In the UK, Building Information Modelling (BIM) is no longer a niche requirement. Government contracts and many private clients now expect design teams to deliver in open formats such as IFC.
If you use BricsCAD, you might be wondering: can I meet these requirements, and how do I set up an efficient workflow?
The answer is yes. BricsCAD supports IFC and OpenBIM, making it possible to work seamlessly with partners who use different software. Let’s look at how.
IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is an open data format created by buildingSMART.
It allows building models to move between different software applications without losing important information.
OpenBIM is the broader approach. It’s about using open standards like IFC to encourage collaboration, ensure long-term access to data and give project teams the freedom to choose the software that suits them.
In short, IFC is the technical format, while OpenBIM is the philosophy behind it.
BricsCAD BIM is certified for IFC4, meaning it has been tested to handle IFC data accurately.
The platform still uses DWG as its native format, but with BIM tools layered on top. This means you can:
For UK practices that must deliver IFC files, BricsCAD is a safe and affordable option.
Creating an IFC workflow in BricsCAD doesn’t need to be complicated. Follow these steps to keep things simple and effective.
Use BricsCAD’s project tools to define storeys and levels. This spatial structure carries through to the IFC file.
Assign walls, doors, windows and other elements to the correct IFC categories. This ensures consultants know exactly what each object represents.
BIM is more than geometry. Include materials, fire ratings, performance data and other key properties. These attributes will all travel with the IFC file.
When ready, export directly to IFC. BricsCAD lets you choose the version and check the file in a free IFC viewer before sharing.
Bring in IFC files from structural, MEP or contractor teams. View them alongside your own model, check for clashes and coordinate effectively.
Most UK projects involve a mix of platforms. An architect may be in BricsCAD, the engineer in Tekla, and the services consultant in Revit.
By using IFC as the common language, each discipline can exchange data without endless file conversions. This is the essence of OpenBIM: genuine collaboration across software boundaries.
OpenBIM is no longer optional in the UK. It’s central to transparent collaboration and compliance with industry standards.
With IFC4 certification, BricsCAD gives you the tools to participate confidently.
By structuring your projects well, classifying objects correctly and validating exports, you can deliver BIM data that works across the supply chain.
For many UK firms, BricsCAD offers a practical and affordable path into the world of OpenBIM.
