Exporting IFC Objects

The export procedure for objects is not as complex as it is for projects, since no mapping is required. VectorWorks objects can be exported to .ifc or .ifcxml format. Export to IFC Versions 2.0 – 2x3 is supported.

To export a VectorWorks object to IFC:

1.	Select File > Export > Export IFC Object.

The Export IFC Project dialog box opens. Specify the object export options on the General tab. Since no mapping is required for object export, the Layer Mapping tab options are not needed.

 

Parameter	Description
Building Data	Specifies the IFC properties associated with the object, if any
Export Options	Sets export parameters for the file
IFC Version	Select the IFC version
Export Site	Does not apply to the export of objects
Export Building Stories	Does not apply to the export of objects
Auto-convert Symbols	Converts VectorWorks symbols with IFC records to IFC objects (see Creating IFC Entities)
Convert simple graphics	Converts graphics and 3D primitives to default IFC objects
Export Extended Data	Attaches special IFC property sets (pSets) to objects for “round-trip” export/import; this allows exported plug-in objects to be re-created using all their standard VectorWorks parameters. Select this option when exporting a file that will be re-imported into VectorWorks in the future, and where file size is not an issue.
Convert Records to IFC Psets	Converts VectorWorks record information to IFC property sets
Owner History Data	Specifies file information according to IFC protocol
Owning User Name/Organization/ Application	Specifies the file owner’s name and company information; the application information is automatically assigned
Creation Date	Displays the file origination date
Last Modification Date/User/Application	Displays file modification information

2.	Click OK to export the object.

Indicate the file name and location in the Save As dialog box.