Blog — IFC, BCF and open BIM
Practical notes on the open formats behind BIM coordination: what IFC and BCF are each for, where their versions differ, and which one to reach for when the two overlap. Each post takes one question that comes up on real projects and answers it properly.
BCF file not opening? Common BCF problems and how to fix them
A BCF that is rejected, opens with no 3D, shows a snapshot but a dead viewpoint, or hides half the model — how to find which of the five layers actually failed, and what to check at each one.
Read article →How to open a BCF file
Four ways to open a .bcf or .bcfzip file — a BCF viewer, your authoring software, the browser, or a ZIP utility — with a table for picking the right one and what to do when the file will not open.
Read article →The future of BIM: where the market is moving next
BIM is moving beyond model creation toward software ecosystems, structured data, automation, AI and digital product information. Here is where the strongest opportunities may emerge over the next several years.
Read article →BIM model review vs BIM authoring: what’s the difference?
Learn how BIM model review differs from BIM authoring, what each workflow is designed to do, and why many project participants need access to model information without needing full authoring software.
Read article →How to share an IFC model with someone who doesn’t use BIM software
Learn the simplest ways to share an IFC model with clients, contractors, consultants and other people who do not use specialist BIM software.
Read article →What is a federated BIM model?
Learn what a federated BIM model is, why separate discipline models are brought together, how federation works and what it is used for in BIM coordination.
Read article →How to open an IFC file without Revit
Learn how to open and review an IFC file without Revit, paid BIM software or installing a desktop application.
Read article →Why browser-based BIM tools are becoming more popular
Why more BIM workflows now run in the browser, what modern web technology makes possible, and where browser tools fit alongside desktop BIM software.
Read article →How to check an IFC model before delivery
A practical, beginner-friendly checklist for reviewing IFC geometry, structure, data and coordination before delivery.
Read article →BCF 2.1 vs BCF 3.0: what's the difference?
Compare BCF 2.1 and BCF 3.0, understand the practical differences, and learn which version to use for BIM coordination.
Read article →How to export BCF to Excel online
Learn how to export BCF issues to Excel for filtering, reporting and sharing, without installing BIM software or uploading project data.
Read article →How to export BCF to PDF online
Learn how to turn BCF issues into a clear PDF report online, without installing BIM software or uploading project data.
Read article →What is the .bimlyte format?
The .bimlyte format preserves an entire Bimlyte project in one encrypted file — models, issues, views and project settings included.
Read article →IFC vs BCF: what's the difference?
IFC carries the BIM model; BCF carries the conversation around it. Learn why the two open formats solve different problems and work best together.
Read article →