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Getting started with IDA ICE

Last modified by Sven Moosberger on 2026/08/26 10:24

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Geometry and CAD import

(This is where the detailed step-by-step example starts. Try to follow every detail from here)

GettingStarted_e3acb1c2.png

GettingStarted_a094dc9a.png Start with a new empty building

GettingStarted_6d3a9715.png Go to the Floor plan tab

GettingStarted_4628e94.png Choose Import

GettingStarted_40e48000.png Choose CAD and vector graphic

GettingStarted_91b60a9a.png Choose the appropriate file type

GettingStarted_72677792.png Browse to the desired CAD file (the DWG example used in this guide can be found among the samples in the IDA installation folder (Normally: C:\Program Files\IDA\samples\ICE\DWG example.dwg)

GettingStarted_9d1e2b7c.png Open the chosen file and then click ‘OK’ in the Preferences window

GettingStarted_c0dc0aca.png

GettingStarted_a094dc9a.png Open the building body menu

GettingStarted_6d3a9715.png Select ‘Edit’

Note: You can carry out several changes and then accept them by clicking the ‘Done’ button. All changes can also be cancelled by clicking the ‘Cancel’ button. While staying in the editing mode, the temporary “new” building body border line will be shown as a dotted line, while you can still see the original one, remaining until you click “Done”.

GettingStarted_4628e94.png Move the building border to the inner surface of the external walls (stay close to CAD line with pressed mouse button to snap. You will recognize the snap as your dotted line will “jump” to the CAD line. Release the mouse button at this moment)

GettingStarted_40e48000.png Add new points on dotted line (the new points will separate your building face into two parts)

GettingStarted_9ebff99.png

GettingStarted_a094dc9a.png Move building face (part of the building border) between two points (again snap to CAD line of inner surface)

GettingStarted_6d3a9715.png Add new points

GettingStarted_4628e94.png Drag and drop points with pressed Ctrl-key to move them in a non-orthogonal direction.

GettingStarted_40e48000.png Finalize building shape by leaving the editing mode

GettingStarted_91b60a9a.png Adapt workplane size to the size of your building

👉 GettingStarted_72677792.png The coordinates of the building body can also be edited in the side bar. To get help finding a specific point, click on it and it will get marked in green in the Properties table.

GettingStarted_9d1e2b7c.png Protect the building (and imported objects) from being unintentionally moved

GettingStarted_642fac0b.png Choose elements to be locked

GettingStarted_443b3273.png Finalize element protection

GettingStarted_bbc18b26.png

GettingStarted_a094dc9a.png Mark the building body by clicking on its border

GettingStarted_6d3a9715.png Set the building floor and ceiling height

Note: Default ground level is always at 0 m. This means that by default, external walls below zero are linked to the ground, while the part of walls above zero are linked to the corresponding building face.

GettingStarted_4628e94.png Go to the 3D tab to look at your building

References
Encyclopedia
Helptext
Q&A Tips & Tricks Course material

 

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