> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.mksdtech.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.mksdtech.com/beam/beam-ifc-for-rhino/getting-started.md).

# Getting Started

How BEAM data becomes IFC

## How Rhino data maps to IFC

| In Rhino                                                                | In IFC                                                                                                                            |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Level](/beam/beam-for-rhinoceros/levels.md)                            | `IfcBuildingStorey`                                                                                                               |
| [Family](/beam/beam-for-rhinoceros/families.md) and its category        | An element type, such as `IfcWallType`, and its elements. See [IFC Types Mapping](/beam/beam-ifc-for-rhino/ifc-types-mapping.md). |
| Block instance                                                          | An element placed from its type                                                                                                   |
| [Parameters](/beam/beam-for-rhinoceros/parameters.md) and property sets | Property sets (`IfcPropertySet`)                                                                                                  |
| Material                                                                | `IfcMaterial` with the object colour                                                                                              |
| [Uniclass code](/beam/beam-for-rhinoceros/classifications.md)           | `IfcClassificationReference`                                                                                                      |
| [IFC settings](/beam/beam-ifc-for-rhino/settings.md)                    | Project, site, building, address and file header                                                                                  |

## Before you export

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Set the units

The document must use metres, centimetres, millimetres, feet or inches.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Create levels

Every element is placed in a storey. Create [levels](/beam/beam-for-rhinoceros/levels.md) and check them with **Colour**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Assign families and categories

Objects without a family are exported together as one `no_name` family of Generic Models, so give them families. The category sets the IFC entity. Override it per family if needed, in [Ifc Properties](/beam/beam-ifc-for-rhino/properties.md).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Fill in the project information

Open the IFC [settings](/beam/beam-ifc-for-rhino/settings.md) and fill in the project, site and file header.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

Then [export](/beam/beam-ifc-for-rhino/export.md).

{% hint style="info" %}
On macOS, IFC import uses a separate geometry engine. Results can differ slightly from Windows on complex geometry.
{% endhint %}