> 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/import.md).

# Import

Import IFC files into Rhino®

**IFC Import** brings an IFC4 or IFC2x3 file into Rhino. BEAM creates levels, families and blocks for the IFC types, materials, and parameters for the IFC properties. You can then inspect everything in the [panel](/beam/beam-for-rhinoceros/using-rhino-beam.md) and in [schedules](/beam/beam-for-rhinoceros/schedules.md).

## Import a file

1. Click **IFC Import** on the panel.
2. Pick the `.ifc` file.
3. Choose the options below and click **OK**.

<figure><img src="https://1008084047-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M20iL6J8Vf1nWgor7JL%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-f48c89ca50de28355948bbb2e90abb1547d420a8%2Fmock-ifc-import.png?alt=media" alt="IFC import options" width="330"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

| Option                    | Default         | What it does                                                                                                                                                       |
| ------------------------- | --------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Worksession**           | On              | Save the IFC as a `.3dm` next to the `.ifc` file and attach it to the current worksession. Turn it off to import into the active document. Needs Rhino 7 or later. |
| **Import Spaces**         | Off             | Include `IfcSpace` entities                                                                                                                                        |
| **Import All Categories** | On              | Import every IFC type. Turn it off to pick the types in a list.                                                                                                    |
| **Merge Coplanar Faces**  | On              | Hide the edges between coplanar faces in the viewport. The geometry does not change. Needs Rhino 7.9 or later.                                                     |
| **Location**              | Internal Origin | Place the IFC origin at a named CPlane. Save the CPlane in the model before you import.                                                                            |

A progress bar shows each stage: loading, levels, element types, geometry and Rhino objects.

## Worksessions

{% hint style="success" %}
Use **Worksession** for reference models from other consultants. The model stays in its own file and loads fast, and you can still read its BIM data in the panel. The panel shows a **Worksession** badge, and the data is read-only.
{% endhint %}

Importing the same IFC again replaces the attached `.3dm`, so you can refresh a reference model when a new version arrives.

## Ifc Properties after import

* IFC storeys become [levels](/beam/beam-for-rhinoceros/levels.md).
* IFC types become families, with the IFC type and predefined type set in [Ifc Properties](/beam/beam-ifc-for-rhino/properties.md).
* IFC property sets become [property sets](/beam/beam-for-rhinoceros/parameters.md#property-sets) and parameters.
* Classification references become [Uniclass](/beam/beam-for-rhinoceros/classifications.md) values.