Choosing between IFC2x3 and IFC4 for a project affects geometry quality, property set compatibility, and the software tools that can receive the file. The decision should be made at project start based on confirmed software support across all project parties.
Why This Matters
Projects that specify IFC4 without confirming that all receiving software supports it create coordination failures mid-project. Conversely, projects that default to IFC2x3 miss geometry quality improvements that reduce coordination rework.
Practical Guidance
Geometry Representation: IFC4 introduces IfcAdvancedBrep and IfcTriangulatedFaceSet, which produce more accurate curved geometry representations. Revit MEP ducts and fittings export more accurately in IFC4 than IFC2x3, where curved geometry is often tessellated.
Property Set Improvements: IFC4 property sets are more standardised and extensible. IFC2x3 property sets require more custom mapping to project requirements. For projects with FM handover requirements, IFC4 property sets more closely match COBIE and ISO 19650 data requirements.
Software Support Reality: As of 2026, most coordination tools (Navisworks, Solibri, BIMcollab) support IFC4. Some legacy FM and GIS systems still require IFC2x3. Confirm with every receiving party before specifying IFC4.
Revit Export Configuration: Revit 2024 and later provides IFC4 export with improved mapping. Earlier versions have partial IFC4 support with known element classification issues. Document the Revit version used for IFC export in project records.
Checklist
- Survey all receiving software for IFC4 support before specifying version
- Test IFC4 export from project Revit version before committing to IFC4 delivery
- Document IFC version and Revit version in BIM Execution Plan
- Compare geometry quality of IFC2x3 vs IFC4 export for curved MEP elements on this project
LUA BIM LABS Insight
IFC version selection is a compatibility decision for the entire project ecosystem, not a personal software preference.
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