File Export: IFC
Export models to Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) format for open BIM interoperability and cross-platform collaboration. This format is part of the File Export add-in.
Overview
Section titled “Overview”IFC is an open standard for exchanging BIM data between different software platforms. File Export supports IFC 2x3, IFC 4, and IFC 4 Reference View, with options for coordinate systems, base quantities, and element scope.
Options
Section titled “Options”| Option | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
| IFC Version | IFC 2x3 / IFC 4 / IFC 4 Reference View | IFC 2x3 |
| File Format | .ifc or .ifcZIP (compressed) | .ifc |
| Export Scope | Whole Model or Matching 3D Views | Whole Model |
| View Match Mode | Contains / Starts With / Ends With | Contains |
| View Match Pattern | Text to match against 3D view names | (none) |
| Case Sensitive | Whether view name matching is case-sensitive | Off |
| Coordinates | Shared or Internal Origin | Shared |
| Export Base Quantities | Include areas, volumes for quantity takeoff | On |
| Split Walls/Columns by Level | Split multi-story elements at level boundaries | Off |
| Export Solid Models | Use solid geometry (vs. surface representations) | On |
| Include Linked Files | Include linked Revit files in the export | Off |
| Include 2D Elements | Include 2D annotation elements | Off |
| Include Steel Elements | Include structural steel connection elements | Off |
| Space Boundaries | None / First Level / Second Level | None |
| Subfolder | Output subfolder path | IFC/{FileName} |
| File Name | Output file name pattern | {FileName}_{Date}_{Time} |
See File Name Placeholders for all available placeholders.
IFC Version
Section titled “IFC Version”| Version | Best For |
|---|---|
| IFC 2x3 | Maximum compatibility with most BIM software (recommended for general exchange) |
| IFC 4 | Newer standard with improved property definitions |
| IFC 4 Reference View | Optimized for reference/viewing workflows with simpler geometry |
Export Scope
Section titled “Export Scope”Whole Model
Section titled “Whole Model”Exports the entire model as a single IFC file. IFC export does not require a 3D view for the “Whole Model” scope, but the exporter uses one internally.
Matching 3D Views
Section titled “Matching 3D Views”Exports one IFC file per matching 3D view. Use the View Match Mode (Contains, Starts With, or Ends With) and View Match Pattern to filter views. Enable Case Sensitive if view names need exact case matching.
Example patterns:
| Match Mode | Pattern | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Contains | IFC | Any 3D view with “IFC” in the name |
| Starts With | Coord | Views starting with “Coord” |
| Ends With | Export | Views ending with “Export” |
| Contains | Phase 1 | Views containing “Phase 1” |
Key Options Explained
Section titled “Key Options Explained”Base Quantities
Section titled “Base Quantities”Enables export of calculated quantities (area, volume, length) as IFC base quantity sets. Required for quantity takeoff in receiving software.
Split Walls/Columns by Level
Section titled “Split Walls/Columns by Level”Splits multi-story walls and columns at level boundaries. Useful for clash detection and level-based quantity takeoff. May increase file size.
Space Boundaries
Section titled “Space Boundaries”Controls how room/space boundaries are exported:
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| None | No space boundaries exported |
| First Level | Basic room boundaries (walls, floors, ceilings) |
| Second Level | Detailed boundaries including thermal analysis data |
File Format
Section titled “File Format”Choose between standard .ifc output or compressed .ifcZIP. The compressed format significantly reduces file size for large models, which is useful for email or file sharing.
Requirements
Section titled “Requirements”- At least one 3D view must exist when using Matching 3D Views scope
- Multi-view export generates one IFC file per matched 3D view
- Export runs within a Revit transaction that is automatically rolled back (no permanent changes to the model)
- Use Shared Coordinates for multi-model coordination so models align correctly in the receiving software
- Enable Base Quantities for projects requiring quantity takeoff from IFC
- Disable Linked Files if you export each model separately to avoid duplication
- Use .ifcZIP format for email or file sharing to reduce transfer size
- IFC 2x3 is the safest choice for maximum interoperability
- Split by Level helps with clash detection workflows in Navisworks or Solibri
Limitations
Section titled “Limitations”| Limitation | Details |
|---|---|
| 3D views only | Cannot export from 2D views (plans, sections) |
| Property mapping | Not all Revit parameters map to IFC properties automatically; use IFC parameter mapping for custom properties |
| Geometry simplification | Some complex Revit geometry may be simplified in the IFC output |
| Large file sizes | Complex models produce large IFC files; use .ifcZIP format to mitigate |
Troubleshooting
Section titled “Troubleshooting”IFC file is very large
Section titled “IFC file is very large”Complex models with detailed geometry produce large IFC files.
Solution: Choose File Format: .ifcZIP to create a compressed file. Consider using IFC 4 Reference View for simpler geometry. Disable Include 2D Elements and Include Steel Elements if not needed.
Elements missing in receiving software
Section titled “Elements missing in receiving software”Some elements may not appear when opening the IFC in other software.
Possible causes:
- Elements are on hidden categories in the export view
- Element types not supported by the IFC schema
- 2D elements excluded (disabled by default)
Solution: Check the 3D view’s visibility settings. Enable Include 2D Elements if annotations are needed. Verify the receiving software supports the IFC version used.
Model is offset in receiving software
Section titled “Model is offset in receiving software”The model appears in the wrong location when opened in other software.
Solution: Use Shared Coordinates and ensure the Revit project has correctly configured shared coordinates. Verify the receiving software imports shared coordinates.
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