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Adding Files to the CDE

The Common Data Environment, or CDE, in BIMWorkplace centralizes project documentation so teams can store, organize, and access the correct files in one controlled environment.

Use the CDE to upload project documents, create folders, and manage your file structure throughout the project lifecycle.

 

Access the CDE

To access the CDE:

  1. Open the desired Workplace.

  2. Select the project where you want to manage files.

  3. Open the CDE module from the side menu.

The CDE opens in the Files area, where you can view the project folder structure and the files stored inside each folder.

BIMWorkplace CDE showing the folder structure, file list, document management actions, and centralized project document environment.
CDE

 

Upload files

You can upload files directly into any existing folder or subfolder.

There are two ways to upload files:

 

Drag and drop

Drag files and/or folders from your computer and drop them directly into the CDE interface of the desired folder.

BIMWorkplace CDE upload area showing files being added by dragging and dropping them into the project document environment.
CDE - Drag & Drop

 

Upload button

Click the Upload button and select folder and/or files from your computer.

BIMWorkplace CDE Upload button used to select and add files and folders from a computer to the project document environment.
CDE - Upload

Once uploaded, the files will appear in the selected folder.

Create a new folder

To create a new folder:

  1. Right-click the root folder or an existing folder.

  2. Select Add Subfolder.

BIMWorkplace CDE folder context menu showing the Add Subfolder option for creating a new folder inside the project document structure.
CDE - Add Subfolder

  1. Enter the folder name.

  2. Click Create Folder.

BIMWorkplace CDE new subfolder popup showing the folder name field and create folder action for adding a subfolder to the project document structure.
CDE - Create Subfolder

Example folder names:

•        Drawings – Structural

•        Contracts – Suppliers

•        Reports

•        Models

•        Technical Documentation

Use folders to keep project files organized by discipline, phase, document type, or any structure defined by your team.

Organize files

After uploading files, you can use the available actions in the ribbon to manage them.

Available actions include:

•        Move: transfer files to another folder

•        Copy: duplicate files into another location

•        Rename: update file names

•        Delete: remove files from the folder

BIMWorkplace CDE ribbon showing document management action buttons for uploading, moving, copying, renaming, deleting, and organizing project files.
CDE - Ribbon

These actions help maintain a structured and controlled document environment.

 

Best practices

Define the folder structure before uploading large volumes of files.

Upload files directly to the correct folder to avoid rework.

Use clear and consistent folder names.

Keep sensitive files in folders with the correct permissions.

Use naming standards when your project requires controlled file naming.

 

Why this matters

A clear file structure helps teams find documents faster, avoid duplicated files, and reduce the risk of working with outdated information.

By uploading and organizing files correctly in the CDE, project teams keep documentation traceable, accessible, and easier to manage.

 

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