Importing and Exporting IFC Files

The Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) file type is a standardized data format used in BIM. IFC files contain detailed information about things like building components, geometry, and even price data. SketchUp’s native IFC importer is compatible with both the IFC2x3 and IFC4 file types.

Importing an IFC File

To import classification data from an IFC file into your SketchUp model:

1. Click File > Import.

2. Select IFC Files (*.ifc, *.ifc.ZIP) from the File Format dropdown.

3. Choose the IFC file you want to import.

4. Click Options.

5. Preserve Drawing Origin is selected by default. Uncheck if necessary.

6. Under Preferences, choose between Use IFC Classes, Use IFC Layers, or Don’t Create Tags.

7. Click OK to save your choices and return to the Import dialog, or Cancel to exit without saving.

8. Click Open. SketchUp imports your IFC file.

When importing classification data from an IFC file, there are few things to keep in mind:

• During the import process, SketchUp reuses geometry between components to help reduce file size.

• The import process supports SweptDiskSolid geometry. This helps make sure elements like IfcReinforcingBar and IfcReinforcingMesh appear correct in your model and in Outliner.

• SketchUp preserves the original IFC file version.

Exporting an IFC File

To export your SketchUp model’s classification data as an IFC file:

1. Click File > Export > 3D Model.

2. By default, exported files save to the location you’ve designated in Files Preferences. Choose another location if needed.

3. Name your file.

4. In Save As Type, select IFC File (*.ifc).

5. Click Options.
   

   

6. Choose the version of IFC you want to export to.

7. Choose Standard IFC Spatial Hierarchy to create entities like IfcProject, IfcSite, or IfcBuilding, even if they aren’t defined in your model’s Outliner structure.

8. Under Geometry, you can choose to export hidden geometry. If you have a pre-selected set of entities before you export, you can choose to export only that selected set. You can choose between Tessellation and Body for how geometry is represented.

9. Click OK.

10. Clicking Export exports your file.

When exporting your classification data into IFC format, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Most IFC class attributes are hosted and exported.

• SketchUp will assign the proper class name as needed to different parts of your model like tags, components, and materials.

• Some SketchUp entities may not export. We recommend double-checking your file immediately after exporting it.

• SketchUp supports exporting CRS data during the export process using the Trimble Geodetic Library. If your model doesn’t use CRS data, any CRS-specific entities are deleted. For more information, see Finding and Using Add Location.