.IFC File Extension
Industry Foundation Classes File
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What is an IFC file?
An IFC file is a model file created in the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) formats, an open file format used by Building Information Modeling (BIM) programs. It contains a building or facility model, including spatial elements, materials, and shapes.
More Information
Autodesk formed a consortium of several companies named Industry Alliance for Interoperability in the 1990s to develop the IFC format. They released the first version of the IFC format in 1996 and have since released many revisions throughout the years (and changed their name to BuildingSMART in 2005).
They developed the IFC file format to be platform-neutral, allowing interoperability between BIM programs utilized in architecture, engineering, and construction industries. As a result, most any BIM program, whether proprietary or open source, can open an IFC file.
How to open an IFC file
You can open an ICF file with various BIM applications, including Autodesk AutoCAD Architecture (Windows), Tekla BIMsight (Windows), and GRAPHISOFT ArchiCAD (multiplatform). You can also view ICF files with Areddo, a free ICF file viewer.
How to convert an IFC file
Various BIM applications, such as Autodesk AutoCAD Architecture, and GRAPHISOFT ArchiCAD, can export an ICF file to other formats.
For example, GRAPHISOFT ArchiCAD can convert ICF files to various file types, including the following formats: