When you create objects in Marionette, you add IFC information for the object into the Marionette network. But you can also add IFC information to the object without editing the Marionette network. After you create your Marionette network into an object, you can use the Object Info palette to add IFC…
BIM is the activity of modelling; IFC is the format to exchange information. When you are creating objects and locating them in the project, that’s BIM. But when you want to pass that information to another person, you can use IFC to export your project and the information attached to objects.
IFC – When you create BIM projects, one of the major parts of the project is the ability to share information with other people who will not be using the same program. IFC was intended as a way of sharing information (not just lines as in DXF/DWG) between computer programs, allowing Vectorworks…
Importing IFC Files into Vectorworks – As well as exporting IFC Projects, you can also import them into Vectorworks. Unlike DXF/DWG, you do not have to start with a new file, you can import the IFC Project into an existing file, but the IFC project will add new layers and…
Creating Special IFC Objects – When you import your IFC project into your model viewer, you will only see the IFC Entities. The reason for this is that Vectorworks will only export IFC entities. So if you have created your own furniture or your own sanitary fixtures they will not…
Using an IFC Model Viewer – There are other IFC model viewers, but for this example I have used the one from Solibri. I use this particular one as it is freely available and many users have also recommended it.
Setting Up A Project for IFC – If you are setting up a project in Vectorworks using standard architectural building elements such as doors and windows, you should also use layers, classes and stories.
IFC Model Viewer – Before you send your IFC project to your client or consultant, you should check your IFC model with an IFC model viewer. Some you have to pay for and some are freely available.
Exporting Your Model to IFC – The IFC export command will export your entire model as an IFC Project. You do not have to activate layers, but you do have to activate the classes that you want exported. Invisible classes are not exported to IFC.
IFC Objects in Vectorworks – Many objects in Vectorworks are designed to easily export to IFC. For example, a door in Vectorworks is designed to export as a door object in IFC. When you use the export IFC command in Vectorworks, it knows that the object is a door and…