.bcf — BIM Collaboration Format
BuildingSMART International · 2014
BCF is an open file format used in BIM to communicate design issues, comments, and viewpoints between different software applications.
Key Features
- Facilitates clear communication of design issues and clashes.
- Links comments and viewpoints directly to model elements.
- Interoperable between various BIM and issue tracking software.
- Reduces file sizes by referencing model data instead of embedding it.
Best For
- Streamlining communication in BIM projects.
- Collaborative issue tracking and resolution.
- Linking comments and markups to specific model elements.
- Interoperability between different BIM software.
Less Ideal For
- Exchanging full BIM model geometry.
- Storing large amounts of project documentation.
- Archiving project versions without associated issues.
- Replacing native BIM authoring file formats.
Common Use Cases
- Reporting and tracking design clashes identified by clash detection software.
- Communicating design review comments and markups.
- Assigning and managing responsibility for resolving specific issues.
- Documenting the resolution process for project stakeholders.
How to Open It
- Open BCF files within compatible BIM authoring or coordination software (e.g., Navisworks, Revit, Solibri).
- Import the BCF file to load the associated viewpoints and issues.
- Use dedicated BCF management platforms or plugins for issue tracking.
What is a .bcf file?
The BIM Collaboration Format (BCF) is an open, XML-based file format designed to facilitate communication and issue tracking within Building Information Modeling (BIM) projects. It acts as a bridge between BIM design tools and issue management platforms, allowing users to clearly communicate and resolve problems identified during the design and construction phases. BCF files store information about viewpoints, comments, and references to elements within a BIM model, without containing the model geometry itself. This focus on issue management makes collaboration much more efficient, helping teams stay aligned and resolve clashes or design discrepancies quickly.
Programs That Open .bcf Files
| Platform | Program | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Autodesk Navisworks | Paid | |
| Autodesk Revit | Paid | ||
| Solibri Model Checker | Paid | ||
| macOS | Rhinoceros 3D (with plugins) | Paid | |
| Web Browser | BIMcollab Cloud | Paid |
How to Convert .bcf Files
| Format | Method |
|---|---|
| Export from BIM software with issue data, Screenshots within BIM software | |
| .HTML | Export from BIMcollab or similar platforms |
Common Problems with .bcf Files
Frequently Asked Questions
No, BCF is not a 3D model file. It contains information about issues, comments, and viewpoints related to a BIM model, but not the model geometry itself.
BCF files are XML-based archives. While you can technically edit the XML files within the archive, it's best to use dedicated BIM software or issue management platforms for proper editing and management of issues.
BCF provides a structured and actionable way to communicate issues, linking them directly to model elements and allowing for tracking and resolution workflows, which is far more efficient than static screenshots.
Technical Details
BCF is structured as a ZIP archive containing an index file (index.xsd) and one or more topic files (topic.xsd). These XML-based topic files describe issues, including their status, priority, type, and responsible parties. Crucially, BCF references specific elements and viewpoints within a BIM model, often linking to IFC or native model files, rather than embedding the geometry itself.