Skip to main content

IFC (BIM) Import and Export

StatiCAD supports model import and export using the IFC (IFC2x3) standard. This allows you to share your projects with other BIM tools (such as Revit, ArchiCAD, Tekla, Allplan, SAP2000) or import models from those tools into StatiCAD.

Which editions? IFC import and export are available in the Hybrid and Ultimate editions. In the Demo edition, IFC import is available, but export is disabled.

1. IFC Import​

From the menu, follow File → Import → IFC Import, then select your .ifc file in the dialog that opens.

What is imported?​

  • Physical IFC models (walls, slabs, columns, beams, etc.).
  • SAP2000 structural analysis models:
    • Frame members → columns / beams,
    • Surface members → walls, rectangular slabs, and curved / triangular / polygon shell (finite element) slabs.

Steps​

  1. Open the File → Import → IFC Import menu.
  2. Select the .ifc file to be imported.
  3. The model is converted into storeys and elements and added to the project.

Automatic compatibility: Unit differences (metres/centimetres) and character encoding differences in the file are handled automatically in the background; no separate configuration is required.

2. IFC Export​

From the menu, follow File → Export → ifc. Your project is output as a .ifc file in IFC2x3 (Coordination View 2.0) format.

Steps​

  1. First open a project or model at least one storey.
  2. Open the File → Export → ifc menu.
  3. Select the file name and folder, then save.
  4. The generated .ifc file can be opened in any IFC-compatible application such as Revit, ArchiCAD, Tekla, or SAP2000.

Note: If you attempt to export while the project is empty, the warning "Please open a project or create a storey first" will appear. IFC export is disabled in the Demo edition.

3. Edition and transfer summary​

OperationHybrid / UltimateDemo
IFC ImportAvailableAvailable
IFC ExportAvailableNot available

Frequently asked questions​

Which IFC version is supported? Export is in IFC2x3 (Coordination View 2.0) format.

Can I import a SAP2000 model via IFC? Yes; frame and surface members in SAP2000's structural IFC output are converted to StatiCAD elements (columns/beams and walls/slabs/shells).

I cannot export in the Demo edition — why? IFC export is disabled in the Demo edition; import is available. The Hybrid or Ultimate edition is required for full functionality.