IFC2SKP for SketchUp 8 and 2013 Version 0.86 Beta is a plug-in for SketchUp 8 and 2013 only. This application works inside SketchUp and has the ability to load IFC data from popular BIM (CAD) applications such as ArchiCAD, Revit and Microstation. The plug-in will not only load the geometry or object data into SketchUp from the IFC file format but it will also display the BIM data of each imported objects.

Please see the release notes for this version here.

IFC2SKP is in beta and is free to use. There are no time rescritions or limits. Feel free to give us your feedback on the IFC2SKP forum. Futhermore, the ruby script that comes with IFC2SKP is an open source for developers. Please check the documentation on useful information about the Ruby script.

Import, edit and render inside SketchUp

The IFC2SKP plug-in has the potential of allowing you to import your ArchiCAD, Revit, Microstation models into SketchUp, add SketchUP materials to the model and then rendering it using Podium.

Import your IFC file into SketchUp

Add material and edit the model in SketchUp

Render the model with Podium!!

How it works

Download and then install IFC2SKP plug-in. Make sure SketchUp is closed before installing. Once the plug-in is installed, access it from the Plugins menu in SketchUp 8 and 2013. Download the PDF manual and sample IFC files as well.

After installing, open Sketchup. Next, Select IFC Converter from SketchUp's plugins menu and click "Show Model" in the flyout menu. An explorer dialog box should open up which allows you to select the IFC file you wish to import. We have made three IFC files available for you to experiment with. Select your file and click "Open."

Next, a properties dialog box will open which allows you to configure the output of the plugin to your specifications. You can decide which objects to draw, the colors of the various IFC objects, and details related to the design‘s context. Note the checkbox labeled "Show Property Dialog when Object clicked" which is located just above the "Set Colors" and "import" buttons. If clicked, this enables the user to explore the model‘s IFC information while viewing it in Sketchup. Once you are satisfied with the selections you have made, click the import button. After a few seconds or minutes, depending on the IFC file size, your model should appear in SketchUp. If the import process crashes SketchUp, try importing the same model again. Chances are the IFC2SKP plugin will import the model from the point it carshed. After successful import, Zoom All to see the entire model.

To view the BIM data on each imported object, go to the IFC Converter menu and pick Toggle IFC Property Dialogue. Then click on one of the objects of the model which have been converted to SketchUp groups. A dialog box with BIM data will display.

You can also load IFC data once you have saved the imported model to an .skp file. Please read the IFC2SKP installation guide for more information.

Beta Version

The IFC2SKP is in beta. As you test it, you will find that when you import large IFC files to SketchUp, that the program will crash SketchUp during the process of importing. The crashes will create a SketchUp bug splat. When this happens, we suggest, that you open SketchUp and import the same IFC file. This action will often restart and complete the import process from the point the file crashed. Feel free to participate in the Forum to report your findings and your feedback.

From Secom IS Lab

The IFC2SKP SketchUp plug-in was created by the research department of Secom (Secom IS Lab). Secom is one of the world's largest providers of home and building security systems. Secom has headquarters in Tokyo, Japan and have offices in 12 other countries. Please click here for a link to Secom IS Lab's English web site.

The research department of Secom is very involved in the International Alliance for Interoperability , the organization that creates the specifications for the IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) file format a CAD/ BIM data format which is neutral and not propreitory.

Since Secom is a buidling and home security system integrator and not a software vendor, Secom's IS Lab has asked Cadalog, Inc. to distribute the beta version of IFC2SKP to the SketchUp community.