---
title: Exporting to IFC for Revit / ArchiCAD
description: Export your FrameAI model to IFC 4.3 for direct import into Revit, ArchiCAD, and AllPlan — with Eurocode utilisation ratios embedded as IFC property sets.
category: Fabrication
---

# Exporting to IFC for Revit / ArchiCAD

FrameAI exports **IFC 4.3** files conforming to ISO 16739-1:2024 — the latest buildingSMART standard and the format required for EU public procurement under BIM Level 2/3 mandates (NL Rgd, DE BIM Stufe 2, FR PTNB).

The IFC file carries not only geometry but also **Eurocode check results** embedded as custom property sets (`FrameAI_Eurocode` and `FrameAI_Connection`), so downstream tools in Revit and ArchiCAD can read utilisation ratios and governing checks directly on each element.

---

## Step 1. Run your PDF through the intake pipeline

Upload a PDF structural drawing at [/intake](/intake). FrameAI will:

- Extract member schedule (profile, length, steel grade)
- Run EN 1993-1-1 section class + buckling checks
- Auto-design connections per EN 1993-1-8
- Generate the IFC 4.3 model

Wait for the job to reach **done** status (usually under 2 minutes).

---

## Step 2. Download the IFC 4.3 file

Once the job is done, find it in your **Projects** page. In the revision row, click **IFC 4.3** to download `project-name-ifc43.ifc`.

Alternatively, call the API directly:

```
GET /api/intake/{job_id}/export/ifc
```

The file uses `FILE_SCHEMA('IFC4X3')` and is compatible with:

- **Autodesk Revit 2024+** — File > Open > IFC
- **Graphisoft ArchiCAD 27+** — File > Interoperability > IFC
- **Nemetschek AllPlan 2024+** — Import IFC
- **IfcOpenShell** (Python) — round-trip validation

---

## Step 3. What's inside the IFC file

### Entity mapping

| FrameAI type | IFC entity |
|---|---|
| Rafter / beam | `IfcBeam` (PredefinedType BEAM) |
| Column | `IfcColumn` (PredefinedType COLUMN) |
| Brace / strut | `IfcMember` (PredefinedType BRACE) |
| End plate / gusset | `IfcPlate` (PredefinedType BASE_PLATE) |
| Bolt | `IfcMechanicalFastener` |
| RC beam | `IfcBeam` with concrete material |
| Rebar | `IfcReinforcingBar` |
| Pad footing | `IfcFooting` (PAD_FOOTING) |
| Pile | `IfcPile` (BORED_PILE / DRIVEN_PILE) |
| Composite slab | `IfcSlab` (FLOOR) |
| Shear stud | `IfcMechanicalFastener` (SHEAR_STUD) |

### FrameAI_Eurocode property set

Every steel member carries a `FrameAI_Eurocode` Pset with:

- `UtilisationRatio` — e.g. `0.8743`
- `GoverningCheck` — e.g. `LTB` (lateral-torsional buckling)
- `CodeReference` — e.g. `EN 1993-1-1`
- `DesignMoment_kNm`, `DesignShear_kN`, `DesignAxial_kN`
- `ResistanceMoment_kNm`
- `Passes` — `TRUE` or `FALSE`

In Revit, these appear under Properties > Identity Data after import.

### FrameAI_Connection property set

Each end plate carries a `FrameAI_Connection` Pset with:

- `ConnectionType` — e.g. `beam_to_column_moment`
- `EndplateThickness_mm` — e.g. `20`
- `BoltGrade` — e.g. `8.8`
- `BoltSize` — e.g. `M20`
- `BoltCount` — e.g. `8`
- `WeldThroat_mm` — e.g. `6.5`
- `EndplateUtilisation` — e.g. `0.9120`

### Structural analysis model

The IFC file also includes an `IfcStructuralAnalysisModel` grouping load cases derived from your EN 1990 load combinations. If seismic data is available, an `IfcStructuralLoadGroup` with `ActionType = SEISMIC_LOAD` is added per EN 1998-1.

---

## Step 4. Import into Revit

1. Open Revit 2024.
2. Go to **File > Open > IFC**.
3. Select `project-name-ifc43.ifc`.
4. In the IFC Import settings, choose **Reference View**.
5. After import, select any beam and check **Properties** — you'll see the `FrameAI_Eurocode` parameters.

> Revit may ask about IFC mapping. Accept the defaults — FrameAI uses standard IFC 4.3 entity names that map directly to Revit categories.

---

## Step 5. Import into ArchiCAD

1. Go to **File > Interoperability > IFC > Import IFC**.
2. Select the `.ifc` file.
3. Set Import Mode to **Create new elements**.
4. After import, open the **Element Info** palette to see FrameAI Pset values.

---

## EU public procurement compliance

IFC 4.3 is the required format for:

- **Netherlands** — Rgd BIM norm (NEN-EN ISO 19650)
- **Germany** — BIM Stufe 2 / AWF 2024 (IFC 4.x mandatory from 2025)
- **France** — PTNB Plan Transition Numérique du Bâtiment

FrameAI's `FILE_SCHEMA('IFC4X3')` declaration and Coordination View 2.0 entity mapping make the file compliant with these procurement requirements out of the box.

---

## Troubleshooting

**The IFC file imports but no Psets appear in Revit.**
Check you're on Revit 2024+. Earlier versions silently drop custom Psets. You can also open the file in IfcOpenShell to verify: `ifcopenshell.open('file.ifc').by_type('IfcPropertySet')`.

**Members appear at wrong scale.**
FrameAI uses SI metres throughout (`IfcSIUnit LENGTHUNIT METRE`). Revit will ask about units on import — select **Meters** or let Revit auto-detect.

**Free-tier watermark in the file.**
Upgrade to Pro or Studio to get clean IFC output. The watermark is a STEP comment in the HEADER block and does not affect geometry — it is a usage restriction indicator only.