What new things do we see in Revit 2023? – IFC Mapping options as Object Parameters

By Dennis Collin

There is an increasing need to be able to collaborate with other disciplines using software products from other vendors besides Autodesk. The IFC format has been around for many years and enables software to exchange BIM data to different platforms whereas the established DXF format is only suitable for the transfer of classic CAD geometry.

In Revit 2023 IFC parameters that control export mapping of elements are now included as instance and type parameters by default. The Export Mapping dialog can be used to change IFC entities and predefined types used for export, if required.

Access the dropdown menu on the Export to IFC parameter to define how the family will be exported to IFC, there are 3 options:

1. By Type - Type settings for the family will be used for IFC export. Instance values for Export to IFC As and IFC Predefined Type will be ignored.
2. Yes - This instance of the family will be exported to IFC even when the type or category is disabled. Instance values for Export to IFC As and IFC Predefined Type will be used during export.
3. No - This instance of the family will not be exported to IFC.

IFC files can either be linked as a reference to a project or opened directly. I have noticed that the IFC elements translate more reliably than previous versions. In the past I would find random elements would be missed. The greater control users have with the IFC translation process is a big improvement over previous Revit versions. If using versions prior to 2023, I recommend linking IFC files and binding them. However, opening an IFC file in 2023, data seems to come across cleanly.