Opening an IFC File

The IFC file type is primarily associated with AutoCAD.

IFC	File extension: IFC
	File type:	3D building or facility model

What is an IFC file

IFC files mostly belong to AutoCAD by Autodesk. Files with IFC filename extension are usually 3D models of buildings. Such files are based on the Industry Foundation Classes format (IFC) and they typically contain 3D architectural models, shapes, spatial elements, and materials. The IFC format provides interoperability with a consistent 3D asset data exchange format between BIM (Building Information Modelling) software such as AutoCAD. IFC format is an official ISO standard defined in ISO 16739-1:2018. Some 3D files with IFC file extension are STEP files which are also based on the IFC format. All Image, a software for creating disk image backups for Windows operating system used IFC file extension to store compressed disk images.

How can I open an IFC file?

You need a suitable software like AutoCAD to open an IFC file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your IFC file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a IFC file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online IFC File Viewer

Choose your .ifc file to view

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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How do you convert IFC files to OBJ, STL, PLY, 3DS, FBX, STP, ...

You can convert IFC files using our online IFC file viewer (powered by Convert.Guru):

Just click the "Choose your .ifc file to view" button on this page.
After your file is opened in browser,
click "Save as..." in the menu.
Then select the 3D format (e.g. STL, OBJ, 3DS, X, X3D, STP, PLY, ...) you want.
Download the converted file.

Programs that open and convert IFC files:

AutoCAD by Autodesk
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. IFC files are often referred to as AutoCAD 3d images because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
Acrobat DC (3D building or facility model) by Adobe
Acrobat DC is an advanced version of Acrobat, a cross-platform software for creating, viewing, signing, annotating, and sharing PDF files. Acrobat DC supports various 3D image formats including IFC. This file format is classified as 3D Image. Related links: Industry Foundation Classes, Building Information Modeling
All Image (compressed disk image) by Towodo
All Image is a discontinued backup software for extracting the disk image files of any disk (e.g. USB disks, Hard Disks). The extracted disk image could be saved into self-extracting archives or executable files using different compression. Compressed disk image files created with All Image had IFC file extension. This file format is classified as Disk Image.
ArchiCAD (3D building or facility model) by GRAPHISOFT
ArchiCAD is a 3D architectural design software with capabilities for rapid building and facility modeling, project management, and quantity estimation. 3D building models created with ArchiCAD can be stored in several formats including IFC. This file format is classified as 3D Image. Related links: Industry Foundation Classes, Building Information Modeling
CAD file by CST CAD Navigator
Enables to open and convert different 2D/3D files, get their dimensions and create section views. The software is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.

IFC file format:

Each file has a definite file format, that is, how the stored data is arranged in the file. Often, the file format can be deduced from the file extension or the initial bytes (called the signature). Nonetheless, different programs can utilize the same file extension to represent distinct file formats. Double-clicking on the file often results in an error when opening. When there is a problem with a file, the first step to solving it is to determine the file format. Our examination of the IFC files comes to the following conclusion:

Files with the IFC extension are quite widely used. This file type mainly uses a special format. The file formats most commonly found in IFC files are:

99% of all IFC files are ISO-10303-21 STEP-File files. The content consists of readable text data, which can be read using a text editor. A typical file size is 6 MB. It is a modern file type. Several words can almost always be found in the files, e.g. ISO-10303-21;, HEADER;, FILE_DESCRIPTION, ViewDefinition, CoordinationView_V2, FILE_NAME, Version and Data. These files are often associated with model, project, steel, construction, estrutura, edificio, maquette, entrega and modell.

All the rest of the IFC files (1%) have different formats. Often described as modelo, planta, rstahl, sample, phase, arch, nave or scue. If you want to find out which format your IFC file belongs to, just click on the button "Choose your .ifc file to view".

Technical Data for IFC File Extension

File classification:

3D Image

Related files:

icf, rvt, ifczip, bim, ifs, bvf, xsr, dwg, stp, zip, tbp, log, rfa, ipc, itc, step, nwd, stl, isc, ict, cad, dwl, cas

Mime type:

text/plain, application/octet-stream

The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and file extension information submitted by users.

ProgramID: AIFFFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Windows Media Player\wmplayer.exe /Open %L

ProgramID: iTunes.aifc
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\iTunes\iTunes.exe /open %L

ProgramID: QuickTime.aifc
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\QUICKT~1\QuickTimePlayer.exe %1

ProgramID: AllImageCompressedImageFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\All Image\All Image.exe

ProgramID: IfcFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\DDS\IFC Viewer\Exe\PRODUCT_KEY

Show all 5 listings To Top

an ifc 3D building or facility model is a special file format by Autodesk and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with IFC files

Associate the IFC file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open 3d building or facility models. Because only the current version supports the latest IFC file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Autodesk manufacturer website after an available AutoCAD update.
To make sure that your IFC file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
Click here to open your .IFC file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.