Importing IFC Files

SOLIDWORKS 3D Interconnect can import IFC files.

Imported IFC files have a hybrid body-mode feature that quickly converts complex faceted shapes to mesh bodies. This includes shapes such as people, trees, and furniture. IFC files convert simple shapes like walls, roofs, beams, and columns into precise solid and surface bodies that you can directly use for modeling references.

This functionality improves performance and reliability for large, imported IFC files and lets you model directly against major structural elements of buildings in the SOLIDWORKS software.

To import IFC files through SOLIDWORKS 3D Interconnect:

  1. Click File > Open.
  2. Optional: 3DEXPERIENCE Users: If the Open from 3DEXPERIENCE dialog box appears, click This PC.
  3. In the dialog box, for Files of Type, select IFC 2x3.
  4. To specify general options, click Options, specify the IFC entities to import, and click OK.
  5. To filter which components to import, in the Open dialog box, select Enable Filter.
  6. Select the file and click Open.
    If you selected Enable Filter, see Filtering Components When Importing IFC Files for more information.
    If you import IFC files that contain IFCFACETEDBREP data, Load Geometry is turned off. The files are imported as graphic bodies by default. BREP data is not imported.