Convert AutoCAD Drawings to IFC

Convert AutoCAD to IFC

AutoCAD to IFC Conversion

Here is a list of valuable resources, complete with step-by-step instructions and expert advice for converting AutoCAD drawings to IFC format using our converters. Check them out now to expedite your AutoCAD drawings conversion later.


AutoCAD vs IFC Comparison

Property AutoCAD IFC
Extensions .dwg .ifc
Name AutoCAD Drawing Industry Foundation Classes
Versions
  • Min: AutoCAD 2010
  • Max: AutoCAD 2025
  • Min: IFC2x3
  • Max: IFC4x3 ADD2
Textures
Colors
Geometry components

DWG AutoCAD Drawing

Autodesk's AutoCAD is a leading software program in the field of Computer Aided Design (CAD). It is renowned for its support of the native DWG drawing format. It has the following features:

  • DWG Format: The native file format of AutoCAD, which can store both 2D and 3D geometry data, as well as project metadata, such as layers, blocks, dimensions, etc. DWG files are compatible with many other CAD applications and can be easily shared and edited.
  • AutoCAD Add-ons: Our Automesher Application and Automapki Application are add-ons for AutoCAD that allow you to import and export 3D and GIS data from various external file formats, such as STL, SKP, OBJ, SHP, KML, etc. These add-ons enable you to integrate geospatial data with your CAD designs and create complex 3D models from different sources.
  • ObjectARX Technology: The customization technology for AutoCAD provided by Autodesk, which we use to develop our AutoCAD add-ons. ObjectARX allows us to access and manipulate the AutoCAD objects and data, as well as the user interface and commands. ObjectARX ensures that our add-ons are fully compatible and integrated with the AutoCAD environment.

IFC Industrial Foundation Classes File

A file format that is widely used in the AEC (Architecture Engineering Construction) industry. It is supported by many software applications, such as Revit from Autodesk or SmartPlant 3D by Intergraph. IFC can store various types of information related to AEC projects, such as:

  • Geometry: IFC can represent the shape and size of 3D models, using different types of entities such as solids, surfaces, curves, or points.
  • Units: IFC can specify the measurement units for each 3D model, such as meters, inches, degrees, or radians.
  • Materials: IFC can define the color and transparency of each geometry component, using values from 0 to 1 for red, green, blue, and alpha channels.
  • Instances: IFC can reuse the same geometry component multiple times, by creating mapped items that refer to the original shape definition. This can save storage space and improve performance.
  • Structure: IFC can organize the 3D models into a hierarchical structure, using names and identifiers for each component. This can help to manage complex projects and facilitate collaboration.
  • BIM: IFC can include generic BIM (Building Information Modeling) data, such as properties, attributes, relationships, or constraints for each 3D model. This can enhance the functionality and interoperability of the file format.

IFC File Converters: Autoconverter and Automesher Application are compatible with IFC, and you can use them to import and export IFC models. You can also modify the custom properties of the IFC geometries, and convert them to other 3D file formats. However, please note that some features of IFC may not be supported by other file formats, and may be lost during the conversion.