.ifc

Industry Foundation Classes

File Extension Details

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What is a .ifc file?

The IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) file format is an open, international standard for Building Information Modeling (BIM) data. It is developed by buildingSMART International and is intended to describe building and construction industry data. IFC files contain a digital representation of buildings, including their geometry, spatial relationships, properties, and other relevant information. This allows for interoperability between different software applications used in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. The format supports the exchange and sharing of building information throughout the entire lifecycle of a building, from design and construction to operation and maintenance. IFC files are structured using a schema that defines the different types of entities and their relationships, ensuring consistency and accuracy in the data. The IFC standard is continuously evolving to incorporate new technologies and industry practices, making it a crucial tool for collaborative BIM workflows.

.ifc File

Industry Foundation Classes

Compatible Software Alternatives
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Software Compatibility

Programs that can open and work with .ifc files

Windows

Compatible Applications

Autodesk Revit
Compatible
Autodesk AutoCAD
Compatible
Trimble SketchUp
Compatible
GRAPHISOFT ArchiCAD
Compatible
Allplan
Compatible
BIM Vision
Compatible
Solibri Model Checker
Compatible
Tekla Structures
Compatible
Vectorworks Architect
Compatible
FreeCAD
Compatible
BlenderBIM
Compatible

macOS

Compatible Applications

Autodesk Revit (via Boot Camp or Parallels)
Compatible
Autodesk AutoCAD
Compatible
Trimble SketchUp
Compatible
GRAPHISOFT ArchiCAD
Compatible
Vectorworks Architect
Compatible
FreeCAD
Compatible
BlenderBIM
Compatible

Linux

Compatible Applications

FreeCAD
Compatible
BlenderBIM
Compatible
BIM Vision (via Wine)
Compatible

Mobile

Mobile Applications

BIMx (iOS/Android)
Compatible
AEC Viewer (iOS/Android)
Compatible
Simple BIM Viewer (iOS/Android)
Compatible

Alternative File Formats

Similar formats you might consider

.DWG
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Alternative format for .ifc files
.RVT
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Alternative format for .ifc files
.DGN
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Alternative format for .ifc files
.SKP
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Alternative format for .ifc files

Related Categories

Data Files
Archive Files
Audio Files
Document Files
Related Files
.xsl
Extensible Stylesheet Lan...
.obj (.obj)
Wavefront OBJ File
.dxf
Drawing Exchange Format
.protocol buffers
Protocol Buffers
View all Data files

Frequently Asked Questions

About .ifc files

To open a .ifc file, you need compatible software. Here are some options:

  • Autodesk Revit
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Autodesk Revit (via Boot Camp or Parallels)
  • FreeCAD
  • BIMx (iOS/Android)

Check the 'Software Compatibility' section above for a complete list of programs that can open .ifc files on different operating systems.

To convert a .ifc file to another format, you can:

  1. Use compatible software Many programs that open .ifc files also allow you to save or export them to different formats. For example, you might try using Autodesk Revit , Autodesk Revit (via Boot Camp or Parallels). ...
  2. Try online conversion services: Websites like Zamzar, CloudConvert, or Online-Convert allow you to convert files between different formats without installing software.
  3. Convert to recommended alternatives: For .ifc files, consider converting them to .DWG, .RVT, .DGN which may be better supported by various applications.
  4. Specialized conversion tools: Search for '.ifc converter' to find tools specifically designed for this file type.

Note: File conversion may result in loss of formatting, quality, or features depending on format compatibility.

If you're having trouble opening a .ifc file, try these troubleshooting steps:

  1. Verify the file extension is correct: Sometimes files are incorrectly named. Make sure the file is actually a .ifc file.
  2. Update your software: Ensure you're using the latest version of your chosen program.
  3. Try alternative software: If one program doesn't work, try another from our compatibility list.
  4. Check for file corruption: The file might be damaged. Try getting a fresh copy if possible.
  5. Look for file converters: Converting to a more common format might be helpful.

Like any file type, .ifc files can be safe or potentially risky depending on their source:

  • From trusted sources: Files from reputable websites, colleagues, or friends are generally safe.
  • From unknown sources: Exercise caution with files from unknown websites or emails.

Security Recommendations:

  • Always scan files with antivirus software before opening
  • Keep your operating system and applications updated.
  • Be especially cautious with executable file types

Common issues with .ifc files include:

  • Compatibility Issues: Older or newer software versions may not fully support certain .ifc files
  • Missing Components: Fonts, media, or other components may not transfer properly between systems.
  • File Corruption: Incomplete downloads or transfer errors can damage files.
  • Format Variations: Different software may implement the .ifc format in slightly different ways.

If you encounter issues with a specific .ifc file, you may need to:

  • Try opening it with different software.
  • Ask the file creator to save it in a different format
  • Look for software-specific patches or updates.

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