Finch 101: Upload from Forma

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to upload your building and context from Autodesk Forma into Finch using the Finch Extension—no software installation required.

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.

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.

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.

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”).

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.

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.

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.

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 course to learn how to upload multiple buildings and context as separate variants, then bundle them together.

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