.IFC File Extension

Industry Foundation Classes File

An IFC file is a model file created in an open file format, the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) format. IFC is used by Building Information Modeling (BIM) programs to store construction data. An IFC...

General Information

Title IFC File Extension
Extension .ifc
Full Form Industry Foundation Classes File
File Type 3D Model File
Developer BuildingSMART
MIME Type application/ifc

File Function

Primary Function Store building data
Additional Functions Exchange, interoperability
Features 3D data, structured

File Characteristics

Quality High accuracy
Supports Layers Yes
Supports Transparency Software dependent
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Architecture Yes
Engineering Yes
Construction Yes
Facility Management Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Data leakage
Best Practices Access control, encryption

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 1996
Latest Version IFC4 Add2 (2016)

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .rvt, .dwg, .dxf, .3ds

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Autodesk Revit Subscription Windows
Graphisoft ArchiCAD Subscription Windows, Mac
Tekla Structures Subscription Windows
Bentley Systems MicroStation Subscription Windows