Open an IFC File

When you use Revit to open (import) an IFC file, Revit creates a new model using the default template.

Note: To use the IFC file as reference information for an existing model, use the Link IFC tool.

1. (Optional) Before opening an IFC file, use the Import IFC Options dialog to do the following:
   • Select a default template to use for IFC files.
   Note: If a default template is not selected, the first template listed under File Locations in Revit Options dialog will be used.
   • RevitLoad an IFC class mapping file.
   • Make sure the IFC file contains the geometric data needed for the Revit capability that you plan to use. For more information, see About Imported Geometry.
2. Click File tab Open (IFC).
3. In the Open IFC File dialog, navigate to the IFC file to import, and select it.

   If needed, for Files of type, specify the type of file to open: ifc, ifcXML, or ifcZIP.

   Note: An IFC file with many, or large negative Cartesian values may not place geometry in the expected position. It is best to work with the application creating the IFC file to minimize negative values.

4. (Optional) If you do not want elements to join automatically, clear Auto-Join Elements.

   When this option is selected (the default), walls automatically join to other walls or to columns. By clearing this option, performance of the import process may improve, and you have more control over the results.

5. (Optional) The Correct lines that are slightly off axis option (selected by default) automatically corrects lines that are slightly off-axis (less than 0.1 degree) and helps avoid problems with Revit elements generated from those lines. You may want to clear this option when importing a site plan.
6. Click Open.

   Revit creates a new model based on the default template. For information about the import process, see the log file named <ifc_file>.ifc.log in the same folder as the original IFC file.