IFC interfaces for export and import

Two interfaces are available for export and importing IFC data.

Exporting data with the new interface

Allplan 2017 came with a completely redesigned IFC interface for exporting data. Since then we have enhanced the IFC interface steadily. To use the new interface, select Export IFC Data. The new interface creates data in the following formats: IFC 4, IFC XML 4, IFC 2x3 and IFC XML 2x3.

Allplan 2018-1 provides an advanced export log: Elements that cannot be transferred are sorted by problem category and IFC object type and listed with the Name and Allright_Component_ID attributes.

Exporting data with the conventional interface

To use the conventional interface, select Export IFC 2x3 Data. The conventional interface creates data in the following formats: IFC 2x3 and IFC XML 2x3.

Note: We recommend using the new interface for exporting IFC data. However, if your planning partner requests Certified CV2.0 data export, you can use the Export IFC 2x3 Data tool.

Differences between IFC export and IFC 2x3 export

Importing data with the new interface

In Allplan 2018-1, you can also use the new IFC interface to import data. We are continuously working to enhance this interface, making it better for future Allplan versions. To use the new interface, select Import IFC 4 Data. The new interface imports data in the following formats: IFC 4, IFC XML 4, IFC 2x3 and IFC XML 2x3.

The new interface offers numerous advantages:

• You can import IFC 4 and IFC 2x3 formats.
• We enhanced performance and quality.
• Most IFC objects will be imported as corresponding Allplan elements; all the other elements will be imported as user-defined architectural elements.
• You can import data into an existing or empty building structure.
• You can assign IFC attributes to Allplan components during import. In earlier versions, this is only possible during export.
• The import log provides more information: Elements that cannot be transferred are sorted by IFC object type and listed with their internal IDs.

Using the new interface, you can import IFC data created with almost any system.

The new interface imports the following types of geometry:

• Objects created by extrusion
• Breps
• Surface models
• Constructive solid geometries (CSG)
• Swept disc solids

Importing data with the conventional interface

To use the conventional interface, select Import IFC Data. The conventional interface imports data in the following formats: IFC 2x3 and IFC XML 2x3.

Note: We recommend using the new interface for importing IFC data. However, you can use the conventional interface if you are not satisfied with the result produced by the new interface.