Convert IFC to VDA-FS in your application
3D InterOp is a CAD interoperability SDK that lets your software read IFC files and write VDA-FS, carrying across the exact geometry the IFC file contains.
Spatial does not offer an online converter or a desktop conversion app. 3D InterOp is a component that software vendors embed in their own products.
- Reads IFC · Writes VDA-FS
- Mixed geometry → exact geometry
- C++ / C# APIs
IFC to VDA-FS at a glance
IFC can mix exact solids and facets; VDA-FS stores exact geometry. Exact elements are written as exact geometry, and elements stored only as facets stay faceted.
| IFC (source) | VDA-FS (target) | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Industry Foundation Classes | VDA surface interface |
| Standard / owner | buildingSMART, ISO 16739 | VDA (German automotive industry) |
| File extensions | .ifc, .ifczip | .vda |
| Geometry | Exact B-Rep and tessellated geometry | Exact curves and surfaces |
| Assemblies / structure | Yes: spatial and element hierarchy | No assembly hierarchy |
| 3D InterOp support | Read and write | Read and write |
What's preserved, what changes
Here is what your application can expect to carry across from IFC to VDA-FS.
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Preserved
Exact geometryExact B-Rep read from IFC is written to VDA-FS as exact geometry.
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Changes
Assembly structureVDA-FS has no native assembly hierarchy. Decide in your application how IFC product structure is grouped or flattened before writing.
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Changes
Faceted partsParts the IFC file stores only as facets are written as facets.
Why software vendors add IFC to VDA-FS conversion
Legacy CAD and CAM systems
Many established engineering tools still consume VDA-FS first. Writing it lets your users hand data to them without leaving your application.
Supplier and partner exchange
Some suppliers and manufacturing partners still specify VDA-FS in their exchange requirements. Your software can meet them directly.
Geometry-only workflows
When a downstream process needs exact part geometry and nothing more, VDA-FS is a simple, widely readable target.
Things to check before you ship
- Written VDA-FS versions: VDA-FS 2.0.
- The VDA-FS writer isn’t available in 3D InterOp CGM.
- Supported IFC input: IFC2x3 to IFC4x3 ADD2, from .ifc and .ifczip files.
- Validate a sample of translated files in the target system your users actually work with.
Working with Spatial was a real milestone for us: Thanks to the powerful 3DInterOp library, we were able to successfully bring our complex CAD-based solutions to the cloud while remaining flexible to meet individual customer requirements. For us, Spatial is not just a technology partner, but a true enabler of our product strategy.
Dr. Arno Michelis, Founder, Simus Systems
Read the Case StudyAbout the formats
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Source format
What is an IFC (.ifc) file?
IFC is the open, vendor-neutral standard for exchanging building information models, maintained by buildingSMART and published as ISO 16739. It carries building elements with their geometry, properties and relationships.
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Target format
What is a VDA-FS (.vda) file?
VDA-FS is a neutral surface-exchange format defined by the German automotive association VDA. It stores exact curves and free-form surfaces, and is still found in automotive supply chains.
Frequently asked questions
The exact B-Rep that 3D InterOp reads from IFC is written to VDA-FS; parts stored only as facets stay faceted.
VDA-FS has no assembly hierarchy, so your application decides how the IFC structure is grouped or flattened before writing.
No. The VDA-FS writer isn’t available in 3D InterOp CGM.
3D InterOp reads IFC2x3 to IFC4x3 ADD2, from .ifc and .ifczip files.
3D InterOp writes VDA-FS 2.0.
Yes. 3D InterOp reads and writes both formats, so VDA-FS to IFC is supported too.
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Building software that needs to convert IFC to VDA-FS?
3D InterOp is an SDK that lets your application read IFC and write VDA-FS alongside 30+ CAD and BIM formats.