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How to Export a Structural IFC Model from Archicad Using Model Filtering?

Reading time: 3 min.

Exporting structural models to IFC from Archicad is not just a matter of "Save As" and choosing a format. A clean, controlled export is essential for the model to meet coordination needs, reduce file size and avoid delivering irrelevant information.

In this article, we explain step by step how to configure an IFC Export Translator in Archicad 28 to generate structural content only, using the Model Filtering for Export function.

Objective

Configure and run an IFC export that includes only structural elements (walls, beams, columns, slabs, etc.), excluding non-structural elements and 2D annotations.

Prerequisites

  • Archicad installed and an active project.
  • Access to the IFC Translators panel.
  • Basic knowledge of element classification and properties in Archicad.

1. Configure structural filtering in an IFC Translator

  1. Go to File > Interoperability > IFC > IFC Translators.


  2. In the Export section, select the translator you will use (for example, IFC4 Reference View or Parametric Geometry Export).
  3. Create a duplicate of the selected translator by clicking New...


  4. In the New Translator dialog box, select the "Duplicate of" option and make sure the translator being duplicated is the correct one.


  5. Select the duplicated translator, and assign it a new Name (red), and a brief Description (green).


  6. Click the three dots next to Model Filter.


  7. In the "Model Filter for IFC Export" dialog box, select a filter type to create a duplicate by clicking New...


  8. Under Settings, in the Select 3D Elements to Export section, under Structural Function, choose Load-Bearing Elements Only, so that only elements classified as Load-Bearing are exported,


  9. Enable By IFC Domain and select Structural to limit the export to construction elements in the structural domain.


  10. Disable Lines, Texts, Labels, Fills to avoid IfcAnnotation.
    If you need to include grids, enable Grid System and Elements (these will be exported as IfcGrid).


  11. Save your changes by clicking OK
  12. In the IFC Translators dialog box, make sure the new filter profile is selected under Model Filter.


  13. Save the Translator by clicking OK.

Step 2: Prepare the Export View

  • Activate the view you will export from (Floor Plan or 3D) and adjust layers, renovation filters, etc.
  • (Optional) Manually select the elements if you will use Selected elements only.

Step 3: Save As IFC

  1. Go to File > Save as…


  2. In the Save dialog box, choose IFC File (*.ifc).


  3. Confirm the configured translator.


  4. Under Export, select:

    1. Visible elements on all stories, or

    2. Entire project
      We recommend these options together with structural filtering.

  5. Click Filter… to group and refine by IFC Element Type, Story, Layer, or Element Owner, and apply filters by IFC Domain or Structural Function.


  6. Define the location where you want to save the IFC file and click Save to save the file.

Export from the Publisher
The Publisher always exports Visible Elements, so prepare your views according to this criterion.

Post-Export Validation

Open the IFC in a compatible viewer to check that:

  • Only structural (load-bearing) elements are present.
  • The exported set matches the export mode chosen, or the one agreed with the recipient.

Pro Tip

  • Create dedicated translators for each exchange scenario: for example, IFC4 RV — Architecture (without 2D) and IFC2x3 — Coordination (with grids and annotations). This standardises deliverables and reduces errors.
  • Always review the IFC file in an IFC viewer to make sure the IFC meets expectations. You can use this free viewer for that: DDScad Viewer
  • Document the IFC schema, the filter applied and the Psets included with the deliverable.
  • Use Archicad's Publisher to automate recurring exports and minimise errors.

With this workflow, you will be able to deliver accurate, optimised structural IFC models aligned with the recipient's needs, making coordination easier and reducing the time spent on subsequent clean-up.

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