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How Does the IFC Model Exchange with Archicad for Revit Add-In Facilitate Collaboration with Archicad?
Reading time: 4 min.
In the day-to-day reality of BIM projects, it's common for each team to work with their preferred authoring tool. Many architecture practices choose Graphisoft's Archicad for its open approach and design power, while other disciplines, such as structural engineering or building services, tend to use Autodesk Revit.
The key to making this collaboration work lies in sharing models without losing information or geometric accuracy. This is where the IFC Model Exchange with Archicad for Revit add-in comes in, developed by Graphisoft specifically to improve the workflow between Archicad and Revit.
What is the IFC Model Exchange with Archicad for Revit add-in?
It's a free plug-in for Autodesk Revit that optimises the import and export of models in IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) format, the openBIM standard defined by buildingSMART.
Although Revit includes basic support for IFC, its standard behaviour can cause classification issues, data loss or geometric distortion, particularly when working with models created in Archicad.
Graphisoft's add-in corrects these limitations thanks to:
- More accurate geometry translation.
- Optimised mapping of properties and classifications.
- Export settings designed specifically for Archicad.
- Support for different workflows, from reference models to editable models.
Main functions of the add-in
| Function | What it does | Benefit for Archicad–Revit collaboration |
|---|---|---|
| Improved IFC import | Interprets Archicad elements more accurately and places them in the correct categories within Revit. | Minimises the need for manual corrections. |
| Optimised IFC export | Generates IFC models from Revit with settings specific to Archicad. | Makes opening in Archicad easier without loss of information. |
| Data mapping | Associates IFC property sets and classifications with Revit families and parameters. | Preserves metadata essential for measurements and coordination. |
| Partial model loading | Allows importing only the necessary parts of an IFC model. | Improves performance on large-scale projects. |
| Support for complex geometry | Correctly translates advanced Archicad shapes and elements. | Avoids unnecessary distortion and simplification. |
Why use it in an Archicad–Revit workflow?
-
Accurate geometry transfer
Archicad and Revit use different modelling engines. Without a specialised translator, shifts, simplifications or loss of detail can occur. The add-in drastically reduces these issues.
-
Preservation of BIM information
A BIM model isn't just geometry: it contains data, classifications and properties that are essential for measurements, budgets or maintenance. The add-in ensures this information is preserved when moving from Archicad to Revit and vice versa.
- Workflow flexibility
The add-in supports two ways of working:- Reference Model Workflow: The model imported from Archicad is used as a fixed, non-editable reference in Revit.
-
Editable Model Workflow: The IFC model is converted into elements that can be modified directly in Revit.
This allows the exchange to be adapted to the needs of each project phase.
- Fewer coordination errors
A more reliable import/export reduces rework and speeds up processes such as clash detection in tools like Solibri or Navisworks.
Practical example
An architecture practice develops the project in Archicad while the structural engineering team works in Revit.
The architect exports the model from Archicad to IFC using the translator optimised for Revit.
The engineer imports that IFC file into Revit with the IFC Model Exchange add-in, preserving geometry and properties.
After the structural modifications, the engineer exports back to IFC using the same add-in.
The architect imports the updated model into Archicad with no significant data loss.
The result: smooth collaboration without forcing either team to switch platforms.
Conclusion
The IFC Model Exchange with Archicad for Revit add-in isn't simply a file converter: it's a bridge connecting two of the most widely used BIM tools in the world. For teams committed to an openBIM workflow, it's a key piece for preserving data quality, maintaining geometric accuracy and working in a more coordinated way.