pragmaticBIM

How to check IFC models with Actions

Actions compare an uploaded IFC against the published IDS for this project

Published 2026-08-24

Simon Dilhas (Cofounder abstract & BIM Pirate)

Actions compare an uploaded IFC against the published IDS for this project.

Before you start

A version of the project is published (otherwise there is no IDS to check against).
You know which IDS slice you need: by domain, use case (workflow), or model.
If downloads/actions are not public: you are on the project email list and can complete the login code.
Organization admin: Settings → Actions in the editor - IDS Check (IfcTester) on.

Run an IDS check (IfcTester)

In the viewer, open the project → Actions / Aktionen.
Select IDS Check (IfcTester).
Choose the IDS type (domain, workflow, or model).
Narrow the file step by step (domain, use case, model - depending on type).
Upload your IFC.
Run the check.

You get an HTML report and a JSON summary: passed / failed specifications.

If the check fails

Typical causes: wrong model file, wrong phase, or the Information Delivery Plan does not match how the team splits models. Fix the IFC or adjust the plan in the editor (draft → review → publish) and check again against the new version.

Key takeaways

Published IDS only: There is nothing to check against until a project version is published.
Pick the right slice: Choose IDS by domain, use case (workflow), or model, then narrow the file step by step before you upload the IFC.
Fail is often a split mismatch: Typical causes are the wrong model file, the wrong phase, or an Information Delivery Plan that does not match how the team splits models.

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