How do I create an IFC file?

If you’re working in BIM, you’ve probably ended up needing to create an IFC file to exchange with other project stakeholders. Want to find out more about how to create a correct IFC file?

In this technical insight, we’ll be answering this very common question by showing you the complete workflow using a 3D building design software.

How to create an IFC file with a BIM software

To create an IFC file, you’ll need to start off by creating the 3D model of your project with a BIM authoring software such as Edificius and then export it as an IFC file format using the software’s specific model export tools.

Let’s see the process in detail.

First of all, you’ll need to get hold of the BIM authoring software so, you can start off by downloading the Edificius free trial here.

Then create the IFC file in these 5 simple steps:

• generate the 3D model with the BIM authoring software
• choose the File option from the menu toolbar
• click on Export>IFC format
• define the relevant export settings
• click OK to export the IFC file.

Likewise, you can follow the same procedure when needing to export an IFC file with a:

• structural analysis software;

You’re now ready to collaborate with your team members and transfer model geometries and project information.

The generated file can be opened with any BIM authoring software but you can also view it online and verify all object properties using a simple IFC Viewer online, anywhere and using any sort of browser enabled device (such as a pc, tablet or smartphone).

Needless to say, to exchange models and information or collaborate with other professionals, design firms and construction companies, you often find it necessary to use an open, non-proprietary file format so that everyone can access, view and manage the project content regardless of the software used to crete those files.

By definition, that is what an IFC file is: an open, non-proprietary file format designed by buildingSMART International to support interoperability workflows between construction professionals and registered as an official international standard ISO 16739:2013.

IFC 4 file export

Among the various settings to select when exporting an IFC file, it is also possible to choose between the IFC 2×3 version and the IFC 4 version.

If you want to learn more about this topic, we recommend you having a look at the insight: “IFC Coordination View“.

To summarise, version 4 of the IFC schema has several new features compared to the previous IFC 2×3 (2×3 means, version 2 – revision 3). Some of the most relevant ones are:

• inclusion of new classes, with a consequent increase in information
• identification of 2 new MVDs  (Model View Definition):
  • Reference View
  • Design Transfer View.

IFC Versions and Main Differences

Historical Overview and Nomenclature

The IFC schema has developed over the years through a structured versioning system, indicated by the sequence Major.Minor.Addendum.Corrigendum:

• The “Major” versions introduce significant changes that may affect compatibility;
• The “Minor” versions add features while maintaining compatibility with the base schema;
• The “Addendum” improve existing features without introducing incompatible changes;
• The “Corrigenda” mainly deal with document corrections or deprecations.

The history of IFC starts from the early versions 1.x and 2.0, passing through the established IFC2x3, up to the most recent IFC4 and IFC4.3, which represent the state of the art in terms of interoperability and semantic capabilities of BIM models.

Evolution of the IFC standard

IFC2x3 — the “established classic”

IFC2x3, introduced in the early 2000s and stabilized around 2005, has long been the main exchange format in the construction industry. This version is highly valued for its reliability and the extensive support offered by existing BIM software. However, compared to subsequent evolutions, it has some limitations: the available classes are more limited, the geometric modeling capabilities are relatively simple, and support for complex or infrastructural disciplines is reduced. IFC2x3 remains particularly suitable for established workflows in the traditional construction sector, where simplicity and compatibility are advantageous.

IFC4 and its Addenda

IFC4, published by buildingSMART in 2013 and adopted as an ISO standard, introduced significant improvements over IFC2x3. This version allows for the representation of more complex geometries and more accurate management of non-geometric information, such as properties, materials, relationships, and analysis data. Compared to the previous version, IFC4 enables more effective management of systems, structures, and geolocation, and introduces advanced tools for managing Property Sets and multilingual data dictionaries. Subsequent addenda have further enriched the schema, adding capabilities incrementally without compromising compatibility, making it suitable for modern and complex BIM workflows.

IFC4.3: the evolution for infrastructures

IFC4.3, published as an official update to IFC4, represents the most recent evolution of the standard and extends its application to linear infrastructures, such as roads, railways, bridges, tunnels, and ports. This version introduces new concepts, such as alignments to represent objects along axes with offsets and curves, and a “containment” structure that generalizes the concept of a building to include various types of facilities. The classes dedicated to infrastructures, such as IfcBridge, IfcRoad, or IfcRailway, allow for advanced semantic modeling specific to this type of work. Although IFC4.3 maintains compatibility with previous versions, full implementation in software is not yet universal, so caution is needed in managing workflows involving this version.

MVD: Reference View and Design Transfer View

The Reference View is defined by buildingSMART as a view that represents simplified geometries and relationships of a model. This view is created to enable coordination among various disciplines of a project, such as architectural, structural, and systems design.

The difference between this MVD and the Coordination View 2.0 lies in the version of the IFC schema they refer to (the former to the IFC 4 schema and the latter to the IFC 2×3 schema) and, therefore, in the information they draw from.

IFC 4 logo

The Design Transfer View is basically a view that has the function of representing geometries and relationships of building elements and environments in more detail than the Reference View. This allows you to have a model with much more information, transferable from one tool to another and also suitable for editing.

How to open and validate an IFC file

IFC is a powerful standard for exchanging BIM models, but to fully leverage its potential, it is essential to know how to correctly open a file and verify its quality. Data validation and proper visualization are crucial steps to ensure the integrity of the model, facilitate collaboration among different teams, and prevent errors in the later stages of design, analysis, and construction.

View an IFC with a free BIM viewer

One of the simplest ways to open an IFC file is to use a free BIM viewer, tools designed to allow navigation, inspection, and analysis of the model without requiring complex proprietary software. These viewers enable exploration of geometries, isolation of specific components, navigation between levels and structures, and obtaining basic information about objects, such as type, size, and materials. They also support measurement functions, object search, and filters for categories or properties. Using a free viewer is particularly useful in the preliminary verification phases or when working with stakeholders who do not have access to full BIM software.

Check the quality and properties of objects

Opening an IFC is just the first step: it is equally important to verify the quality of the data and the properties of the objects. Validation involves checking that each element of the model is correctly defined and associated with consistent classes, properties, and relationships. Some advanced tools allow for identifying missing objects, unassigned properties, inconsistent geometries, or duplications. Checking the properties of objects ensures that materials, costs, structural parameters, and system information are correctly entered and readable by other BIM software. This check is essential for maintaining interoperability and consistency throughout the entire project lifecycle, avoiding errors during analysis, coordination, or data management.

Why creating an IFC file improves collaboration

Creating an IFC file does not just mean exporting a BIM model from proprietary software: it means enabling a truly collaborative workflow and ensuring that all project information is accessible, understandable, and usable by all teams involved. IFC, being an open and neutral standard, eliminates technological barriers and facilitates data sharing between different software, making collaboration more efficient and transparent.

Interoperability and data exchange without software lock-in

One of the main advantages of creating an IFC file is the ability to ensure interoperability between different applications. Thanks to this open format, users are not tied to a single software or proprietary ecosystem (“vendor lock-in”), but can choose the tools that best suit their needs. This allows for transferring geometries, properties, and relationships between different programs without significant data loss, ensuring that all project information remains intact and readable. In practice, an IFC file acts as a “common language” between different teams and disciplines, facilitating coordination and reducing the risk of errors due to software incompatibility.

Collaboration between architecture, structures, and systems

Creating an IFC file also enables more effective multidisciplinary collaboration. Architects, structural engineers, and system designers can work on the same shared model, updating and exchanging information in real-time or nearly so, without resorting to complex manual data translation procedures. The relationships between architectural, structural, and system elements remain consistent, allowing for better coordination of interferences, clash detection, and integrated analysis. This approach significantly reduces conflicts between disciplines and accelerates the decision-making process, leading to more efficient and reliable projects.

FAQ on creating an IFC file

Why is IFC the openBIM standard for interoperability?

IFC is the openBIM standard for interoperability because it is an open, neutral, and non-proprietary format, managed by buildingSMART International. It allows for the transfer of geometric and non-geometric data between different software without loss of information, ensuring multidisciplinary and multi-stage collaboration throughout the project lifecycle. Being an ISO 16739 standard, it is recognized internationally and supports the openBIM approach, overcoming the constraints of proprietary software.

How to create an IFC file?

To create an IFC file, you need to create the 3D model with a BIM authoring software such as Edificius, Archicad, or Revit and then export it in IFC format using the specific functions of the software. The main steps include: project setup, creation of the spatial structure, insertion of architectural and system elements, assignment of information (materials, properties, costs), and finally exporting in IFC format, choosing the desired version (IFC 2×3 or IFC 4).

What are the main IFC versions and their differences?

The main IFC versions are IFC2x3, IFC4, and IFC4.3. IFC2x3 is the established format, reliable but with limited geometric and semantic capabilities. IFC4 introduced more complex geometries, advanced management of properties, materials, and relationships, and support for various disciplines. IFC4.3 is the most recent evolution, designed also for linear infrastructures such as roads and bridges, with new classes and advanced concepts like alignments and the containment structure, while maintaining compatibility with previous versions.

How to open and view an IFC file?

An IFC file can be opened and viewed using a free BIM viewer such as BIMcollab ZOOM, Solibri Anywhere, or Tekla BIMsight. These tools allow for navigating the model, isolating components, measuring elements, applying filters for categories and properties, and analyzing geometries and relationships without the need for complex proprietary software.

How to check the quality and properties of objects in an IFC?

Validating an IFC file involves checking that each object is correctly defined and associated with consistent classes, properties, and relationships. Missing objects, unassigned properties, inconsistent geometries, or duplications are checked. This ensures that materials, costs, structural parameters, and system information are correctly readable by other BIM software, preserving interoperability and consistency throughout the entire project lifecycle.

Why does creating an IFC file improve collaboration?

Creating an IFC file improves collaboration because it allows for the exchange of information between different software without proprietary lock-in. IFC acts as a common language between different teams and disciplines, facilitating coordination. It also enables more effective multidisciplinary collaboration between architecture, structures, and systems, maintaining consistent relationships between elements, reducing conflicts, and accelerating the decision-making process.