Convert JT to IFC in your application
3D InterOp is a CAD interoperability SDK that lets your software read JT files and write IFC, mapping geometry and structure from one model format to the other.
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 JT · Writes IFC
- Mixed geometry → mixed geometry
- C++ / C# APIs
JT to IFC at a glance
Both formats can hold exact solids and faceted geometry. The translation is about how geometry, structure and properties map from JT to IFC.
| JT (source) | IFC (target) | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Jupiter Tessellation | Industry Foundation Classes |
| Standard / owner | Siemens, ISO 14306 | buildingSMART, ISO 16739 |
| File extensions | .jt | .ifc, .ifczip |
| Geometry | Tessellated and/or exact B-Rep | Exact B-Rep and tessellated geometry |
| Assemblies / structure | Yes | Yes: spatial and element hierarchy |
| PMI | Semantic and graphical | Not part of the IFC schema |
| 3D InterOp support | Read only | Read and write |
What's preserved, what changes
Here is what your application can expect to carry across from JT to IFC.
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Preserved
Exact geometryExact B-Rep read from JT is written to IFC as exact geometry.
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Preserved
Product structureThe JT product structure is written to IFC.
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Changes
Faceted partsParts the JT file stores only as facets are written as facets.
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Not carried
PMIIFC has no PMI, so the PMI read from JT isn’t written. Keep STEP AP242 as an output when PMI matters.
Why software vendors add JT to IFC conversion
Open BIM deliverables
Many projects specify IFC deliverables. Writing it lets your users meet those requirements from your software.
Coordination and clash detection
Coordination tools gather models from every discipline in IFC. Your users can contribute without a round trip through another tool.
Facility and asset data
Owners and operators often receive building data as IFC for asset management after handover.
Things to check before you ship
- Written IFC versions: IFC2x3 to IFC4x3 ADD2 (.ifc).
- Exact B-Rep needs IFC4 or later; IFC2x3 files only get tessellation.
- JT has no BIM semantics: check which IFC class your application assigns to each object.
- Supported JT input: JT 8.x to 10.3 and 10.5 to 10.11.
- 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 a JT (.jt) file?
JT is Siemens’ lightweight format for visualizing and sharing 3D product data, published as ISO 14306. A JT file can hold tessellated levels of detail, exact B-Rep, product structure and PMI.
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Target 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.
Frequently asked questions
The exact B-Rep that 3D InterOp reads from JT is written to IFC; parts stored only as facets stay faceted.
IFC has no PMI, so the PMI read from JT isn’t written. When PMI matters, offer STEP AP242 as an output.
Yes. 3D InterOp reads the JT product structure and writes it to IFC.
Write IFC4 or later to keep exact B-Rep: IFC2x3 files only get tessellation. 3D InterOp writes IFC2x3 to IFC4x3 ADD2.
JT has no BIM semantics, so your application decides which IFC class each object is written as.
Yes. 3D InterOp imports several levels of detail and the visual materials of JT files.
3D InterOp reads JT 8.x to 10.3 and 10.5 to 10.11.
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Building software that needs to convert JT to IFC?
3D InterOp is an SDK that lets your application read JT and write IFC alongside 30+ CAD and BIM formats.