IFC stores building information
An IFC file can describe walls, slabs, doors, windows, levels, rooms, materials, quantities, and relationships between building elements.
BIM basics
What is an IFC file?
An IFC file is an open BIM format for exchanging building models between architecture, engineering, construction, and real estate software. Instead of storing only 3D surfaces, IFC can describe the meaning of a building: walls, doors, windows, floors, levels, spaces, and their relationships.
Example IFC contents
IFCWALLbuilding data
IFCDOORbuilding data
IFCWINDOWbuilding data
IFCBUILDINGSTOREYbuilding data
IFCSLABbuilding data
IFCSPACEbuilding data
IFC is made for software exchange
Architects and BIM teams use IFC to move models between tools such as Revit, Archicad, Solibri, Tekla, and web-based viewers.
IFC can be viewed in the browser
A browser IFC viewer lets clients, collaborators, and internal teams inspect a model without installing a heavy desktop BIM application.
Plain English
IFC is a handoff format for buildings, not just a 3D mesh.
A normal 3D file might only contain triangles and materials. IFC can carry architectural meaning. A wall is a wall, a door is a door, and a level belongs to a building. That makes IFC useful for coordination, model checking, estimating, and handoff between professional teams.
Pascal Editor uses IFC as a bridge: upload the BIM exchange file, preview the converted result in the browser, then use the scene graph output as the basis for lighter web review and visualization workflows.
FAQ
IFC file questions
What does IFC stand for?
IFC stands for Industry Foundation Classes. It is an open data format used to exchange BIM and building model information between different software tools.
Is an IFC file the same as a Revit file?
No. Revit uses native RVT files. IFC is an exchange format that Revit and other BIM applications can export for interoperability.
How do I open an IFC file online?
Use an online IFC viewer or converter. With Pascal Editor, you can upload an IFC file to the converter beta and preview the converted building model in the browser.
Can IFC files be edited?
IFC files are often used as exchange or coordination files. Pascal Editor converts IFC data into a browser scene graph so it can become part of a lighter web-based editing workflow.
Ready to test one?