Convert IFC to XCGM in your application
3D InterOp is a CAD interoperability SDK that lets your software read IFC files and write XCGM, 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 XCGM
- Mixed geometry → exact geometry
- C++ / C# APIs
IFC to XCGM at a glance
IFC can mix exact solids and facets; XCGM stores exact geometry. Exact elements are written as exact geometry, and elements stored only as facets stay faceted.
| IFC (source) | XCGM (target) | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Industry Foundation Classes | CGM native file |
| Standard / owner | buildingSMART, ISO 16739 | Dassault Systèmes / Spatial (CGM Modeler) |
| File extensions | .ifc, .ifczip | .xcgm |
| Geometry | Exact B-Rep and tessellated geometry | Exact B-Rep |
| Assemblies / structure | Yes: spatial and element hierarchy | Yes |
| PMI | Not part of the IFC schema | Semantic (read) |
| 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 XCGM.
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Preserved
Exact geometryExact B-Rep read from IFC is written to XCGM as exact geometry.
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Changes
Faceted partsParts the IFC file stores only as facets are written as facets.
Why software vendors add IFC to XCGM conversion
Hand models to kernel-based applications
Many CAD, CAM and CAE applications are built on the XCGM kernel. Writing XCGM gives them exact geometry they can load without another translation step.
Downstream modeling and analysis
An exact XCGM B-Rep can still be edited, meshed or machined by downstream tools, which a tessellated export would not allow.
Exchange within one ecosystem
Partners whose tools share the XCGM kernel often prefer to exchange XCGM files directly.
Things to check before you ship
- Written XCGM versions: R2012 to 2025 1.0.
- PMI and miscellaneous data aren’t written to XCGM.
- 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 an XCGM (.xcgm) file?
XCGM is the native file format of the CGM geometric kernel, used by CGM Modeler and Dassault Systèmes applications. It stores exact B-Rep geometry.
Frequently asked questions
The exact B-Rep that 3D InterOp reads from IFC is written to XCGM; parts stored only as facets stay faceted.
No. PMI and miscellaneous data aren’t written to XCGM.
3D InterOp reads IFC2x3 to IFC4x3 ADD2, from .ifc and .ifczip files.
3D InterOp writes R2012 to 2025 1.0.
Yes. 3D InterOp reads and writes both formats, so XCGM to IFC is supported too.
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Building software that needs to convert IFC to XCGM?
3D InterOp is an SDK that lets your application read IFC and write XCGM alongside 30+ CAD and BIM formats.