Convert IFC to DB1

IFC files exchange BIM models between different authoring systems, while DB1 is used as part of a native Tekla Structures model. The practical conversion is therefore an IFC import into Tekla Structures; Tekla generates its DB1 database inside the model folder rather than exporting a portable standalone file.

What the IFC format is

IFC, or Industry Foundation Classes, is an open BIM exchange format for buildings, infrastructure, components, geometry, classifications, properties, and relationships. Revit, Archicad, Allplan, Tekla Structures, Vectorworks, and other BIM applications create or export IFC files. You encounter IFC when coordinating models between disciplines, delivering an open project copy, checking clashes, or transferring a model between incompatible authoring systems.

What the DB1 format is

In the CAD/BIM context, .db1 is a database file used by Tekla Structures as part of a native model. It stores model data that Tekla manages with other files and folders; it is not a general-purpose exchange format like IFC and is not normally opened or edited independently.

A DB1-based Tekla model is useful when the recipient must work in Tekla Structures, run Tekla numbering and detailing workflows, or continue modeling with Tekla-native objects. A complete Tekla model directory, not just one .db1 file, is required for reliable transfer or archiving.

How to actually convert IFC to DB1

1. Install a compatible licensed version of Tekla Structures and create a new model using the required template, environment, units, and numbering settings.
2. Open the File → Import → Insert reference model command, or use the Reference Models pane, and select the IFC file.
3. Choose the IFC coordinate placement and insertion point. Check the model origin, elevation, units, and rotation before confirming the import.
4. Tekla loads the IFC as a reference model and writes the active model database, including its .db1 data, into the Tekla model folder. Save and close the model normally.
5. If native Tekla objects are required, select supported imported objects and run the version-specific Manage → Convert IFC objects command. Review the generated beams, columns, plates, or other objects before numbering and detailing.
6. Transfer or archive the complete Tekla model folder with the Tekla version and environment information. Do not copy or rename only the DB1 file.

Tekla Structures is the appropriate desktop application for this operation. General online converters are not suitable: they typically cannot create a valid Tekla model database, and uploading a project IFC can expose confidential design data.

Quality, compatibility, and limitations

An IFC inserted as a reference model remains IFC-derived geometry and properties; it does not automatically become fully parametric Tekla content. Converting objects can lose authoring relationships, feature history, material details, profiles, reinforcement behavior, assemblies, numbering information, and application-specific properties.

Check the converted model against the source for coordinates, levels, units, geometry, object categories, profiles, materials, and property sets. Tekla DB1 data is version-dependent, so open the model with the same Tekla Structures release used to create it or use Tekla's supported model-upgrade procedure. IFC is the correct format for cross-application delivery; DB1 is the result of storing the imported or converted content in a Tekla model, not a portable replacement for IFC.