GUIDE · IFC → COBie

How to create COBie from an IFC file

An IFC can contain some of the asset data needed for COBie. The job is mapping that data into a workbook and checking what remains against the project requirements. Here are three ways to start.

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Route 1: by hand, from a template

Open a COBie template and transcribe the Facility, Floor, Space, Type and Component data from the model and its drawings. The effort depends on the asset count and required fields. Manual entry needs checks for omissions and transcription errors.

Use it for tiny scopes, or to add the data a model never held: warranty, spares, commissioning records.

Route 2: a desktop viewer plugin

Tools like the BIMvision COBie Exporter open the IFC in a desktop viewer and write the spreadsheet for you. Faster than typing, and the rows keep the IFC GUIDs so they trace back to objects. Check the installation requirements, plugin pricing and validation features before choosing a tool.

Route 3: in the browser

With cobiereport, IFC parsing and workbook generation run in your browser. The raw IFC stays local. PDF generation and saved history send derived report metadata to the server, including model names, source filename, sheet counts and selected-field gap summaries.

Review the draft against your requirements

The workbook draft reflects the data available in the IFC. cobiereport provides a completeness score, missing-value counts for selected fields, and prioritized gap summaries. It does not list individual offending elements or validate every COBie requirement. Review the full workbook against the project requirements and add data the model does not contain.

Common questions

Can I convert IFC to COBie for free?
Yes. Free includes three COBie 2.4 workbook exports a month, watermarked gap report PDFs, and saved report history. PDFs do not consume the workbook allowance. No install or Revit licence is needed.
Which IFC versions work?
The parser supports IFC2X3, IFC4 and IFC4X3. Results depend on the export and the data it contains; review the generated draft.
Will the COBie be complete straight away?
Only as complete as the model. COBie also wants data models rarely hold (warranty, O&M, spares), so treat the output as a draft. The gap report checks selected fields; it does not establish that the workbook meets every project requirement.

Sources

  1. COBie — Whole Building Design Guide (standard overview)
  2. Autodesk COBie Extension for Revit (the desktop authoring route)
  3. BIMvision COBie Exporter — plugin store listing

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Now try it on your model.

Three free reports a month, no card required. Drop the IFC and see the workbook and the gaps for yourself.

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