IFC

The Vectorworks Design Series products support Building Information Model (BIM) interoperability using the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) data specification and file formats. Vectorworks currently supports versions 2x2, 2x3, and 4, and is certified by buildingSMART International for the export of models based on the IFC2x3 Coordination View 2.0 – Architecture model view definition, as well as import of any IFC2x3 Coordination View 2.0 model.

IFC is an open standard, developed and maintained by buildingSMART International, for building data that permits information to be shared and maintained throughout the life cycle of the construction project: design, analysis, specification, fabrication, construction, and occupancy.

The capabilities and usage for IFC data standards are still evolving. However, objects and models containing IFC data have been proven to be a useful part of the design process. Some examples of the use of IFC data include:

• Collaborative design, where an architect exports an architectural model to a structural engineer for analysis and design, and then imports the structural model, in an IFC format, for coordination purposes

• Energy performance simulation and analysis of a building envelope and systems

Central to the concept of IFC is the idea of “semantic objects.” Like Vectorworks plug-in objects, IFC objects are more than just collections of geometry; they have a meaning within the building fabric itself, be it as a door, a wall, a window, or a handrail. The following Vectorworks plug-in objects have default IFC2x3 and IFC4 object types and properties assigned, but they may be edited by the user. These Vectorworks plug-in objects are automatically converted upon export to the corresponding IFC object types shown. Additionally, most content in the Vectorworks Architect, Landmark, and Designer symbol libraries has default IFC2x3 and IFC4 object types and properties assigned, but symbols may be edited by the user and are automatically converted upon export.

With the IFC Data command, users can assign object types and properties to arbitrary collections of geometry so that other applications that use these IFC files can identify these objects.

When an IFC file is imported into a Vectorworks file, IfcSpace objects are translated into the corresponding Vectorworks Space object. Since the properties of other objects cannot easily be matched to all the corresponding Vectorworks object properties and controlling parameters, the objects are imported into the Vectorworks file as a particular and flexible kind of plug-in object: an “IFC Entity.” The semantic definition of the IFC Entity—IfcColumn, IfcWall, IfcWindow, for example—is maintained and displayed. Like a group or symbol, an IFC Entity can contain an arbitrary collection of geometry, usually generic or constructive solid (CSG), but like a plug-in object, it can be inserted into walls and has sets of data and properties attached. With this generalized import capability, the Vectorworks program can import any kind of object supported by the IFC data standard, regardless of whether it has a corresponding parametric plug-in object.

IFC Workflows

Generally, IFC-compatible applications are set up to work with an entire project (sites with buildings consisting of stories) in a single file. When you select the Export IFC Project command, you assign design layers to building stories for meaningful export (Vectorworks Architect required). For a project initially set up with stories, mapping is done automatically so that the layers assigned to the building stories are automatically included in the Mapped Layers list and are mapped to an appropriately named IFC Story. Mapping can also be controlled manually, allowing you to override or edit the automated process or make any subsequent changes. The Import IFC command automatically assigns IFC building stories to their own design layers.

To make Vectorworks building models easy to export to IFC, the following guidelines may be useful:

• Design layers for the building model should correspond to building stories (Vectorworks Architect required), not categories of information. (Use classes for categorization.)

• Take care to set up the elevation values of layers correctly, and verify that all the objects in the drawing are aligned correctly vertically. Examining the project in Unified View mode makes this much easier.

• Use the IFC Data command to attach IFC data to custom user-defined hybrid or 3D symbols, custom 3D elements, or auto-hybrid objects, so that they will be recognized at IFC export.

• Use the Choose Schedule command (Vectorworks Design Series required) to generate default IFC schedules, or create your own schedules to verify and correct the IFC data attached to objects. See Using Preformatted Schedules.

• Test the quality of the IFC export file by verifying it in an IFC model viewer. Almost all IFC viewers can traverse the IFC hierarchical “tree” structure to view and validate the model. Some examples of IFC viewers available at this time include:

• If you receive comments or corrections for the project in BIM Collaboration Format (BCF), use the Open BCF Viewer command to view the notes, and then correct the project file (see “Managing BCF Information” on page 1753).

Assigning IFC Data to Objects

When a building project is exported to an IFC file, Vectorworks plug-in objects and pre-assigned symbols are automatically assigned to IFC entities. Simple hybrid or 3D geometric objects, unless they receive IFC assignments, are not exported. To be exported, these object associations must be made prior to export with the IFC Data command. Assigning IFC data to an object does not alter it in any visible way. The object can still be edited with standard Vectorworks tools and commands. An example of this would be to use a floor or slab object to model a flat ceiling. Select the floor or slab in the model, and then select the IFC Data command. From the list in the Select IFC Object dialog box, select IfcCovering, the correct assignment for a ceiling. Then, in the IFC Data dialog box, select CEILING from the PredefinedType list in the Properties for the selected Data Set lists.

An object can also be “wrapped” in a container so that it is identified in the Vectorworks file as an IFC Entity object. Editing an IFC Entity is less direct than editing simple Vectorworks objects with IFC data attached. For this reason, an IFC Entity can be useful for model elements that need to be secured from casual changes.

1 Select the object, group, symbol instance, or symbol definition for assignment of IFC data. More than one item can be selected at one time.

IFC data applied to symbol instances affect only the selected instances, not all instances. To attach IFC data to a symbol definition, locate the symbol definition in the Resource Manager. Right-click (Windows) or Ctrl-click (Mac) the symbol and select IFC Data from the context menu. This attaches the IFC data to future symbol placements, and to any current instances that do not have IFC data already attached to them.

Alternatively, select Show IFC Data from the Coordinate/IFC menu on the Object Info palette to enable IFC-related information display on the palette, and then click IFC from the bottom of the Object Info palette.

Parameter	Description
IFC Version	Select the IFC version
Simple List/Full List view	Choose the list view. The simple list is an adjusted view of primary IFC objects, while the full list displays all available IFC concepts
Filter List	Enter text or keywords to filter the objects list; only entries which contain the text are listed
IFC object types	Lists available IFC object types; click the object type to select it

Parameter	Description
Entity	Displays the selected type of IFC entity
Select	Opens the Select IFC Object dialog box, to select a different entity type
GUID	Displays the Global Unique Identifier assigned to the entity; this ID follows the entity throughout the IFC workflow to distinguish it from other IFC objects
Create IFC Entity	Leave deselected to retain the Vectorworks object properties in the Object Info palette (the IFC Data remains attached); select to display the object as an IFC Entity in the Object Info palette. IFC Entities are container objects. They display the type IFC Entity on the Object Info palette.
IFC Version	Select the IFC version
Data Sets for this object	Displays the property sets associated with the IFC object; select whether to use each IFC pSet by clicking in the Use column
Manage Custom Property Sets	Opens the Manage Custom Property Sets dialog box. This allows you to include data from your model even if the data are not defined as part of the IFC specifications.
Properties for the selected Data Set	Displays the available properties and values for the selected pSet
Value for selected property	Specifies a string or number value for the selected pSet property
Select IFC Instance	For some pSet properties with complex values, an IFC Instance is specified. Select from the list of instances, or click New to open the IFC Instance Edit dialog box. Specify the values of the complex properties and click OK to return to the IFC Data dialog box. (To delete an IFC instance, select it from the list and click Delete.)

4 Click OK to assign the IFC data to the object, or create the IFC entity. The Object Info palette displays the selected IFC object or entity information (IFC value type and the object name, if any) when Show IFC Data is enabled on the palette. Objects like walls and slabs, with default IFC data assigned, display with <Default> to indicate that the default IFC data have not been modified.

The geometry of IFC entities can be edited with the Modify > Edit IFC Entity command; alternatively, right-click (Windows) or Ctrl-click (Macintosh) on the IFC entity and select Edit from the context menu.

Assigning IFC Data to Zones, Systems, and Groups

The IFC Zones, Systems and Groups command attaches IFC data to the specified IFC zones from the current file. In addition, new systems and groups can be created, with IFC data attached.

Zones are assigned to space objects from the Occupancy pane of the Space Settings dialog box (see Space Settings: Occupancy Pane).

The system or group can then be attached as a Data set, with the new system or group among the Pset choices for the data set.

The IFC Zones, Systems and Groups command is available for Vectorworks Landmark and Spotlight software but is not present in the those workspaces. It can be added to the Landmark and Spotlight workspaces (see Customizing Workspaces).

Attaching Data to Zones

5 Click OK to attach the IFC data to the zone, and return to the IFC Zones, Systems and Groups dialog box.

At IFC export, the IFC zone data is automatically applied to all space objects with a matching zone definition.

Creating Systems or Groups and Attaching IFC Data

5 The IFC Data dialog box opens. The object type is automatically set to ifcSystem or ifcGroup, and the property Name value set to the system or group name.

The new system or group is added to the list, and when assigning a system or group data set, the system or group name is available from the list.

Select the system or group, and click Edit to make any changes to the attached IFC data. Click Delete to remove the selected system or group.

Viewing and Editing IFC Data

The data attached to custom Vectorworks objects or IFC entities, whether created in the Vectorworks program or imported from an IFC file, can be viewed and edited with the IFC Data command or from the Object Info palette. In addition, the IFC object that corresponds to a Vectorworks plug-in object, such as a Space object, window, or wall, can be viewed.

1 Select the IFC entity or Vectorworks plug-in object. Multiple items can be selected; edits apply to all eligible objects in the selection.

Alternatively, click the IFC button at the bottom of the Object Info palette. (If the button does not display, select Show IFC Data from the Coordinate/IFC menu on the Object Info palette.)

If you have selected a group that contains objects with multiple IfcObjectTypes, the Choose IFC Type dialog box opens. Select the IFC Type to apply to the group. Optionally remove the IFC data from the contained objects.

3 When the items to be edited have been specified if necessary, the IFC Data dialog box opens. View or edit the IFC data as described in “Assigning IFC Data to Objects” on page 1740 and click OK.

If an IFC entity is selected, the IFC Data dialog box displays the data attached to the entity as described in “Assigning IFC Data to Objects” on page 1740; the data can be edited. If a Vectorworks plug-in object is selected, the IFC Data dialog box displays the corresponding IFC Object type. At export, the object will be converted to that type of entity.

Using Custom IFC Property Sets

Property sets (Pset_XxxxXxxx) are used to assign groups of individual data fields, or properties, to IFC entities. Property sets can be very specific to an IFC entity, such as Pset_WallCommon to IfcWall, or more generally applied to any IFC entity, such as Pset_ManufacturerTypeInformation. Some property sets and their values are explicitly predefined and listed in the IFC specification; the naming convention Pset_Xxx applies to these officially specified property sets.

Due to the extensible nature of IFC, any user-defined data, even when not explicitly identified in the IFC specification, can still be captured and exchanged using custom property sets. Custom property sets must follow technical encoding conventions. They must have unique and allowable names; the names cannot duplicate specified property set names or begin with “Pset_.”

To make collaboration easier, the Vectorworks Software Developer’s Kit (SDK) has functions to create a custom property set either programmatically, or by importing an XML file that defines the property set. For detailed developer-oriented documentation related to the SDK, see developer.vectorworks.net.

Additionally, you can create custom IFC property sets in Vectorworks Design Series products as described in the following topics.

Creating IFC-Compatible Record Formats

To use a custom property set, first create the record format to define the data to be captured and exchanged in IFC format. The record format name becomes the name of the custom property set. Record formats designated for IFC export should be named with a VwPset_ or ePset_ prefix, or use a name that is defined by a specific Model View Definition (MVD) or documented model Exchange Requirement (ER). Record format names are case sensitive, and should not contain blank spaces (use an underscore if needed). For example, you might use a record format named “ePset_MyData.”

The record format can consist of any number of fields, designated by a Field Name and a Field Type; see Creating Record Formats. The field types are automatically converted to equivalent IFC value types. For example:

Default field values are ignored when the record format is converted to an IFC property set. Therefore, leave the default value empty for Integer, Boolean, Text, and Pop-up field types; for Number field types, enter 0 (zero) as the default.

The record format displays in the Resource Manager, in the Record Format category. Like any resource, it can be shared between files using the export or import functionality of the Resource Manager.

Converting a Record Format to an IFC Custom Property Set

Once the custom record format has been created, convert it to an IFC Property Set and attach the data to an object, group, symbol definition, or symbol instance.

Field Type	IFC Value Type
Integer	IfcInteger
Boolean	IfcBoolean
Text	IfcText
Number	IfcReal

5 Click the Use column to select one or more record formats. Selected record formats display with a check mark.

The selected custom record formats are listed as data sets in the IFC Entities/Psets list.

7 Select the custom Pset and click the Use column. A check mark indicates that the Pset is enabled and attached to the object.

If you remove the check mark from a custom Pset, the record is not applied to the object, but the record remains in the object’s Psets list. To remove it, click Manage Custom Property Sets, and remove the check mark from the Use column. When prompted, click OK to confirm that you want to delete the Pset from this object. Click OK again to close the Manage Custom Property Sets dialog box and remove the Pset from the object’s list.

8 The bottom pane displays the properties associated with the custom Pset. Select each property and assign a value to it.

To review or edit the data, select the object, and then click the IFC button from the bottom of the Object Info palette.

The custom property set is saved in the current file. To use a custom property set in another file or project, export the record format to another file and repeat these steps to attach IFC data to objects.

Using Custom IFC Value Types

If the IFC Value Types that are automatically assigned to your custom fields are not specific enough, you can pair each field in your custom record format with a field that identifies the IFC value (IfcValue) type for that field. Each pair must have the same field type.

For example, you might have three fields in a custom record format that contain the following information about a set of objects:

For each field that contains object data, create a companion field that indicates the IFC value type of the data. In this example, you would have a total of six fields in the record format:

Field Pairs	Type
ProductCode IfcIdentifier	Text Text
OnSchedule IfcBoolean	Boolean Boolean
UnitCost IfcReal	Number Number

Choose an IFC value type and record format field type appropriate for the kind of information being captured by the field, such as a simple number, a TRUE/FALSE choice, a text string or simple label, or a measurement. In the Vectorworks program, allowable types include Integer, Boolean, Text, or Number. The Field Name identifying an IFC value type should be based on the IFC specification for the different defined types of values (IfcValue), as shown in the following list.

IFC Value Types	Vectorworks Record Format Field Type and Description
IfcSimpleValue	These are the most common and cover most user cases
IfcInteger	Integer: a simple whole number ranging from -32,7568 to 32,767
IfcReal	Number: General or Decimal
IfcBoolean	Boolean: also known as TRUE or FALSE
IfcLogical	Boolean: similar to Boolean, but can include a value of “UNKNOWN”
IfcIdentifier	Text: a simple text ID string, usually a mix of alphanumeric characters and symbols
IfcLabel	Text: a simple text name string, usually a mix of alphanumeric characters
IfcText	Text: a descriptive text field string of up to 255 characters
IfcMeasureValue	A complete list can be found in the IFC specification
IfcAreaMeasure	Number: Dimension Area
IfcLengthMeasure	Number: Dimension
IfcMassMeasure	Number: General or Decimal
IfcThermodynamicTemperatureMeasure	Number: General or Decimal
IfcTimeMeasure	Integer or Number: General
IfcVolumeMeasure	Number: Dimension Volume
IfcDerivedMeasureValue	A complete list can be found in the IFC specification
IfcEnergyMeasure	Number: General or Decimal
IfcIlluminanceMeasure	Number: General or Decimal
IfcPowerMeasure	Number: General or Decimal
IfcThermalTransmittanceMeasure	Number: General or Decimal
IfcTimeStamp	Integer or Number: General
IfcLuminousIntensityDistributionMeasure	Number: General or Decimal

Creating IFC Schedules

Before you export an IFC project, check that objects have appropriate IFC data associated with them. In the Vectorworks Architect product, the following schedules with IFC data can be added to the drawing with the Choose Schedule command, or you can create your own schedules (see Using Preformatted Schedules).

• Objects with IFC Entity gives a count of IFC objects for each entity type on each layer. The object class, name, and type also display, if available.

• Objects with IFC Entity - Specific lists each IFC object, broken down by entity type (walls, slabs, roofs, doors, windows, stairs, and columns). The object layer, class, name, and description also display, if available.

• Objects without IFC Entity lists each non-IFC object. The object layer, class, type, and type name also display, if available.

Alternatively, from the Resource Manager, select Vectorworks Libraries\Defaults\Reports_Schedules\Architectural Reports.vwx. Drag the appropriate IFC worksheet to the drawing.

Importing IFC Files

An IFC project, including one which contains multiple buildings or large information sets, can be imported into a Vectorworks file. The units of the imported file are determined by the Vectorworks file. The presentation layers or CAD layers from an imported IFC file are assigned to corresponding Vectorworks classes.

Stories and elements in the IFC file can be filtered during the import, to remove irrelevant objects. Filtering an import can significantly lower the file size, making both the import process and subsequent collaboration more efficient.

Alternatively, click the file to import and drag it into an open Vectorworks file.

3 All stories and elements are imported by default. If you want to apply a filter to the import, choose whether to filter by Stories or Elements.

4 If Stories is selected, a list of all stories in the document displays; a check mark to the left of each story indicates that it is to be imported. To omit one or more whole stories and any associated elements from the import, select the story and click to remove the check mark.

Alternatively, to omit only specific elements on specific stories from the import, click the disclosure arrow to the left of a story name to display the list of IFC elements associated with that story. Select the element(s) to be omitted and click to remove the check mark. The deselected elements are omitted only from that story.

On stories with a combination of selected and deselected elements for import, the check mark is replaced by a dash.

If Elements is selected, a list of all IFC object types in the file displays; the number of elements of each type displays in parentheses to the right of the object type. A check mark to the left of each item in the list indicates that all the elements of that type will be imported. Select the element(s) to be omitted from the import, and click to remove the check mark. The deselected elements are not imported on any story.

If you deselect some items from the elements list, and return to the stories list, stories that contain deselected elements display a dash rather than a check mark, indicating that some elements are not to be imported.

Exporting IFC Projects

Vectorworks project files can be exported to .ifc, .ifczip, and .ifcxml formats.

Export to IFC Versions 2x2, 2x3, or 4 is supported. The export of a project to an IFC file is based on specifying the geometry and associated data needed for the use of the exported file. This specification is called a Model View Definition (MVD), which is a subset of all the geometry and data in a building model. MVDs have been created by international, national, or local groups to standardize information exchange for various purposes, such as design coordination, collision/clash detection, structural analysis, and element quantity analysis. You can use MVDs to automate the export, or manually define a custom set of geometry and data to be exported.

You can export a wall with components as a single IFC entity (IfcWall or IfcWallStandardCase), or you can split the wall into the individual components (IfcBuildingElementPart) for estimation purposes. If any component has been modified to have a different height from the rest of the wall, the components are automatically exported as building element parts.

2 Specify the overall project export options, site information, and author data for each pane of the Data tab. Many of the fields are required by the IFC specification; they are automatically mapped to their IFC equivalent for inclusion in the IFC file header information.

Parameter	Description
Export Options	Sets export parameters for the file
File Format	Select whether to export an .ifc, .ifczip, or .ifcxml file
IFC Version	Select the IFC version
Model View	Select the MVD that specifies the geometry and data required for export. • CV 2.0 - Architecture is an official buildingSMART International MVD for exporting architectural models for coordination with structural and building services models. • Extended Vectorworks Model View allows you to customize the geometry and data to be exported in conjunction with the Export Options for data exchange workflows without a standard or official MVD. This MVD exports the following elements that exceed the CV 2.0 MVD: • 3D geometry as proxy objects (IfcBuildingElementProxy) • linear/angular/arc/slope dimensions • north arrow • break line • text nodes (with IFC data attached) • IES VE is a custom MVD to exchange model information with the IES-Virtual Environment platform to conduct building energy performance simulation and analysis. • COBie/Facilities Management MVD enables the handover of graphic and non-graphic facility management information to the building manager. It includes the international version of COBie/COBie2 exchange requirements. • Simplified Geometry exports walls as IfcWallStandardCase, merging all components into one extrude. Slabs are exported as multiple slab instances (one slab for each component). • Reference View (IFC4) is targeted at all workflows that do not require transformation to native elements, retaining complete fidelity and original ownership. The model view and any add-on views are included as information in the IFC file header.
Add-on Views	Select optional information to be added to the model view at export. • Quantity Take Off writes element quantity data to specific IFC data fields for use by costing/estimating applications. • 1st Level Space Boundaries exports planes that represent the contact surface between a Space object and an adjacent surface, like a wall, floor, or ceiling. These boundary planes will also indicate the placement and extents of openings, such as doors and windows.
Export Visible Objects Only	Exports objects within visible classes only (the selection of layers for export is handled by the Layer Mapping options). When deselected, exports any objects required by the Model View selection.
Export Site Model	For drawings with a site model, this option exports the site model geometry and enables site model layers to be mapped on the Layer Mapping tab
Export Custom Property Sets	Exports custom Psets that were specified in the Manage Custom Property Sets dialog box for objects’ IFC data, for models not explicitly defined in the Model View definition, or when using the extended Vectorworks model view
Export Solids Operations as BREPs	Depending on the receiving application and data exchange requirements, solids operations may need to be simplified to a surface model, also known as a boundary representation (BREP) to display correctly and be properly identified
Export Text in Unicode Format	The Unicode format is more reliable for double-byte characters (text representing characters from such alphabets as Japanese, Chinese, and Cyrillic, for example) but it must also be supported by the receiving application
Export Walls/Slabs by components	Exports the components of walls and slabs as sub-elements, for building material estimation purposes
Project Data
Name	Type the project name
Phase	Enter the construction phase information
Project Type	Specify the type of project
Building Permit ID	Enter the building permit information
Gross Area (Planned)	Enter the total planned area for the entire project
Currency Code	Enter the currency code (such as EUR for Euro, USD for US dollars)
Time Unit	Enter the time unit for the project
Default Classification	Enter the project classification code (such as MasterFormat)
Author Data	Enter the information for the primary author of the file and select the author’s professional role. A custom role can be specified; select USERDEFINED and enter the role title.
Author Addresses	Enter pertinent information related to the physical location of the author’s place of business
Organization Data	Enter pertinent information related to the professional organization in charge of the project. A custom role can be specified; select USERDEFINED and enter the role title.
Organization Addresses	Enter pertinent information related to the physical location of the organization’s place of business. If the author address data and the organization address data are identical, click Copy Author Addresses to complete the telecom and postal information automatically. Subsequent edits made to either pane remain unique to the pane.
Site Data	Specify site information for the project location, regardless of whether site model data is selected for export
Site Address	Enter address information for the project site
Building Data	Specifies the IFC properties associated with the building
ID/Name/Description	Enter the building’s ID, name, and description
Gross Planned Area	Specifies the total planned area for the building, used for programming purposes
Reference Elevation/Site Reference Elevation	Enter the elevation above sea level for the building and the building site
Occupancy Type	Specifies the occupancy classification, defined according to the presiding national building code
Primary Construction Type	Specifies the main fire use for the building, assigned from the fire use classification table as given by the relevant national building code
Secondary Construction Type	Enter any ancillary fire use for the building, assigned from the fire use classification table as given by the relevant national building code
Sprinkler Protection	Indicates whether the building has sprinkler protection, and if so, whether it is automatic (the selection is reflected on the Layer Mapping tab, where it can be overridden for an individual story)
Year of Construction	Enter the year when the building was built
Landmark Status	Indicates a building with special historical landmark designation
Building Address	Enter address information for the building; if the site address and building address are identical, click Copy Site Address to complete the postal information automatically. Subsequent edits made to either pane remain unique to the pane.

3 Click the Layer Mapping tab to specify which layers to export, and the Story Name to assign to them at export. If specified, this includes the site model. For a project initially set up with stories, mapping is done automatically so that the layers assigned to the building stories are automatically included in the Mapped Layers list and are mapped to an appropriately named story (Vectorworks Architect required). Mapping can also be controlled manually.

Parameter	Description
Vectorworks Story Name	Specify the mapping options for each story, and for the site model, if it is selected for export on the Data tab. As each story is selected, its associated layers display for mapping. Files set up with a story structure automatically map the story layers for export.
IFC Story Name	Displays the name assigned to the currently mapped layers for export; change the story name if necessary
Available Layers	Lists Vectorworks layers available for mapping; lists the layers associated with the number of stories and the story selected in the Story/Site Selection list
Number of Stories	Displays the number of stories in the file, which determines the number of stories available in the Story/Site Selection list. If the number of stories entered here is different from the number of stories set up for the file, additional layers display for possible mapping for the current story. This allows greater export flexibility, to override the story structure in the file and assign certain layers to different stories at export.
Mapped Layers	Lists layers that have been selected for export; they are associated with the Story Name entry
Add >	Adds available Vectorworks layers to the Mapped Layers list for export
< Remove	Removes mapped layers from the export list, returning them to the Available Layers list
Mapped layer data	Specifies IFC properties for selected mapped story layers
Above Grade	Indicates whether the story is fully above ground
Entrance Level	Indicates whether the story includes an entrance for the building
Sprinkler Protection	Specifies whether the story includes sprinkler fire protection, and if so, whether the sprinklers are automatic; initial settings match the sprinkler protection setting on the Data tab
Planned Areas, Gross/Net	Indicates optional gross and net planned areas, used for design and programming purposes

• To save the parameter settings in the Export IFC Project dialog box, without exporting the project, click Save Settings. The parameters and options are saved, and the Export IFC dialog box closes.

Managing BCF Information

BIM Collaboration Format (BCF) allows collaborators to exchange comments between software applications without exchanging the entire BIM model. Issues, proposals, and change requests about a project are “topics” in the BCF file, linked to specific objects in the BIM model. The BCF file only contains comments; it does not modify the model. It can be used to navigate to issues in the model, respond to comments, assign, and resolve issues.

The Vectorworks program allows BCF files to be created, opened, modified, and saved.

• If exchanging information from a colleague through IFC, import the IFC file into the Vectorworks program, and open the associated .bcfzip file. Navigate to the issues, add or change topics and comments, and save the .bcfzip file to return to your colleague.

• In the Vectorworks program, create or open a model, and export it as an IFC project. Open it in Solibri Model Checker for evaluation and presentation, and save comments, issues, and requests as a .bcfzip file. You or your colleague can then open the model and the .bcfzip file in the Vectorworks program; navigate to the issues, add or change topics and comments, and save the .bcfzip and any changes to the model.

1 Open the Vectorworks file that is associated or will become associated with the BCF file.

For best results, the BIM model in the Vectorworks file should exactly match the version of the model that was used when the BCF file was created. An alert displays if this is not the case.

2 If you are creating a new BCF file associated with the Vectorworks file, and there is an issue, comment, or change request that becomes apparent while reviewing the Vectorworks file, select the related object.

The Open BCF Manager command is available for Vectorworks Landmark and Spotlight software but is not present in the those workspaces. It can be added to the Landmark and Spotlight workspaces (see Customizing Workspaces).

Parameter	Description
New	Creates a new BCF file that is associated with the current Vectorworks file, automatically clearing any displayed BCF information. Save any unsaved changes before clicking New, or they will be lost.
Open	Opens a BCF file related to the project, automatically clearing any displayed BCF information. Select the desired .bcfzip file from the Open BCF dialog box and click Open. If the model in the current Vectorworks file is different from the model the BCF file was created with, an alert displays. When you open a BCF file, certain resources are added to the Vectorworks file. Save any unsaved changes before clicking Open, or they will be lost.
Save	Saves the current BCF data as a .bcfzip file. To replace the current .bcfzip file, saving any changes to topics and comments, locate and select the current file and confirm that it should be replaced. When creating a new .bcf file, a new, untitled, associated Vectorworks file is automatically created.
Close	Closes the current BCF file, automatically clearing any displayed BCF information.
Render mode	Select either Wireframe or OpenGL render mode for the snapshot display in the BCF Manager
List of Topics	Displays the topics; select a topic to view associated comments
Filters	Filters the displayed topics according to the specified criteria
Assigned to me	Displays only topics assigned to you. The Vectorworks program identifies users by Username, which is the name each person uses to log into the computer.
For selected object(s)	Displays only topics associated with the current selection in the Vectorworks drawing
Filter list	Filters the topics according to the Status; Show Only Active displays topics with a status of Open or Assigned, and Show Only Resolved displays topics with a status of Resolved or Closed.
Topic List	Lists the topics according to any set filters. Each topic’s date (of creation or modification), title, status, and type displays. The topics are listed in the order that they were created. Double-click on a topic to switch the drawing view to the location of the topic. The related objects are selected, and the view is similar to the snapshot. To make it easier to see the selected objects, the classes and layers of unselected objects are hidden. If the view does not show the correct objects, select View > Zoom > Fit to Objects to zoom in on the selected objects. Alternatively, click Fit to Objects from the View bar.
New Topic	Opens the New Topic dialog box, for adding a BCF topic as described in the following section
Edit Topic	Opens the Edit Topic dialog box, to edit the currently selected topic as described in the following section
Snapshot	Displays an image of the objects described in the selected topic; double-clicking on a topic switches the drawing to that view. If the snapshot was created in a different software application, it may not exactly match the view in the Vectorworks file.
Comments on Selected Topic	All comments associated with the selected topic display; each comment’s date, abbreviated comment text, and author displays in the list. The entire comment text for the selected comment displays at the bottom of the dialog box.
New Comment	Opens the New Comment dialog box, for adding a new comment to the selected topic as described in the following section
Edit Comment	Opens the Edit Comment dialog box, to edit the currently selected topic as described in the following section. Only the author can edit a comment. You cannot edit someone else’s comments.
Delete Comment	Deletes the currently selected comment. Only the author can delete a comment. You cannot delete someone else’s comments.
Comment	Displays the full text of the selected comment

4 After editing or creating BCF topics and comments, save the information by clicking Save and specifying a file name and location for the .bcfzip file.

Creating and Editing BCF Topics

New topics can be created for the Vectorworks model, and current topics can be edited.

1 From the BCF manager, click New Topic, or select a topic and click Edit Topic.

Parameter	Description
Topic Title	Enter a title for the topic that describes the issue or request
Date	Displays the date/time that the topic was created or edited
Author	Displays the author’s name; the Vectorworks program identifies users by Username, which is the name each person uses to log into the computer
Description	Enter a more lengthy description, providing more details than the title if necessary
Status	Select one of four possible topic statuses
Assigned To	Enter the name (email, and so on) of the person assigned to address the issue or request
Type	Select one of six possible categories for the topic
Priority	Rank the topic by selecting one of the priority categories
Labels	Select one or more labels for the topic by clicking in the first column. A check mark in the column indicates that the label will be applied. Click again to deselect the label and remove the check mark.

Creating, Editing, and Deleting BCF Comments

A selected topic can include comments, and a snapshot associated with the comment can be saved and then displayed in the snapshot area.

2 Comments that are already associated with the selected topic display in the Comments on Selected Topic area. Select one for editing and click Edit Comment. Create a new comment associated with the topic by clicking New Comment.

Base Cabinet [IfcFurnishingElement]	Bath-Shower [IfcFlowTerminal]
Ceiling Grid [IfcCovering]	Clothes Rod [IfcFurnishingElement]
Column [IfcColumn]	Comm Device [IfcDistributionFlowElement]
Compartment Sink [IfcFlowTerminal]	Counter Top [IfcFurnishingElement]
Curtain Wall (Straight & Curved) [IfcCurtainWall]	Curtain Wall Frames [ifcMember]
Curtain Wall Panels [IfcPlate]	Desk [IfcFurnishingElement]
Door [IfcDoor]	Drilled Footing [IfcFooting]
Simple Elevator [IfcTransportElement]	Escalator [IfcTransportElement]
Fireplace [IfcDistributionFlowElement]	Floor [IfcSlab]
Framing Member [IfcMember or IfcBeam]	Grab Bars [IfcRailing]
Guardrail (Curved & Straight) [IfcRailing]	Handrail (Curved & Straight) [IfcRailing]
HVAC Damper [IfcDistributionFlowElement]	HVAC Diffuser [IfcDistributionFlowElement]
HVAC Elbow Duct [IfcDistributionFlowElement]	HVAC Flex Duct [IfcDistributionFlowElement]
HVAC Outlet [IfcDistributionFlowElement]	HVAC Splitter [IfcDistributionFlowElement]
HVAC Straight Duct [IfcDistributionFlowElement]	HVAC Transition [IfcDistributionFlowElement]
HVAC Vertical Duct [IfcDistributionFlowElement]	HVAC Vertical Elbow [IfcDistributionFlowElement]
Incandescent Fixture [IfcDistributionFlowElement]	Massing Model (on layer mapped to site) [IfcBuilding]
Mullion [IfcMember]	Parking Spaces [IfcSpace]
Pilaster [IfcColumn]	Pillar [IfcColumn]
Piping Run [IfcDistributionFlowElement]	Plant [IfcBuildingElementProxy]
Ramp [IfcRamp]	Receptacle [IfcDistributionFlowElement]
Roadway (all types) [IfcTransportElement]	Roof [IfcRoof containing instances of IfcSlab]
Roof Face [IfcSlab]	Seating Layout [IfcFurnishingElement]
Round Wall [IfcWall or IfcWallStandardCase]	Site Model [IfcSite]
Shelving Unit [IfcFurnishingElement]	Slab [IfcSlab]
Space [IfcSpace]	Stair (including Simple and Custom) [IfcStair]
Switch [IfcDistributionFlowElement]	Table [IfcFurnishingElement]
Tables and Chairs [IfcFurnishingElement]	Toilet Fixture [IfcFlowTerminal]
Utility Cabinet [IfcFurnishing Element]	Wall [IfcWall or IfcWallStandardCase]
Wall Cabinet [IfcFurnishingElement]	Window [IfcWindow]
Workstation Counter [IfcFurnishingElement]	Workstation Overhead [IfcFurnishingElement]
Workstation Panel [IfcFurnishingElement]	Workstation Pedestal [IfcFurnishingElement]

Parameter	Description
Snapshot	Displays an attached snapshot of the current drawing view, when one has been saved with the comment
Attach Snapshot	Attaches the drawing view to the comment as a snapshot
Comment	Enter or edit a comment about the topic
Store the selection of elements	For BCF version 2.1 and later, saves the current selection status of objects in the drawing along with the comment

IFC Overview