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Export Project: SDS2 with FabStation Plugin

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Export Project: SDS2 with FabStation Plugin

To export all the required project files from SDS2, there are two options:

  • Download SDS2 plugin and generate the correct project ZIP automatically.
  • Piece the ZIP file together manually via individually exported files provided by your detailer.  

It’s recommended to use the SDS2 plugin. This process will be described below.

SDS2 Plugin Files types

You can get the following file types with the SDS2 plugin:  

    • A KISS file;
    • 3D project file (IFC);
    • Shop drawing PDFs (General Arrangement / Erection drawings excluded).

The plugin will allow you to get any combination of the 3 file types. Note, the KSS file is a mandatory file.

The table below shows how each file corresponds with functionalities in FabStation:

KSS only uploaded KSS and PDF uploaded KSS and IFC uploaded KSS, IFC and PDF uploaded

Drawings

✅

✅

3D Viewer

✅

✅

Augmented Reality features

✅

✅

Status System
✅
✅
✅
✅

Get & Open SDS2 plugin

NOTE:

The plugin application is supported in SDS2 2023, 2024 or 2025. It will not work in previous versions.

Download the plugin from here:

As you instal the plugin, it can be found in SDS2 Search:

Download for 2023
Download for 2024
Download for 2025

As you install the plugin, you can open it, by searching for FabStation in the Search bar on the top right. 

Export Process

1. Name Your Package

After you open the plugin, proceed with the following steps:

1. Change the ZIP file name to the one you need.

2. PDF Export Settings

2.  Toggle ON Export PDF if you would like to add PDFs to a package. With the settings ON there will be two options: 

  • Print PDF; (2.1)
  • Export from existing PDF (this will save printing time if the drawings are already printed in your local device); (2.2)

2.1 If you select Print PDF, it will work as a native PDF SDS2 printer and select the drawings similarly.

2.2 If you already have the drawing printed on your local device to save time on printing, you can select Export from Existing PDF.

It will automatically enable 2 folders, as you can see on the right. 

Standard SDS2 drawings folders are selected by default. You can use these or select “Browse” to get PDFs from different folders. 

Tip

Make sure all the drawings being issued for fabrication are up-to-date.

2.3 Note that you can always skip PDF export if you keep the toggle OFF. In that case, only KSS\KSS + IFC will be exported, depending on your choice. 

3. IFC Export Settings

3.1 Toggle ON Export IFC if you want to export an IFC file.

3.2 Keep ‘Select reference objects’ OFF, unless you want to export reference objects, such as joints or concrete for the Project Viewer.

4. Export Package

Depending on the toggles enabled, you will have different files for export, which is mentioned on the button name, and “Files included” above it.

4.1 With any toggles’ selection, first click on “Generate…<selected files>”

4.2 It will open “Select Detail and Gather Sheets” window, where you can select Drawing sheets for all: KSS, PDF and IFC export.

4.3 Once you selected all objects for export, click on “OK”.

This step is relevant if you turned ON “Select Reference objects”. If you have it OFF – skip to 4.5.

4.4. After you clicked “OK” in step 4.3, you will have a prompt to Select IFC reference members (1). So, select them on the model with your mouse (2) Click on OK pop-up to confirm (3).

With that, reference members are selected, and we can proceed. 

4.5 As you are done with the previous steps, the export will be triggered automatically. 

You will be notified, when it’s completed with the message on the plugin.  

4.6 Locate the file within SDS2 folders on your local device. 

Full Export Recap

To summarize:

  1. Change the ZIP file name.
  2. PDF settings. Toggle ON ‘Export PDF’ and choose to ‘Print PDFs’ or ‘Export from existing PDFs’. 
    – Print PDF – this will print the drawings selected in the document manager. 
    – Export from existing PDF – select 2 local folders for parts and assemblies. 
  3. IFC Settings. Turn ‘Export IFC’ toggle ON. Keep ‘Select reference objects’ ON or OFF depending on whether you need them. 
  4. Export the package.  
    – Click on “Generate <selected files>” button.
    – Select objects in “Select Detail and Gather Sheets” window. Confirm with “OK”.
    – (only with “Reference Objects ON”) select reference objects on a 3D model and click “OK”.

Once the steps above completed, the package will be generated automatically. 

Skip IFC or PDF export

If you want to skip the export of IFC, PDF or both, just turn OFF the corresponding toggles. KSS is a mandatory file, so you can only export: 

  • Just a KSS file;
  • KSS + IFC
  • KSS + PDFs

The export process remains the same, but only selected file types are exported.  

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