# Finch 101: Upload from Forma

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## Upload Buildings from Autodesk Forma to Finch

You can upload buildings and context directly from Autodesk Forma into Finch using the Finch extension. Finch supports buildings modeled with **Line Building**, **Basic Building**, and **3D Sketch Building** tools.

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#### 1. Model your buildings in Forma

* Open **Forma** and select the **Building icon**.
* Choose one of the following tools:
  * **Line Building** → make sure to **untick “Sections”** in the Line Building tab, otherwise Finch will treat each section as a separate building.
  * **Basic Building** → draw a footprint and extrude with push/pull.
  * **3D Sketch Building** → for more complex geometries.

You can mix building types in the same project.

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#### 2. Add the Finch extension in Forma

* Navigate to the **Extensions** icon on the left.
* Click **Add Extension** and search for **Finch**.
* Agree to the terms and add it to Forma.
* The Finch extension will now appear in the sidebar.
* The first time you open it, you will be asked to **log in**.

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#### 3. Prepare a project in Finch

* In Finch, create a new project (e.g., “Forma to Finch Project”).
* Create a new **variant** for your upload (e.g., “Building A” or “Variant 1”).

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#### 4. Upload all data at once

* In Forma, open the Finch extension and select your project.
* Choose a variant (e.g., “Variant 1”).
* Review the geometry to be exported (buildings, context, vegetation, terrain).
* Click **Export to Finch**.
* In Finch, open the variant and confirm all buildings and context have been uploaded.
* Switch to **Wireframe mode** for clearer visibility of the imported buildings.

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#### 5. Upload a single building (manual selection)

* In Forma, open the Finch extension.
* Expand **Manual Geometry Selection**.
* At first, nothing will be selected (the geometry preview disappears).
* Click the **top plane of a building** to select it.
  * Tip: selecting walls or sides will not work — always click the top surface.
* The selected building mass will appear in the geometry list.
* Optionally, also include **Context** in the export.
* Click **Export to Finch**.

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#### 6. Review your building in Finch

* In Finch, open the variant you exported (e.g., “Building A”).
* The building mass is now available in your project.
* Assign programs (e.g., Residential, Retail, Office).
* Continue working with floor plates, unit mixes, and design iterations.

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That’s it! You’ve successfully uploaded your buildings and context from Forma into Finch.

💡 Tip: If you’re working on a **masterplanning project**, check out our[ *Site to BIM with Forma, Finch, and Revit* Academy ](/courses/site-to-bim-forma-finch-and-revit.md)course to learn how to upload multiple buildings and context as separate variants, then bundle them together.


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