> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.realtimelca.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Introduction to Speckle

> Stream BIM models from your authoring tool into Real-Time LCA via Speckle.

[Speckle](https://speckle.systems) is the live data layer that connects your BIM authoring tool to Real-Time LCA. Instead of exporting a file every time you make a change, you publish a **stream** from your modeling tool and the project listens to that stream — geometry, quantities, and BIM parameters stay in sync as the design evolves.

Real-Time LCA runs its own Speckle server, so you don't need a separate Speckle account — your Real-Time LCA user is provisioned on our Speckle server when your account is [activated](/user-guide/activate-account).

<Frame caption="Connect Real-Time LCA with Speckle">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/real-timelca/qE100o84N87Cf9Mk/images/user-guide/Connect%20Real-Time%20LCA%20with%20Speckle.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=qE100o84N87Cf9Mk&q=85&s=6f61ec79af511a643a0a9c26f87e5a04" alt="Diagram showing how a design authoring tool connects through the Speckle Connector to the Real-Time LCA Speckle server." width="2534" height="2442" data-path="images/user-guide/Connect Real-Time LCA with Speckle.png" />
</Frame>

## Get set up with Speckle

When your Real-Time LCA account is activated, we automatically create a matching Speckle user on our Speckle server and email you the credentials and a how-to. If you're not using a design authoring tool like Revit, Rhino, or ArchiCAD, you can skip this — you can still upload [IFC](/user-guide/integrations/ifc-file-upload) or [Excel](/user-guide/integrations/excel-file-upload) files instead.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Watch the install video">
    A short walkthrough of installing the Speckle Connector for your design tool: [How-To Install Speckle Connector](https://realtimelca.com/en-us/instructions/#install-speckle-revit-connector).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Download the Speckle Connector">
    Get the connector for your design tool from [releases.speckle.systems](https://releases.speckle.systems/).

    Supported tools: **Revit**, **Rhino**, **ArchiCAD**, and **Grasshopper** (WIP). More tools coming.

    <Tip>
      You may need to restart your design tool before the connector appears in its menu or ribbon.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Point the connector at the Real-Time LCA Speckle server">
    In the Speckle Connector, add a new server account using this URL:

    ```
    https://api.realtimelca.com
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Sign in with your temporary password">
    Use the email address tied to your Real-Time LCA account and the **temporary password** from your welcome email. Change the password the first time you sign in.

    Lost the email or password? Write to [support@realtimelca.com](mailto:support@realtimelca.com).
  </Step>
</Steps>

Once the connector is signed in, you're ready to publish a model — see the page for your authoring tool below.

## Supported authoring tools

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="Revit" icon="building" href="/user-guide/integrations/speckle/revit">
    Send Revit models to Real-Time LCA via the Speckle Connector for Revit.
  </Card>

  <Card title="ArchiCAD" icon="building-columns" href="/user-guide/integrations/speckle/archicad">
    Publish ArchiCAD projects through the Speckle Connector for ArchiCAD.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Rhino" icon="draw-polygon" href="/user-guide/integrations/speckle/rhino">
    Stream Rhino geometry into Real-Time LCA.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Grasshopper (WIP)" icon="diagram-project" href="/user-guide/integrations/speckle/grasshopper">
    Parametric workflows from Grasshopper — work in progress.
  </Card>
</Columns>

## How it fits into a project

When you create a project, the wizard's **Speckle Connection** step lets you attach one or more Speckle models. Once connected, Real-Time LCA reads BIM types and quantities from the stream and you can map them to materials and constructions in the Library.

See [Create a new project](/user-guide/project/create-new-project) for the full wizard walkthrough.