IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is the open BIM exchange format. Tensile3D writes IFC4 with tessellated meshes so coordination models can move into other BIM tools.
Optional IfcRelAggregates hierarchy, IfcPropertySet metadata, and semantic class mapping (doors, windows, and so on) when those settings are on.
Questions or a license? Email tensile3d@gmail.com. License terms.
Features
IFC4 STEP
Coordination-view style tessellation — geometry you can open in BIM viewers.
Hierarchy & properties
Embed the Navisworks tree and property sets, or keep a sidecar JSON.
Semantic types
Optional mapping from Navisworks class hints to IfcDoor, IfcWindow, and similar.
In-browser preview
Drop the .ifc on tensile3d.com/3d-viewer. The IFC viewer opens; the file never uploads.
Export settings
- Export metadata / properties
Off by default. When on, Navisworks properties go to model-tree.json (sidecar hierarchy) or into the file (embed hierarchy). Takes longer on large models.
- Hierarchy
Separate JSON (default) writes model-tree.json next to the export. Embed writes the selection tree inside glTF, IFC, or USD. 3D Tiles and the single web file always use the sidecar / packed JSON.
- Flip YZ-axis
On by default for glTF, 3D Tiles, and the web file so Y is up. Off by default for IFC and USD.
- Semantic types
Default is tessellated IfcBuildingElementProxy. Semantic mode maps known types; geometry stays tessellated.
How to use
- Install the Tensile3D Exporter (or the format-specific bundle) for your Navisworks year and restart Navisworks.
- Open a model. On the Tensile3D ribbon, choose the export format if more than one is licensed.
- Open Settings. Options such as Export metadata/properties, hierarchy (sidecar JSON vs embed), Flip YZ, and units are stored per format.
- Click Export and choose a .ifc path.
- Open https://tensile3d.com/3d-viewer and drop the .ifc. You are redirected to the IFC viewer. Files stay in the browser.
