Autodesk Revit file IFC exporter now available as open-source code

AEC software manufacturer Autodesk’s Revit Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) Exporter computer code is now available as open source software, licensed through a LGPL v. 2.1 licensing agreement. Since 2005, Autodesk Revit products have provided IFC file export, making it possible to export replicas of 3D BIM project models to the standard IFC file format. IFC files can then be imported into any design program that is compliant with the same standard.
Sept. 14, 2011

AEC software manufacturer Autodesk’s Revit Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) Exporter computer code is now available as open source software, licensed through a LGPL v. 2.1 licensing agreement. Since 2005, Autodesk Revit products have provided IFC file export, making it possible to export replicas of 3D BIM project models to the standard IFC file format. IFC files can then be imported into any design program that is compliant with the same standard. With the Revit exporter now available as separate code even firms that don’t use Revit or other Autodesk products can use it to export BIM model replicas they may receive from other Building Team members and still need to share.

“For several years now, our customers have been asking for greater flexibility with the Revit IFC file format output,” said Jim Lynch, vice president, Building and Strategic Technology Group, Architecture, Engineering and Construction Solutions, Autodesk. “The decision to release the Revit IFC exporter code as open source furthers our ongoing commitment to support the IFC standard, and marks the latest demonstration of the Autodesk drive to encourage full data exchange within a Building Information Modeling workflow.” BD+C

About the Author

Jeff Yoders

For five years Jeff Yoders covered IT, CAD, and BIM as Senior Associate Editor of Building Design + Construction. He's a chair at-large of the Associated General Contractors of America's BIM Forum and speaks regularly to audiences about how to transition to digital workflows. Jeff has won four American Society of Business Publications Editors awards.
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