NativeBIM by NativeCAD
IFC server install guide
NativeBIM is one MCP server, nativebim-mcp, that runs on your machine and talks to your AI client over stdio. The default install opens no network port.
Pick your client
The .mcpb bundle
In Claude Desktop, open Settings, Extensions, Advanced settings, Install Extension, and pick the bundle, or drag it onto the Extensions page. It carries its own copy of the server and asks only for an optional license key.
The plugin
In Cowork, add a plugin from a file and pick the .plugin. It adds the server and a nativebim skill to every session. Set a license key by asking the assistant to call bim_license.
The npm package
Needs Node.js 20 or later. Install the package, then add the server to your client's MCP configuration:
npm install -g https://featureboard.ai/nativebim/releases/0.3.1/nativebim-mcp.tgz{ "mcpServers": { "nativebim": {
"command": "nativebim-mcp" } } }Tested on on Windows 11 with Node.js 24: the npm package installs and its server answers over stdio, and each of the three packages passes the packaging test that unpacks it the way its client does and drives it over stdio. Once installed, the server checks for updates every 6 hours and installs a release only when its signature and checksum verify.
Check that it works
- Restart your client so it reads the configuration.
- Ask the assistant to call
bim_server_info. It reports the version, the licence tier, update and telemetry state, and runs a self-test that parses a small built-in IFC file. - Ask for
bim_helpfor the overview of every tool, or see the tool reference.
Options and switches
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
--read-only | Hides the tools that change models or files. |
--state-dir <dir> | Where job records, the licence, spools and update state live. Default NATIVEBIM_STATE_DIR, else NATIVEBIM_HOME, else ~/.nativebim. |
NATIVEBIM_TELEMETRY=off or DO_NOT_TRACK=1 | Turns off the daily usage counts. |
NATIVEBIM_AUTO_UPDATE=off | Turns off the update check. |
NATIVEBIM_SANDBOX=1 | Stops all four kinds of message from leaving the machine. |
bim_settings | The same switches from inside a session: update mode and channel, usage counts and failure reports. |
Failure reports can be turned off on every licence except the free one, where they are a condition of the licence. The privacy statement lists every field of every message.
Offline and licence
The server runs locally and does not need a connection to read, check, edit or export files. License keys verify offline. Your AI client is separate and may need a connection; what it sends to its provider is governed by that provider's terms.
Licensed with NativeCAD: included in the NativeCAD MCP / Modeler seat, or free for non-commercial use with a registered Education / Maker key. See pricing.
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.
Telemetry (usage counts and failure reports) never includes models, drawings, file names, paths or prompts. Bug-report text goes through a pattern-based redactor that can miss a value, and a short repro goes with it only if you choose to attach one. NativeBIM sends daily usage counts, automatic failure reports, bug reports and an update check every 6 hours to featureboard.ai; the privacy statement lists every field.
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.