What It Means

OpenBIM refers to a collaborative approach to Building Information Modeling (BIM) that uses open, non-proprietary standards to enable consistent data exchange across software platforms, disciplines, and project phases. OpenBIM is promoted by buildingSMART and is centered around the use of Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), BCF (BIM Collaboration Format), and other open data formats.

The goal of OpenBIM is to remove software silos and promote interoperability so that teams can:

• Share BIM models across different tools (e.g., Revit, ArchiCAD, Tekla)
• Exchange geometric and non-geometric data without proprietary limitations
• Support long-term access and transparency of project data
• Foster a common understanding between architects, engineers, fabricators, and contractors

OpenBIM is not a software product—it’s a philosophy and standard-based workflow that supports collaborative design and construction.

Why It Matters

Projects that use OpenBIM workflows benefit from greater transparency, flexibility, and scalability. It is especially important in:

• Multinational or public-sector projects that require software-neutral deliverables
• Long-lifecycle assets (e.g., infrastructure or hospitals) needing durable data access
• Coordination between stakeholders using different BIM authoring tools
• Regulatory review where data must be validated independently

By using open formats like IFC and BCF, OpenBIM improves trust, reduces data loss, and enables inclusive collaboration.

Best Practices for OpenBIM

• Export models in validated IFC schema versions (e.g., IFC2x3, IFC4)
• Maintain clean, organized model structure to support meaningful exchange
• Use classification systems and property sets aligned with project standards
• Coordinate using BCF for structured issue tracking across platforms

Real-World Use

In a government-led transportation project, OpenBIM was mandated to ensure long-term access and platform flexibility. Design teams used native tools like ArchiCAD and Revit, but coordinated through IFC exports. Clash detection and rule-based model checking were conducted, with issues tracked using the BCF format across all disciplines.

This OpenBIM workflow ensured clear documentation, vendor-neutral data exchange, and smoother handoffs during bidding and permitting—without requiring all stakeholders to standardize on a single BIM platform.

Limitations

• Learning curve and setup complexity for teams unfamiliar with IFC workflows
• Not all proprietary software features map cleanly to open formats
• Requires careful model structuring to avoid bloated or unusable exports
• Coordination protocols must be established early to maintain alignment
• Some tools only partially support OpenBIM standards or versions

In Simple Terms

OpenBIM is like using a universal language for buildings. It lets people working in different software tools still understand and collaborate on the same model.

How D.TO Helps

D.TO’s integration with authoring tools like Revit allows teams to embed consistent detailing logic, assembly classifications, and transition conditions directly within the design environment, creating a clean foundation for BIM data exports and team collaboration.

Discover how D.TO enhances your daily design workflows on D.TO’s key features page, or schedule a demo to explore them in more detail!!