The Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) file type is a standardized data format used in BIM. IFC files contain detailed information about things like building components, geometry, and even price data. SketchUp’s native IFC importer is compatible with both the IFC2x3 and IFC4 file types.

Note: In SketchUp 2025 and older, the ability to export to IFC 2x3 is only available on Windows. IFC 4 is the only option available on MacOS.

Importing an IFC File

To import classification data from an IFC file into your SketchUp model:

  1. Click to File > Import.
  2. Select IFC Files (*.ifc, *.ifc.ZIP) from the File Format dropdown.
  3. Choose the IFC file you want to import.
  4. Click Options.
  5. Preserve Drawing Origin is selected by default. Uncheck if necessary and click OK.
  6. Clicking Open imports your IFC file.

When importing classification data from an IFC file, there are few things to keep in mind:

  • SketchUp reuses geometry between components to help reduce file size.
  • Tags are created for each IFC class and recognizes over 180 different classes. Please check after import if your classes are imported as expected.
  • SketchUp preserves the original IFC file version.

Exporting and IFC File

To export your SketchUp model’s classification data as an IFC file

  1. Click File > Export > 3D Model.
  2. By default, exported files save to the location you’ve designated in Files Preferences. Choose another location if needed.
  3. Name your file.
  4. In Save As Type, select IFC File (*.ifc).
  5. Click Options.

  1. Choose the version of IFC you want to export to. IFC 4 is chosen by default, but Windows users can also choose IFC 2x3.
  2. Choose Standard IFC Spatial Hierarchy if you want to create entities like IfcProject, IfcSite, or IfcBuilding, even if they aren’t defined in your model’s Outliner structure.
  3. Under Geometry, you can choose to export hidden geometry. If you have a pre-selected set of entities before you export, you can choose to export only that selected set. You can choose between Tessellation and Body for how geometry is represented.
  4. Click OK.
  5. Clicking Export exports your file.

When exporting your classification data into IFC format, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Most IFC class attributes are hosted and exported.
  • SketchUp will assign the proper class name as needed to different parts of your model like tags, components, and materials.
  • Some SketchUp entities may not export. We recommend double checking your file immediately after exporting it.
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