Wallnaut
DXF or IFC: which furniture file should you use?
Use DXF for 2D drawing sets in AutoCAD or BricsCAD, and IFC for 3D BIM coordination in Revit or ArchiCAD. DXF carries line work on layers; IFC carries a solid object with size, material and colour data. Many projects need both.
DXF compared with IFC
| DXF | IFC4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Contains | 2D lines and named blocks | 3D solid object with data |
| Best for | Drawings and plotting | BIM models and coordination |
| Opens in | AutoCAD, BricsCAD, other CAD | Revit, ArchiCAD, Vectorworks, BlenderBIM |
| Carries | Layers and units | Size, material and colour |
Questions
Is DXF the same as DWG?
No. DXF is a separate open exchange format. Open the DXF in AutoCAD and save it as DWG if you need one.
How do I bring IFC furniture into Revit?
Use Insert › Link IFC, or open the IFC file directly.
Draw it at your size
Type the dimensions and download DXF + IFC, with the clearance on its own layer.
These are planning rules of thumb. Check local codes, accessibility rules and manufacturer data for your project.