NativeBIM / Formats and interoperability

IFC formats and interoperability

NativeBIM works in IFC. This page lists every schema and file format it reads or writes, with its status, and says plainly what it does with native Revit files.

Formats

Format	Read	Write or export	Notes
IFC2X3	Yes	Yes	Existing files re-save byte-identical. Queries that read the same across schemas are in development.
IFC4 ADD2 TC1	Yes	Yes, default	New models are written as IFC4.
IFC4X3_ADD2	Yes	Yes	Pre-release IFC4X3 files open as IFC4X3_ADD2 with a warning. Writing new IFC4X3 models is planned.
PDF	n/a	Yes	Floor plan sheets on ARCH D with a title block, from `bim_drawing`, which also writes SVG. Marked NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION by default.
XLSX and CSV	n/a	Yes	Schedules from `bim_export`. Area reports are in development.
DXF	Planned	In development	Layer names follow the National CAD Standard pattern. DXF underlay import is planned.
Revit .rvt and .rfa	Metadata only	n/a	Version, worksharing, links, thumbnail and family types. No geometry; export IFC from Revit for the full model.
IDS	Yes	n/a	`bim_check` checks a model against an IDS 1.0 file.
BCF	In development	Yes	Clash results from `bim_check` as BCF topics, with a viewpoint per clash.
glTF (.glb)	n/a	Yes	The model as a binary glTF file, for viewing.
COBie	n/a	In development	Handover data as a spreadsheet and JSON.
STEP AP242	n/a	Planned	Element solids through the bundled NativeCAD kernel.
ifcZIP	Yes	Yes	Opened by `bim_open` and written by `bim_export`.
DWG	Planned	n/a	Planned in stages: DXF underlay, then DWG.

A row says Yes only when its tests pass in the current build. Planned and in-development rows change when theirs do.

Native import, stated plainly

In AEC, native means the authoring tool's own file. NativeBIM opens Revit .rvt and .rfa files and reports what the file container holds: the Revit version, whether worksharing is on, linked models, the preview thumbnail and the family types. It does not read Revit geometry or parameters.

For a full model, export IFC from Revit and open that file. That is the supported path for Revit models; there is no direct Revit geometry import.

Notices

NativeBIM is licensed software. It does not provide design, engineering or other professional services. Outputs are drafts for review by the licensed professional of record.

Sheets are marked NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION by default.

Areas are computed by NativeBIM, not a certified BOMA measurement.

IFC and Industry Foundation Classes are marks of buildingSMART International.

NativeBIM is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the companies and organizations named here. Product names and marks belong to their owners.

NativeBIM is provided as is, without warranty of any kind. To the extent the law allows, FeatureBoard Labs Incorporated is not liable for indirect, incidental or consequential damages, lost profits or lost data, and its total liability is limited to the license fees paid in the 12 months before the claim. Read the license.