Convert REVIT to IFC

Source format: Revit

Revit is Autodesk’s BIM authoring software used for architectural, structural, and MEP design. Revit project files are typically .rvt files, while family files use .rfa. These files can store geometry, materials, parameters, schedules, and discipline-specific building data.

When people say “Revit to IFC,” they usually mean exporting a Revit model to the Industry Foundation Classes format so it can be shared with other BIM tools.

Target format: IFC

IFC is an open, vendor-neutral BIM exchange format maintained by buildingSMART. Common file extensions include .ifc, .ifczip, and sometimes .ifcxml. Its main purpose is interoperability: it lets models move between different BIM platforms while preserving as much object structure and building data as possible.

IFC is commonly used for coordination, clash detection, model review, regulatory submissions, facility management, and long-term archival of building information.

How to convert Revit to IFC

Best desktop method: Autodesk Revit export

1. Open the Revit project (.rvt) in Autodesk Revit.
2. Check that the model is prepared for export: correct levels, categories, shared coordinates, and view visibility.
3. Go to File → Export → IFC.
4. Choose the IFC setup and options. Select the schema required by the recipient, usually IFC2x3 or IFC4.
5. Set the output location and filename, then export the .ifc file.

Recommended desktop tools:

• Autodesk Revit: the most reliable option because it exports directly from the native model.
• Autodesk IFC Exporter for Revit: an Autodesk add-in that can provide updated export capabilities and schema support, depending on your Revit version.
• Solibri or Navisworks: useful for checking the exported IFC, but they are not conversion tools.
• BIMvision: a free IFC viewer that can help validate the result after export.

Online converters: Reputable online converters are generally not recommended for full Revit projects because .rvt files are large, complex, and often contain sensitive project data. If you need a cloud workflow, use a trusted BIM collaboration platform or Autodesk’s ecosystem only if it supports IFC export from uploaded models.

Quality, compatibility, and limitations

IFC export is not always a perfect one-to-one translation. Some Revit-specific content may not map cleanly to IFC, including custom families, certain parameters, view-specific annotations, design options, and some MEP or fabrication details. Geometry may also be simplified depending on export settings.

Schema choice matters: IFC2x3 is still widely supported and often the safest choice for compatibility, while IFC4 can preserve more modern semantics but may not be accepted by every downstream application.

Check the exported file in an IFC viewer or coordination tool after export to confirm geometry, property sets, coordinates, and classification data. If the receiving software has strict requirements, match its preferred IFC version and export settings before final delivery.