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Getting Started with IFCNodes

This guide will walk you through the basic concepts of IFCNodes and help you create your first IFC workflow in Dynamo.

Core Concepts​

The IFCModel Object​

Almost every node in IFCNodes requires an IFCModel as input. This is a wrapper object that contains:

  • One or more loaded IFC files (federation support)
  • Pre-cached geometry for performance
  • Fast GlobalId lookup indexes

GlobalIds​

Elements in IFC are identified by GlobalId (GUID) - a unique 22-character string like 2O2Fr$t4X7Zf8NOew3FL9r. Most nodes work with lists of GlobalIds.

Workflow Pattern​

Most IFCNodes workflows follow this pattern:

Load Model → Filter Elements → Query Data → Process/Visualize

Your First Workflow​

Step 1: Load an IFC File​

  1. Add IFCReader.LoadIFCModel to your canvas
  2. Connect a File Path node with your .ifc file path
  3. The output is an IFCModel object

Step 2: Get All Elements​

  1. Add IFCFilter.AllElements
  2. Connect the IFCModel to the ifcModel input
  3. Optionally set baseClass to filter by type (e.g., IfcWall)
  4. Output is a list of GlobalId strings

Step 3: Query Element Data​

  1. Add IFCQuery.GetProperties
  2. Connect your IFCModel
  3. Connect a single GlobalId (use List.FirstItem on your list)
  4. Output is a dictionary of all property sets

Step 4: Visualize​

  1. Add IFCViewer.ViewIFCModel
  2. Connect your IFCModel
  3. Run the graph to open the 3D viewer

Understanding Node Categories​

CategoryPurposeRequires IFCModel?
IFCReaderLoad and create IFC modelsNo (creates IFCModel)
IFCModelModel information and statisticsYes
IFCQueryGet data from specific elementsYes
IFCFilterFilter elements by criteriaYes
IFCExploreDiscover model contentsYes
IFCSchemaIFC schema knowledgeNo
IFCSpatialQueriesGeometric spatial queriesYes
IFCClashDetectionClash detectionYes
IFCGeometryExtract Dynamo geometryYes
IFCViewer3D visualizationYes
IFCChatAI-powered chatYes + API Key

Combining Filters​

IFCNodes filters return lists of GlobalIds. You can combine them using Dynamo's built-in list operations:

  • AND: Use List.SetIntersection
  • OR: Use List.SetUnion
  • NOT: Use List.SetDifference

Next Steps​