Convert IFC to IGES - Efficient & Reliable 3D File Conversion

Convert IFC to IGES

IFC to IGES Conversion

Our step-by-step tutorial makes converting IFC to IGES quick and effortless:

  1. Download & Install Autoconverter

    Convert IFC files to IGES format using Autoconverter or Autoshaper - simply install and launch the software on your system.

  2. Import IFC File

    Click Open... to open your IFC file (.ifc) or drag and drop it into the application window.

  3. Export to IGES Format

    Click Save As... to export your file to the IGES file format (.igs, .iges).

Still struggling to convert IFC to IGES? Our reliable guides help you handle IFC files with ease:

IFC Industrial Foundation Classes File

It is an open, ISO-certified standard (ISO 16739) specifically designed for the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. As a vendor-neutral format, IFC enables seamless data exchange and interoperability between different software applications, eliminating proprietary barriers in collaborative projects.

IFC Format Capabilities

The IFC format can store comprehensive project data for AEC workflows, including but not limited to:

  • Geometry: The IFC standard captures detailed 3D representations through multiple entity types including solids, surfaces, curves, and point clouds.
  • Units: Each model component specifies its measurement system (meters, inches, degrees, or radians) for precise interpretation.
  • Materials: IFC's material system controls visual properties through RGBA values (0-1 range) for accurate color and transparency settings.
  • Instances: Through IFC's mapping system, identical geometries can be referenced multiple times, optimizing storage and performance.
  • Structure: IFC organizes projects hierarchically using named components with unique identifiers, enabling complex project management.
  • BIM: As a BIM-native (Building Information Modeling) format, IFC stores building information like properties, constraints, and relationships alongside geometry.

IFC File Conversion

Autoconverter and Automesher Application support IFC format, allowing you to import and export IFC models seamlessly. You can edit custom properties of IFC geometries and convert them to various 3D file formats. However please note that some IFC-specific features might not be fully supported in other formats and could be lost during conversion.

IGS Initial Graphics Exchange File

A file format widely used in the fields of CAD (Computer-Aided Design), CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing), and CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering), as it enables to transfer of 3D models and designs across different platforms and applications. Developed in the 1980s and standardized by ANSI and ISO, IGES remains a foundational yet legacy-neutral format for 3D data exchange.

Key Features of IGES/IGS

  • Text-Based Geometry Storage: The IGES format stores all geometric data in human-readable text, enabling easy editing but potentially creating large files when exporting complex models with dense meshes.
  • Color Representation: IGES maintains color information at the assembly level, preserving visual clarity in multi-component designs.
  • Transparency Limitations: Unlike modern formats, IGES lacks alpha channel support, meaning transparency settings from original 3D designs won't carry through in exported files.

IGES/IGS File Conversion

Autoconverter provides full read/write capabilities for IGES files through the Open Cascade framework, ensuring compatibility with the latest specifications. The application works exclusively with triangulated mesh geometry when processing IGES files. For projects requiring native NURBS surface preservation, we recommend using Autoshaper, which maintains the original smooth surface definitions throughout conversion.

IFC vs. IGES Comparison

Property IFC IGES
Extensions .ifc .igs, .iges
Name Industry Foundation Classes Initial Graphics Exchange Specification
Versions
  • Min: IFC2x3
  • Max: IFC4x3 ADD2
Textures
Colors
Geometry components
Readers
Writers