What is a BCF file?
A BCF file (BIM Collaboration Format) is a zip file used to exchange communication about topics between different BIM software within a project. In BIMcollab, these topics are referred to as Issues, and adhere to the BCF file structure as defined by the BuildingSmart BCF Documentation.
An Issue in BIMcollab communicates an area of concern in the project design, such as a conflict, question, clash, or remark that needs attention from the project stakeholders.
A BCF file typically consists of:
Multiple folders, each representing an individual topic/Issue. Within each folder, you will find:
A markup.bcf file, which stores detailed information about an issue. When accessed in a compatible viewer, users can examine its structure, including key attributes such as topic GUID, type, status, priority, comments, and viewpoint, providing comprehensive context for issue management.
A viewpoint.bcfv file is a visualization information file which contains details about components associated with the topic, camera settings, and any relevant markup or clipping information.
A snapshot.png file which is a snapshot related to the Issue, typically the Issue viewpoint image.
A project.bcfp file - an XML file usually containing reference information about the project the topics belong to.
A bcf.version file - an XML file with information of the BCF schema used.
BCF files can be both imported into and exported from BIMcollab Zoom without a BIMcollab space. However, for a more efficient workflow, it is recommended to work using BCF Managers in combination with a BIMcollab space.
Workflow without a BIMcollab space (offline workflow)
You can export BCF files from Issues created in BIMcollab Zoom (or other BIM applications) while working offline, allowing for easy sharing and exchange with your team. To do this:
Open BIMcollab Zoom (Free or Licensed).
Create your Issues.
Save your Issues as a BCF file to export them and exchange them.
Open the BCF manager in your preferred application (Revit, Naviswork, etc).
Choose "Import BCF File" (1). The Issues from the file will be imported.
Select Issues in the Issue list to view their details.
When selected, you can edit (3) the Issue, or add a comment to it
Double-click an Issue to view the corresponding viewpoint in the model viewer of your application.
When you are ready to export the Issues to a BCF file for exchange, click the Save button (2).
Online workflow in BIMcollab
Issues can be created, viewed, and exchanged with project team members within the BIMcollab environment through BIMcollab Zoom, your BIMcollab Space, and the BCF Manager. These Issues are seamlessly synchronized across the environment, ensuring that project members can easily retrieve them on any platform.
BIMcollab Zoom
Connect (1) to your BIMcollab space from BIMcollab Zoom.
Create your Issues (2) in BIMcollab Zoom.
Transmit your Issues from your BIMcollab project to your BIMcollab space by synchronising your Issues (3).
BIMcollab Space
Create Issues in your BIMcollab space, either directly or by importing a BCF or CSV file. For detailed steps on importing Issues, please refer to this article: Import the BCF file in BIMcollab online
Open BIMcollab Zoom and connect to your BIMcollab Space. The Issues created in your BIMcollab space will be visible in BIMcollab Zoom.
BCF Manager
Connect (1) to your BIMcollab Space.
Create Issues (2) in the BCF Manager of your preferred application, either directly or by importing a BCF file.
Transmit the created issues to your BIMcollab Space by synchronising the Issues (3).
💡 Tip: To enable a seamless online workflow, Issues created in Solibri can be synchronized with your BIMcollab space using the BCF Live Connector.
For detailed instructions, please refer to this article: Connect to your BIMcollab Space from Solibri
📝 Note: Issues can be imported and exported in BIMcollab Space. For more detailed information, please refer to this article: Import and export Issues from a BCF file.