Finch 101: Finch Interface

In this short tutorial, we’ll walk through the main features of the Finch interface—how to navigate your project, view data, interact with models, and access essential tools.

1. Key Figures Panel

Left-hand Panel → Key Figures

• Click to open a ring chart view of your project’s program breakdown:

  • Residential

  • Retail

  • Circulation

• View aggregated values like:

  • Gross Floor Area (GFA)

  • Net Internal Area (NIA)

  • Usable Area

Hover over any coloured segment in the key figure ring to get a quick metric readout by program.

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2. View Controls (Top Center)

Top-center Toolbar

• Wireframe Toggle – Show or hide building outlines

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3. Data Drawers

Right-hand Panel → Data Drawers

Finch organizes your project info into expandable drawers:

• Programs – View or edit usage across spaces

• Space Types – Manage types of rooms or functions

• Residential Unit Mix – See the number and distribution of units by size

• Story Heights & Outer Walls – Control the height and skin of each story

Use the data drawers to stay on top of project logic and ensure compliance.

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4. Exporting Views

Top-right corner → Arrow Icon

• Use this to export screenshots or layout previews

• Ideal for sharing visuals with clients or team members

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5. Navigating & Editing in Studios

Massing Studio

• Single Click: Opens context menu

  • Change program, story height, or copy story

• Double Click: Enters the floor plate editor

Floor Plate Studio

• Single Click (on unit):

  • Change program

  • Mirror a unit

• Single Click (on wall):

  • Move a wall

• Double Click (on unit):

  • Enter Plan Editor for that unit

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6. Plan Editor Tools

Top Toolbar inside Plan Editor

Tools available:

• Draw Walls

• Add Separators

• Measure

• Place Doors

• Add Objects

These tools give you full control to customize layouts within a unit plan.

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Summary

Feature Area	What You Can Do
Key Figures	View program area breakdowns and ratios
View Controls	Manage visibility (wireframe)
Data Drawers	Explore and edit key parameters of your design
Interaction Logic	Single click to select, double click to dive in
Drawing Tools	Modify unit plans with dedicated editor tools
Export Options	Capture images of your current view

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