Optimize your BIM Workflow
Welcome to Data Octopus, your go-to tool for precise and efficient validation of IFC files against IDS files. Designed for architects, engineers, and project managers. Saving you time in maintaining BIM compliance — all with flexible, pay-as-you-go pricing.
Get started with Data Octopus today
Eliminate compliance guesswork with Data Octopus. Start with 3 free checks to experience the accuracy of our IFC to IDS Checker. If it’s the right fit, continue seamlessly with our flexible pay-as-you-go options. Enjoy the confidence and precision that come from using a trusted, reliable validation tool.
What is Information Delivery Specification (IDS)?
Information Delivery Specification (IDS) is a standard being developed by BuildingSmart for, literally, specifying the delivery of information for the construction industry.
The intention is that a client can specify the information they need using IDS to avoid lengthy, and complex documentation. There are many free IDS authoring tools available, such as Solibri's IDS Editor. The IDS file can be easily interpreted by the teams producing information to plan and deliver the data required. Finally, it can then be used by Data Octopus to confirm whether the requirements have been met, delivering a compliance report at the press of a button.
How does IDS work in the real world?
A simple example might be that all doors should have an allowable fire rating value.
As IDS is designed to be compatible with IFC, this can be specified by requiring all doors to have the Pset_DoorCommon.FireRating property completed with only a specific list of values: 30, 60, 90 or 120.
In human-readable language that would be written:
The model:
MUST contain entities that have an IFC class IFCDOOR
AND meet the following requirements:
MUST have a property FireRating of property set Pset_DoorCommon that equals one of these values: 30 60 90 120
The IDS code within the file is shown to the right
This specific example is used in the example IDS provided by Data Octopus.
Get started
Want to know more? Read our latest blog articles...
What is IDS and how it could work for you
Information Delivery Specification (IDS) validation is the process of checking whether your IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) model files meet the specific data requirements defined in an IDS file. Think of IDS as a checklist that tells you exactly what information your BIM model must contain.
IDS IFC Validation: a quick guide for 2025What are Snapshots and how they can help your BIM projects
Snapshots are a new feature in Data Octopus that allow you to share the results of your IFC and IDS validation checks with project stakeholders. With Snapshots, you can create a read-only view of your project checks and share it via a simple link - no login required. This makes it easy to keep project managers, BIM coordinators, clients, and other stakeholders up to date on compliance progress.
Snapshots: sharing BIM validation progressEnsure your IFC models are compliant: the essential checklist for IfcWall, IfcDoor, IfcSpace, and other critical building elements.
The Information Delivery Specification (IDS) file is the machine-readable standard for defining BIM model requirements. It automates compliance checking for your IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) files, turning subjective contract clauses into clear pass/fail reports. The most common and valuable checks focus on the required data properties of key building components.
The top 5 most useful BIM checks using Information Delivery Specification IDSCheck your IFC and IDS with AI Fix guidance
Data Octopus automatically validates your IFC model against your IDS file, highlighting exactly which requirements fail and why.
You can leave it there and fix yourself but our new AI Fix feature goes one step further — detecting the authoring software used to create your IFC (for example, Revit, Archicad or Vectorworks) and providing clear, step-by-step instructions to fix each issue inside that software before re-exporting.
How does AI Fix help?
When a rule fails — for example, a missing property like Type Mark under Identity Data — Data Octopus AI explains exactly how to correct it.
How to use Data Octopus AI fix:
1. Upload your IFC and IDS files.
2. Run a check using these files.
3. Open the check when it is complete.
4. Select the requirement you want to fix.
5. Hit the button.
6. Follow the instructions to make your model compliant.
AI Fix guidance is available for the most popular authoring tools and will learn as new versions are released.
Why Choose Data Octopus for IFC to IDS Checks?
Data Octopus provides a fast, flexible, and accurate solution for IFC to IDS compliance. Explore how our tool can streamline your workflow and help you achieve project success with ease.
Fast and reliable compliance checks
Upload your IFC files and instantly compare them against IDS files. Data Octopus delivers accurate data validation from the start, helping you meet every project requirement.
Flexible pay-as-you-go model
No subscriptions or long-term commitments—just pay for what you need, when you need it. This flexibility makes Data Octopus a cost-effective choice for projects of any size.
Comprehensive reports for full transparency
Receive detailed, easy-to-understand reports that highlight any mismatches. These reports keep your team informed and allow you to address issues before they impact the project timeline.
End-to-end project compliance
From planning through construction, Data Octopus supports every stage, ensuring that each phase aligns with the necessary standards and project specifications.
Pricing
Explore our flexible, bundled pricing options designed to suit projects of all sizes. Whether you’re working on a single check or require ongoing compliance, Data Octopus offers a solution that meets your needs with transparent, pay-as-you-go pricing.
Free Trial
Handy Pack
Project Pack
Team Pack
Power User
Upload your files
Run a check
Get your results
Leave work early
Questions? Data Octopus is here to help
If you have questions about our IFC to IDS checker then please take a look at our FAQs . If you need tailored support, reach out to the Data Octopus team anytime. We're here to make BIM compliance easy.
Contact Us