IFC File Format | Industrial Foundation Classes for AEC
Industrial Foundation Classes (IFC) File Format
The IFC file format is an open, ISO-certified standard (ISO 16739) designed for the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. As a vendor-neutral format, IFC facilitates seamless data exchange and interoperability between different software applications, eliminating proprietary barriers in collaborative building projects.
Key Capabilities of the IFC Format
The IFC format can store a comprehensive range of project data for AEC workflows, including:
- Detailed Geometry: The IFC format captures 3D representations through various entity types, such as solids, surfaces, curves, and point clouds, to accurately depict structures.
- Measurement Units: IFC supports diverse measurement systems (meters, inches, degrees, etc.), ensuring precise and consistent data interpretation across different software.
- Materials and Visual Properties: Control visual properties such as color and transparency using RGBA values for accurate representation of materials in the model.
- Optimized Storage: IFC's mapping system allows identical geometries to be referenced multiple times, improving storage efficiency and performance.
- Hierarchical Structure: Organize complex projects with named components and unique identifiers, making it easier to manage large-scale construction designs.
- Building Information Modeling (BIM): As a BIM-native format, IFC integrates building information such as properties, constraints, and relationships alongside geometry for comprehensive project data.
IFC File Conversion: BIM Interoperability Made Simple
Convert between IFC formats (including IFC2x3, IFC4 and IFC4.3) while preserving BIM properties and geometry data using Autoconverter or Automesher Application. Our tools maintain maximum compatibility when exporting to DWG, SKP, STL and OBJ formats, though some IFC-specific metadata may require manual mapping for optimal results in non-IFC conversions.
Easily import, export, and convert IFC files to various 3D formats with full support for custom properties. Try it now and optimize your AEC workflows!