Free online IFC to GLB converter

What the IFC format is

IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is an open BIM exchange format used to describe building elements, geometry, materials, spatial structure, properties, quantities, and relationships. Architects and engineers commonly create IFC files from Autodesk Revit, Graphisoft Archicad, Tekla Structures, Allplan, and other BIM applications. You typically encounter IFC when receiving a coordination model, exchanging data between disciplines, or opening a project in software that does not support the original authoring format.

What the GLB format is

GLB is the single-file binary form of glTF 2.0. It packages mesh geometry, materials, textures, cameras, and animations into one file that can be loaded efficiently by browsers, game engines, mobile applications, AR viewers, and many general-purpose 3D programs. It is usually easier to distribute than a model that depends on separate texture files, but it stores visual scene data rather than IFC’s full BIM semantics.

How to actually convert IFC to GLB

Using Blender and Bonsai

1. Install Blender and the Bonsai add-on, which is the current IFC-focused successor to BlenderBIM. Use a version-compatible Bonsai build.
2. Open Blender and choose File → Open IFC Project, then select the .ifc file. Depending on the Bonsai version, the command may be under an IFC or Bonsai workspace instead.
3. Wait for the IFC geometry and properties to load. Hide site, survey, or construction objects that should not appear in the published model, and remove unnecessary 2D annotations or proxy geometry.
4. Check the model origin, orientation, and scale. Large georeferenced coordinates can reduce viewport and runtime precision, so move a presentation copy closer to the origin if the target application cannot handle the project’s coordinate range.
5. Choose File → Export → glTF 2.0 (.glb/.gltf). Set the format to glTF Binary (.glb), enable selected-object export if only part of the model is required, and enable materials and textures when those options are available.
6. Export the file and inspect the resulting .glb in Blender, a web-based glTF viewer, or the intended application. Check missing textures, face orientation, units, object visibility, and performance before sharing it.

Using the online converter

You can convert an IFC file on 101convert.com for free without installing software: upload the IFC, select GLB as the output format, start the conversion, and download the generated file. Avoid uploading confidential building models unless the project’s data policy permits third-party processing.

Quality, compatibility, and limitations

• The conversion normally preserves visible geometry and some materials, but it does not preserve IFC classes, property sets, quantities, construction relationships, editability, or coordination workflows in GLB.
• IFC models often contain large numbers of objects and highly detailed meshes. Remove unused disciplines, simplify geometry, and reduce texture resolution when the GLB is intended for a browser, phone, or AR device.
• Element names and metadata may be exported inconsistently. If object identification matters, test the target viewer and use a converter or export workflow that explicitly preserves node names and custom properties.
• IFC openings, boolean cuts, transparent materials, linework, and complex surface definitions can convert differently between importers. Review doors, windows, railings, glazing, and curved elements after export.
• Keep the original IFC as the authoritative BIM source. Treat the GLB as a visualization or lightweight delivery file, not as a format for round-tripping the model back into an authoring application.