Connection between ArchiCAD Model and IFC Data

All IFC data behave as native ArchiCAD data: every operation involving ArchiCAD data is available as IFC data.

See IFC Data Types.

Since the IFC properties are native to ArchiCAD, the following functions are available:

Assign, edit and view IFC properties in the element Settings dialogs (Tags and Categories panel).

AssignProperties_1.png 

Use the Find & Select command to search for the IFC properties of any element.

FindandSelectIFC_Export.png 

See Find and Select Elements.

Use Interactive Element Schedule to list the IFC properties of any element.

See Interactive Schedule.

You can use the Pick up/Inject Parameters shortcuts and Copy-Paste to transfer IFC properties from one element to another.

 IFC properties are included in the settings of elements saved as Favorites. Thus, you can use these Favorite elements (together with their IFC properties) in different ArchiCAD projects. Project template file can also include IFC properties.

See Favorites.

Data (including IFC data) defined in the Tags and Categories panel of element settings can be displayed in ArchiCAD, by showing these data in Labels, Zone Stamps and Markers.

IFCLabelData.png 

The IFC content of Hotlinked Modules can be queried and listed.

In Teamwork, IFC data can be modified for elements that you have reserved.

The IFC data of elements are accessible through the ODBC driver and the ArchiCAD API (Add-Ons that can be developed for ArchiCAD). Use the IFC Manager to manage all IFC data related to the project (including that of Hotlinked Modules). You can navigate easily between the model elements and the data listed in the Manager, both from the Floor Plan and from 3D views.

IFCManagerNavigate_Export.png 

See also IFC Manager.

All ArchiCAD tool parameters (element properties, Interactive Element Schedule (IES) data, Library Part parameters, etc.) can be mapped to IFC standard or custom properties based on conversion rules. When assigning IFC properties to elements, you should naturally choose the parameters that the receiving application is capable of reading, displaying or querying. Thus it is worthwhile to consult with the engineer or other professional to whom you plan to send the data. As a rule, the freely downloadable IFC viewers are capable of listing all assigned IFC properties by element.

See IFC Scheme Setup.

By setting just one option, you can have all (schedule and Library Part) element parameters automatically converted during export into custom IFC properties.

See Export Options.