desktop Installer

⚡ If you're using a laptop, set your device's power settings to "Best Performance" to avoid slow framerates.

The VIM Desktop installer also includes the following software:

  • VIM for Revit — A plugin for Autodesk Revit. A menu item is added to Revit, enabling you to export VIM files.
  • IFC to VIM — A small standalone application that converts IFC files to VIM files.
VIM Desktop

Installing VIM Desktop​

Minimum Computer Requirements​

  • Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® 10 64-bit or newer
  • CPU Type: Multi-Core Intel® Xeon®, or i-Series processor or AMD® equivalent
  • Memory: 16 GB RAM
  • GPU: NVIDIA® GTX 1080Ti, Quadro K600 or AMD R9 290, Firepro W7000 or greater
  • Video Display Resolution: 1680x1050 w/ True Color
  • Disk Space: 10 GB free disk space
  • Browser: Microsoft Edge (current version)
  • Connectivity: Internet connectivity for authentication, downloadable content and upgrades
  • Autodesk Revit: Version 2018-2025 (required for the VIM for Revit plugin).

NOTE: If you don't have Revit installed, you can still install VIM Desktop and view the provided sample VIM files.

Download and install VIM Desktop​

Navigate to the Release Notes to download the latest VIM Desktop Installer. If you are using VIM Enterprise, the VIM Desktop installer is also included in the VIM Enterprise Installer Package.

Creating VIM Files from Revit
Creating VIM Files from IFC Files
Opening VIM Files
Viewing BIM and Mesh Data
Navigation and Controls Guide