BCF - BIM Collaboration Format

The BCF tool enables precise issue tracking, team collaboration, and communication within the BIM environment.

What is BCF?

BCF (BIM Collaboration Format) allows you to create and manage issues or comments tied directly to locations or elements in your 3D model — all without modifying the actual IFC file.

Open the BCF Panel

1.    Click the BCF icon from the side bar.

2.    A list of BCF Topics will appear on the side panel.

Import / Export:

1. Use the Import button to load BCF files shared by other collaborators.
2. Use the Export button to download your topics and share externally.

Create a New BCF Topic:

1.    Double-click on an element in the model where you notice a problem or need to give input.

2.    Click the “Create BCF” button in the pop-up.

3.    A new topic will appear in the topic list.

4.    A detailed panel will now open, enabling you to add structured information about the issue.

Add Details, Assign Responsibilities, and Collaborate

• Click the “Unassigned” button to select a team member who will take ownership of the topic. Assign a start date and due date.
• Use the rich-text field to describe the issue or request in detail. Formatting options include bold, lists, and links.
• Click "Add Tags" to tag the issue with its related discipline(s), such as Architecture, Structure, or MEP. 

For example:

A clash between a beam and a pipe would be tagged as both Structure and MEP, because it involves both teams. 

• Click the red “Issue” button and choose from Issue(default) Clash, Fault, Remark, Failure, Inquiry, or Request
• Click the blue “Minor” button and select Minor(default), Normal, Major, On Hold, or Critical.
• These tags help the team understand the urgency and nature of the issue at a glance.
• Click “+ Add subtask” to divide the issue into smaller, manageable steps.
• Scroll to the bottom to add real-time comments:
• Add other team members as followers by clicking the “+” icon at the bottom of the window. They’ll be notified of updates.

Attachments and Visual Tools

• Click the camera icon to:
  • Capture a screenshot of the model with the selected element or view.
  • The image is auto-attached to the topic.
• Click the download icon next to the camera to generate a PDF report of the current BCF topic — useful for offline review or documentation.
• Click the paperclip icon to upload reference documents, such as specifications, sketches, or additional images.
• Click icon to add agreement workflows.
• Click the three-dot menu (⋮) for more controls:
  • Edit, duplicate, or delete the BCF topic.

This helps teams communicate directly in the model context, making collaboration clearer and more efficient.