The OnsiteBIM Revit Toolkit provides everything you need to connect your 3D Autodesk Revit models to physical construction sites at true 1:1 life-size scale using the OnsiteBIM mobile app.
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OnsiteBIM_Alignment_Target.rfa- A face-based Revit component family.
- Snaps directly to any column face, wall, or concrete slab benchmark in your Revit model.
- Tells OnsiteBIM exactly where the physical paper target is located in the real world.
- Compatible with Autodesk Revit 2024, 2025, 2026, and newer.
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IFC Configuration - OnsiteBIM.json- A pre-tuned, 1-click Revit export setup file.
- Automatically sets correct real-world meter scaling, coordinates, element visibility, and property sets.
- Eliminates common export mistakes so your model appears perfectly oriented and scaled on your first try.
- Open your project in Autodesk Revit.
- Drag and drop
OnsiteBIM_Alignment_Target.rfainto your Revit window (or go to Insert$\rightarrow$ Load Family and select the file).
- In Revit, open a 3D view or elevation/floor plan view.
- Select the OnsiteBIM Alignment Target family from your Component tool (Architecture
$\rightarrow$ Component). - Click to place the target onto a real-world spot on your building that exists (or will exist) on site (e.g. a column face on Grid Line A-1 or a concrete wall).
- In the Properties palette, set:
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Target ID: Default is
12. (Must match the number printed on your paper target). -
Target Size: Default is
150 mm. (Must match the physical printed black square size).
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Target ID: Default is
Important
The Golden Rule: The Revit Square Represents the Printed Black Border
- The square geometry in the Revit family represents the exact outer edges of the black square on the printed paper target.
- Vertical Distance: If you place the bottom edge of the Revit target square exactly 5'-0" (1.50 m) above the finished slab, you must measure and tape the bottom edge of the physical paper target's black square exactly 5'-0" (1.50 m) above the real concrete slab on site.
- Horizontal Distance: If you place the side edge of the Revit target square 2'-0" (0.60 m) away from a column corner or wall edge, you must tape the physical paper target's black square edge 2'-0" (0.60 m) away from that same corner on site.
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Must Be Plumb & Level: The paper target on site must be hung completely level. If the paper target is tilted by even
$1^\circ$ or$2^\circ$ , the entire virtual building model in your phone will tilt by that same angle! Use a small torpedo level or laser line when taping it up.
- Open your default {3D} view.
- If your building model is very large (e.g., a 40-story tower), turn on the Section Box in your 3D view properties and crop the view to the specific floor or area you plan to inspect today.
- Note: The OnsiteBIM export configuration exports whatever elements are currently visible in your active 3D view.
- In Revit, go to File
$\rightarrow$ Export$\rightarrow$ IFC. - In the Export IFC dialog, click the Modify Setup... button (top right).
- In the setup window, look at the bottom left icon bar and click Import from File... (the folder icon with an arrow).
- Select
IFC Configuration - OnsiteBIM.jsonfrom this toolkit folder and click Open. - You will see "IFC Configuration - OnsiteBIM" appear in your setup list. Select it and click OK.
- Choose where to save your
.ifcfile on your computer and click Export.
- Open any web browser on your phone, tablet, or computer and go to:
👉 https://onsitebim.app/generator.html - Select the matching Target ID (e.g.
12) and Size (e.g.150mm). - Download the calibrated PDF and print it on standard office paper.
- Printer Setting: Ensure your printer is set to "Actual Size" or "100% Scale" (never use "Fit to Page", which shrinks the target).
- Physical Scale Verification: Every printed target includes built-in metric (cm) and imperial (inch) calibration ruler bars along the border. Lay your physical tape measure across the printed bar to confirm your printer printed at 100% true scale before going out to the site.
- Measure & Tape: On the jobsite, use a tape measure and level to tape the paper target at the exact vertical elevation and horizontal position matching your Revit model.
- Transfer your exported
.ifcfile to your mobile device (via Apple Files, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, or AirDrop). - Open OnsiteBIM on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
- Tap ADD
$\rightarrow$ select your.ifcfile. - Point your camera at the paper Alignment Target taped to the column.
- Your 3D building model instantly locks into position at true 1:1 life-size scale!
- Walk around the jobsite:
- Use the Opacity Slider to see through physical drywall and concrete to inspect hidden pipes, ducts, and conduits.
- Use the Measure Tool to check real-world clearances against designed dimensions.
- Use the Layers Tool to isolate specific disciplines like MEP ONLY.
A: No. OnsiteBIM processes 100% of the 3D model locally on your phone or tablet. Once you have copied the .ifc file to your device, it works completely offline with zero cell or Wi-Fi signal—ideal for basements, tunnels, and remote sites.
A: Because Autodesk Revit does not support backward file compatibility, the .rfa family requires Revit 2024 or newer. If you are on Revit 2021–2023, you can easily create a simple face-based generic model with an extruded 150mm square and use the same export settings.
A: Yes! You can place different targets on different floors or building wings (e.g. Target #12 on Ground Floor Column A-1, Target #13 on Level 2 Column B-4). When you walk up to each target on site, point your camera to instantly re-align.
- Official Website: https://onsitebim.app
- Alignment Target Generator: https://onsitebim.app/generator.html
- GitHub Repository: https://github.com/onsitebim
- Contact & Feedback: support@onsitebim.app