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Documents is the file library for a project. Upload specs, cut sheets, drawings, EPDs, and other project files, organize them in folders, and preview them without leaving Acelab. Acelab also reads your PDFs and images. It splits each file into sections, writes a short summary, makes the text searchable, and finds the products the file names so you can add them to a schedule. Ace, the Acelab agent, uses the same information to answer questions about your documents. To open it, go to your project and click Documents in the project menu.

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How it works

1

Upload your files

Drag files into the upload window or browse for them. You can upload PDFs, images, Office, CAD, BIM, and archive files. See Uploading documents.
2

Acelab reads them

While a file is being read, it shows a Processing status. When it’s done, the file has a summary and, for spec files, a table of contents by spec section.
3

Review the products it found

If Acelab finds products in a file, you can review them, fix names and manufacturers, and add them to a schedule. See Extracting products from documents.
4

Ask Ace about them

Ask Ace what your documents say. Ace answers with citations to the file, section, and page. See Documents and Ace.

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Finding your way around

  • Folders: The left panel lists All files, Unfiled, and your project’s folders. Create folders, move files into them, or remove files from a folder without deleting them.
  • Smart folders: A smart folder shows every file in one Acelab file column of your schedules. Smart folders are read-only, so you can’t move files into them.
  • List or grid: Switch between a list and a grid of thumbnails. Acelab remembers your choice.
  • Search: The Search documents box matches file names and the text inside your files. Click a text result to open the file at that page.
  • Preview: Click a file to open it. Use the arrows to step through files, open the details panel to see the summary and contents, or click Download.
  • Download: Select several files, or open a folder, to download them as a ZIP.
  • SmartDocs: Your project’s SmartDocs also appear here. Clicking one opens it in the SmartDocs editor.

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Processing statuses

Files with no status chip are ready, or are a file type Acelab doesn’t read. If a file is Partial or Failed, click Retry to read it again.

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Roles and permissions

If you don’t see Documents in your project menu, it isn’t turned on for your account yet. Contact your Acelab team to request access.

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Learn more

Uploading documents

Add files to your project’s Documents.

Documents and Ace

Ask Ace what your project documents say.

Extracting products from documents

Turn the products in a file into schedule rows.