File Extension Database

Open BCF File

The BCF, or BIM Collaboration Format, is a format, developed and maintained by buildingSMART International for the exchange of communications related to the IFC model.

About the IFC Format

The IFC, Industry Foundation Classes, is a particular data format that has the purpose of allowing the exchange of an information model without data loss or distortion.

It is an open, neutral file format, not controlled by individual software houses and created to facilitate interoperability between different operators.

IFC is designed to process the data model of a building throughout its entire life cycle, from feasibility to completion and maintenance, through the various phases of design and planning.

That said, BCF is an open XML-based file format that allows comments to be added to a BIM model in IFC format.

The BCF has a well-defined and functional structure to support the exchange of focused observations in an IFC model, despite not being standardized by ISO, as is IFC.

The main objective of this collaboration format is to be able to simplify the collaboration between the different agents that work on a BIM model, in order to be able to raise observations or problems, make comments and respond to them always within an open file format that does not contain elements of the model.

This type of BCF format allows exchanging notes, comments, reports, images during the management of a BIM project, in IFC format, through a platform.

The BCF is, therefore, an exchange format not used to exchange geometric information, but of a graphic/descriptive nature capable of illustrating and facilitating the problems to be solved: that is, it provides a communication capacity that is independent of the model itself.

Create a BCF

There are several software packages that allow you to generate and manage BCF, such as BCFier, an open program with a desktop version for Autodesk Revit.

Software to work with a BCF file

BCFier

How Can I Open BCF File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open BCF file is to find a BCF file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a BCF file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open BCF file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as BCF file opener then try to search online for "BCF viewer", "application to open BCF file" or "open BCF file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open BCF file

How Can I Open BCF File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a BCF file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a BCF file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with BCF file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as BCF file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open BCF file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open BCF file then try to search for "BCF viewer", "application to open BCF file" or "read BCF file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read BCF file

How Can I Open BCF File on Android

If you downloaded a BCF file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded BCF file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "BCF".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "BCF viewer", "BCF file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open BCF File on iPhone or iPad

To open BCF File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the BCF file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "BCF". This way you can find apps which can open BCF files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "BCF viewer" or "BCF file" online in your favorite search engine.

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