.IFC

Industry Foundation Classes

Learn about .ifc files - Industry Foundation Classes. Find software to open, compatibility information, and alternatives.

Data 292 Searches File Extension Details
.IFC
Industry Foundation Classes

What is a .ifc file?

File Extension Details

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.

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

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)

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.
  2. Try online conversion services: Websites like Zamzar, CloudConvert, or Online-Convert allow you to convert files between different formats without installing software.
  3. Specialized conversion tools: Search for '.ifc converter' to find tools specifically designed for this file type.

  1. Verify the file extension is correct:
  2. Update your software:
  3. Try alternative software:
  4. Check for file corruption:

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

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

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