However, if we head over to revit-ifc Releases page on Github – Releases · Autodesk/revit-ifc · GitHub – then we see that there is a prerelease build for Revit 2020 that is version 20.3.3.0.
So this post is just a little reminder to check the releases on Github if you want the very latest IFC addins provided from Autodesk.
The IFC for Revit addins that improve IFC import and export functionality are maintained at this GitHub site for versions newer than Revit 2018. In the past 2 weeks, updates have been release for all current Revit versions, and I have collected the direct links for you below. Note that the GitHub versions can be more up-to-date and current than the ones listed on the App Store.
If you want to check which version you currently have, you could use Start – Add or Remove Programs to do that without opening Revit:
If you are inside a Revit model, you can use File – Export – IFC and check the version in the dialog box header:
If you are looking for Revit 2018 and older versions of the IFC for Revit addins, check out the SourceForge site instead.
The update for Revit 2019 was particularly significant. Release notes copied below:
General:
This version marks a significant milestone for IFC Exporter as it is now IFC4 Reference View certified (for Architectural Export and Structural Export Exchange Requirements)
New Features/Improvements:
Export of Area can now be assigned to IfcSpatialZone in addition to the default IfcSpace using IfcExportAs
Support exporting IfcGroup using ZoneGroupName parameter
Improved heuristic for assigning color to polygonal face sets
Improved handling to support for direct export of polygonal face geometry in IFC4
Support for IfcShapeAspect in other objects that have part geometries
Improved handling of Complex Property in the PropertySet definition
General improvements to support IFC4 based geo-referencing information with addition UI in export, and integration to the information found inside Revit file (usually comes from AutoCAD or Civil3D)
Reorganize the location for Exchange Requirement setting in the header of IFC File to be less hidden (now located right after the IFC version in export option UI)
Updates shared parameter definitions and Property set definitions based on the latest IFC4 (4.4.0.2.2) specifications
Support allowing a predefined type for standard walls on export
General improvements dealing with objects with many holes
Added basic support to export Area as IfcSpatialZone entity
Bug Fixes:
Export bug fixes:
Fixed error during export for a specific object that became invalid in the export process with “Store the IFC GUID in an element after export” option
User defined property set can now be exported for IfcGeographiElement
Fixed export failure when ZoneClassificationName is set to Room for exporting IfcZone
Corrected GrossVolume quantity information with the correct unit
Fixed exporting issue for a Ceiling containing Arc geometry
Fixed issue with duplicate steel connection geometries or missing connection
Fixed issue with IFC export – steel connection steel connection elements missing or wrongly exported
Fixed issue on missing ceiling geometries in IFC4 RV export mode
Fixed issue on objects with Parts that is below the first (lowest) level
Fixed issue with export Roof in some cases
Fixed crash issue if the “Rasters” are set to be exported to “IFCGrid”
Fixed issue with IFC option “export links as separate models” causes wrong object placement
Improved export Parts functionality
Fixed issue that IFC Version doesn’t update when changing the “In-Session setup”
Fixed IsExternal calculation on element types to correctly determine value
New shared parameter assigned to Curtain walls is now exported when exporting from Revit to Navisworks
Update category mapping to deal with IfcSpaceTypes and IfcOpeningTypes
Fixed issue with incorrect slab thickness when Opening IFC in Revit
Fixed some issues on export with different coordinate base
Fixed some issues on exporting Wall elements
Improved handling reserved Windows name
Export HVAC_HEAT_GAIN with current units (Watts)
Removed duplicate base quantity NetSideArea exported for walls
Improved export with the Property Set option “Export schedules as property sets”
Fixed issue with IFC4 Reference view, which fails for some models from Factory Live
Update the CSIORG link in the IFC exporter
Changed IfcGeometricRepresentationContext from “Annotation” to “Plan”
ClassificationCode(2) is now processed during export even if ClassificationCode is missing
Corrected Area quantity property of doors
Improved Materials export, that works for some floors but not others of the same type
Fixed issue with wrong Base Quantity information in some scenarios in IFC export 2×3 Coordination View
Fixed issues with warnings are shown when exporting to IFC4RV in some models
Improved Railings import to Revit via IFC
Properly convert this Flow_Rate parameter on Export
Corrected 2D CurtainWall door swing on IFC Export
Nested curtain wall element now will get proper parameters while export to IFC
IFC-Export configuration will now remember the previous settings including: “Project Origin/Coordinate Base”
Improved exporting of Material parameter
Improved IFC4 RV Exchange Requirement, which may be missing when File Header is not initialized
Support allowing a predefined type for standard railings on export
Fixed IFC4 “opening as recess” code for ReinforcingMesh case
Fixed issue with IFC export where some geometries are exported slightly longer extrusion
Fixed issue with IfcGeographicElement not exporting user-defined PropertySets
Import bug fixes:
Improved Rebar import
Improved import of Windows that are not cutting a wall in a linked or opened IFC
Recognize the angle between Project North and Survey Point properly in Revit IFC import/link
Improved import of Columns that may be placed in the wrong location on IFC Link in some cases
Improved import of beam cover
Fixed issue with Certain Tekla IFC geometry not visible when using Link IFC
Improved link IFC that may have incorrect geometry imported for some cases
Improved Link IFC file in Revit that in some cases failed with the model empty and an error appears in log file
Fixed issue with translation IFC having mm units using Revit IFC loader makes default model view small unexpectedly on LMV
Fixed issue related to invalid/corrupt IFC files that “load” without any errors
Improved link IFC file properly inside Revit 2020
Grids placed by IFCOFFSETCURVE2D will be placed at open IFC in the correct unit
Fixed issue with multiple versions of the same IFC file get loaded into Revit Cloud Worksharing Host resulting in duplicate geometry
Improve the structure in Link IFC that may end up upside down
Fixed missing material information upon import IFC
Avoid duplicate instance and type names when linking in an IFC file
Improved creation of Geometry which may be missing for some IFC models
Fixed issue for some IFC files that failed to show in BIM 360 viewer
IFC link – model is now correctly positioned when there is rotation component in IFCSite local placement
Improved issue due to “bad” data involving Wall with zero thickness inside the IFC file that caused differences between IFC from Allplan opened/imported vs linked in Revit
Improved handling of detailed geometry containing IfcAdvancedBrep in REVIT 2020 and 2021
Improved slab elements import which may be missing in some IFC file
Corrected IfcPort ConnectedTo IfcGUID information that contained its own GUID instead of the GUID of its connected Port
Known Issues/additional notes:
This release still contains issue that Steel Connections may not be exported correctly
Export configuration “IFC2x2 ePlan Check” has been removed as it is already obsolete. If there is any saved configuration, the option will be automatically assign to IFC2x3 as default
Its good to see that IFC for Revit development is continuing… This post shows how you can download and install the new version, along with detail on what has been updated in this version.
Look at the top of the dialog box, it should say “Export IFC (v.19.2.0.0)
Here is a list of fixes from the Release Notes:
General:
• This is generally a bug fix release with some new IFC functionality.
New Export Functionality:
• IFC Exporter now supports IFC Spatial Container assignment override using IfcSpatialContainer parameter. Valid values are: “IFCSITE”, “IFCBUILDING”, or name of the Building Storey
• Improved detection of Door operation type using the 2D swing symbol (arc). The improved version detects range of angles (not limited to 90, 180 or 360 degrees only)
• Added support for IfcCivilElement
• Replace IfcRelConnectsPortToElement with IfcRelNests for IFC4 export as recommended in IFC4 specifications, allowing non-IfcDIstributionElement to participates in the connectivity
• Added support for RampFlight and Run from generic models or family representing more complex Ramp for export to IfcRamp and IfcRampFlight
• Added various property Calculators
• Improve performance when exporting a large mesh
• Enable IFC Property Templates
• Allow multiple Property Template mapping from txt
• Projection improvement
• Enable site and project property creation
• Utilize Site GlobalId method
• Add multilanguage support files for German language (DE)
• Provide a complete list of all Shared Parameters used by Revit on export including ALL properties defined in IFC PropertySet Definition for both Instances and Types. The lists are included in the installer and will be placed in the install folder: IFC Shared Parameters-RevitIFCBuiltIn_ALL.txt (for the Instance parameters) and IFC Shared Parameters-RevitIFCBuiltIn-Type_ALL.txt (for the Type parameters).
• Improve consistency for setting the object direct attributes, support IfcObjectType[Type] special parameter to drive instance ObjectType parameter from the Type, update the shared parameter definition files (now for [Type] parameters we will also maintain the GUID as long as it remains)
• Incremental work towards IFC4RV 1.2 MVD
Export Bug Fixes:
• Consistent ExportAs entity and its PredefinedTypes
• Export fails when there is no associated Plan View to a level
• Additional fix for error getting 2D data when there is no Level associated to the FamilyInstance
• Various fixes related to missing geometry and export failures
• Fixed performance issue in IFC2x3 export due to error in creating types
• Fixed issue with slanted Pile
• Fixed issue related to element that is split into parts
• Improvement in handling level of Part Override
• Some improvements on classification (issue #31)
• Improve voiding of IfcMappedItem representation (issue #9)
• Fixed issue on Composite curve tolerance (issue #5)
• Fixed issue where element is still exported even though it is set to not-exported in the mapping table
• Bugfix for incorrect cylindrical hollow core Beam export in IFC4RV
• Fixed for issue #51
• Bugfix based on Pull request #52 for MEP connector, and a few clean-ups
• Fixed minor issue to ensure generic element exporter will generate consistent GUID for the instance
• Fixed issue when OverrideElementContainment is used but the Site does not have site geometry (from Topography surface)
• Add support of OverrideElementContainment also for SpatialElement (Room/Space/Area). This enables export to place IfcSpace directly to IfcSite for example, which is useful for outdoor spaces
• Refactored the handling of valid entity and type and fixed a few defects related to it (Github issue #68)
• Fixed issue with Stair Landing that is offset far away from the supposed location
• Fixed issue with missing geometry when assigning IfcExportAs to the Spatial Element (Issue #23) However, in IFC4RV or DTV, there is a fixed list of valid entities that will be enforced, entity such as IfcExternalSpatialElement will be exported as IfcBuildingElementProxy.
• Fixed performance issue when there is a large triangulated geometry for export to IFC4RV
• Fixed issue of exception raised during export when “Export schedules as property sets” option is selected, and the model contains ViewSchedule from the template
• Update Source/IFCExporterUIOverride/IFCExporterUIWindow.xaml.cs (issue #59)
• IFCBooleanOperator.Union don’t work! (issue #32)
• Fixed issue in exporting IfcBuildingElementProxy that assigns an invalid enumeration for CompositionType in Ifc2x3 export
• Fixed issue related to opening that cuts through multiple walls (note that this is not yet 100%. In some cases, due to the extended body of the opening (that is defined in the native code) there may be more cut than it should for a few cases
• Fixed issue with changing GUID of Window or Door when it is in the context of the opening that cuts multiple walls (issue “IFC Guid on family” in SourceForge)
• Fixed IfcWindowLiningProperties, IfcWindowPanelProperties GUID issue
• Improve handling for multiple meshes in a tessellated geometry that causes missing some surface body.
• Fixed issues of UserDefined propertysets that fails to recognize the Pset assigned to a Type. Also improve the handling for Conditional Pset (by PredefinedType)
• Fixed regression issue #70 missing toprail for IfcRailing on export
• Fixed issue with “runaway” flex duct with “Keep Tessellated Geometry as Triangulation” option selected (issue #58)
• Fixed regression issue (issue #96) IfcZone ObjectType not exported
• Fixed issue of Naming override/default value, and issue of Qto_ properties are not exported
• Fixed issue on a wrong enumeration for the SweptArea (it was set to .CURVE., should be .AREA.)
• Fixed for orphaned entities and wrong footprint information due to incorrect projection direction for IFC4RV requirements. IFC4RV Beam (Arch) is now without error in the automated test
• 1st fixed for issue related to runaway parts in “export only elements visible in view” (there are still situations that may cause a wrong rotation, but the test case reported in issue #86 so far looks good)
Import Bug Fixes:
• Improve voiding of IfcMappedItem representation (#9)
The excellent and open-source IFC extension for Revit (previously known as IFC Exporter) has been updated. Please see below for download links and update details.
Readme details for the latest release:
General:
– Minor improvements to the Importer class to make it easier for developers to create a custom Importer.
– We now support the IFC4 Addendum 2 schema. Specific improvements based on that will be listed below. For this update, you will have to manually add the IFC4_Add2.exp file (included with this package), to the EDM subfolder of your Revit Program folder. We will automate this in a future update.
New Export Functionality:
– Allow overriding material names on export by using IfcName shared parameter.
– Expand the use of types for many elements that didn’t export types before, including beams (IfcBeamType), curtain walls (IfcCurtainWallType, and types for mullions and panels), and footings (IfcFootingType).
– Improved ability to export some geometry as IfcSweptSolid.
– Try to use axis information, if it exists, when exporting beams and members in addition to columns.
– (IFC4) Better support beam, column, and member base quantities, including weight.
– (IFC4) Collect material information for profiles for beams and columns.
– (IFC4) Expand use of FootPrint representations to columns and slabs.
– (IFC4) Expand use of IfcMaterialLayerSetUsage if the entity has a compound structure in Revit, as allowed by IFC.
– (IFC4) No longer create StandardCase IFC entities, as these have been deprecated (including IfcWallStandardCase).
– (IFC4) Support IfcMaterialConstituent and IfcMaterialProfileSet for a number of elements.
– (IFC4) Use Built-in parameter “Structural_Bend_Dir_Angle” to get “Roll” property for PSet_BeamCommon and PSet_ColumnCommon.
– (IFCAdd2) Support IfcPolygonalFaceSet.
Export Bug Fixes:
– Allow exporting to IFC while using Collaboration for Revit where the default directory isn’t local.
– Better support for MEP type entities, that didn’t always export correctly.
– Correct the parameters of the directrix of some IfcSweptSolids.
– Fix correct mapping of IfcBurnerType/IfcGasTerminalType and IfcElectricHeaterType/IfcSpaceHeaterType.
– Fix creation of types for sub-entities of IfcDistributionControlElement.
– Fix offset problem when using the “Export Linked Files as Separate IFCs” option in locales where the decimal mark is not a point.
– (IFC4) Correct names of IFC4 entity quantity sets.
– (IFC4) Fix the name of IfcCommunicationsApplianceType.
New Import Functionality:
– Add support for IfcDerivedProfileDef.
– Support IfcRelClassification.
– (IFC4) Support IfcMaterialProfile, IfcMaterialProfileSet, and IfcMaterialProfileSetUsage.
– (IFC4) Support IfcMaterialConstituent and IfcMaterialConstituentSet.
– (IFC4) Support IfcTessellatedFaceSet and IfcPolygonalFaceSet.
– (IFC4) Improve mapping from Roll parameter to structural bend direction angle.
– (API only) Allow for two new options, CreateDuplicateZoneGeometry and CreateDuplicateContainerGeometry, that disable the duplication of geometry for zone elements and containers, respectively.
Import Bug Fixes:
– Better reporting when importing an IFC file with invalid rectangular or circular profiles (e.g., a 0 radius profile).
– Don’t show the void geometry when subtracting a void from an empty solid as a result of an IfcBooleanResult calculation.
– Ensure that IFC2x schema files can still be imported.
– Fix import of some IfcSurfaceCurveSweptAreaSolids.
Details: New Export Functionality: – Append “(Type)” to all internal Revit type property sets, to avoid having multiple property sets with the same name assigned to the same IFC entity. – Changed how the classification code is parsed so that classifications can have brackets and colons in them. – “Extra Low” level of detail now applies to all faceted BRep geometry, allowing many more files to export without hitting the size limit. – If a user–defined property set contains the same property name more than once, take the last non–empty value (don’t duplicate the property name). – Rebar elements can generate up to 1024 consistent GUIDs for individual IfcReinforcementBars, up from 256. – (IFC4) Zones can now have a long name, set by the “ZoneLongName” shared parameter for non–MEP zones, and the “IfcLongName” parameter for MEP zones.
Export Bug Fixes: – Don’t create orphaned IfcStyledItems. – Don’t export invisible geometry in beams. – Export DirectShapes of Walls category. – Export elements with empty custom classification field values. – Floors exported as IfcSlabs correctly report if they are load bearing or not, using either the “LoadBearing” shared parameter or the Structural built–in parameter, in that order. – Improve performance in certain cases where we can’t create a valid tessellation for a face. – The “Use active view to generate geometry” option now works correctly. – (IFC4) Correct the orientation of some IfcAdvancedBRep faces.
New Import Functionality: – Import IfcProxy as Generic Models.
Import Bug Fixes: – Fix how the IFC GUID is set for certain elements. – Fix the orientation of some imported objects where part of the local placement needs to be calculated. – (IFC4) Read in some missing relations caused by “IsDefinedBy” split into 3 inverse attributes.