Fix IFC and IDS errors in Archicad with Data Octopus AI

Validate your Archicad-authored IFC models against IDS requirements and get AI-generated, step-by-step instructions to correct missing properties, parameters, or export settings before re-checking your file.

Fix IFC and IDS errors in Archicad with AI-generated steps

Archicad’s powerful IFC export capabilities make it ideal for openBIM workflows, but even small inconsistencies in property sets or naming can cause IDS validation failures. Data Octopus AI reads your IDS file, understands your Archicad model, and produces step-by-step instructions written in Archicad’s own terminology.

Whether it’s creating missing property sets, mapping IFC attributes, or adjusting translator settings, AI Fix tells you exactly what to do — and where to do it. The result is faster troubleshooting, cleaner IFC exports, and reliable IDS compliance without manual guesswork.

Example 1

The failed requirement:

02 Elements must have Type ID defined (Type Mark)

IFC authoring software:

ARCHICAD

How to fix in Archicad:

  1. Open ARCHICAD and select the elements that need a Type ID defined.
  2. Go to the "Element Information" by selecting "File" > "Info" > "Element Information" from the menu bar.
  3. Within the "Element Information" dialog, find the "Identity Data" property set.
  4. Add or edit the property named "Type Mark" with the required value for each element.
  5. Once all necessary changes are made, go to "File" > "Interoperability" > "IFC" > "Export" to re-export the model.
  6. Select the appropriate IFC2X3 export setting.
  7. Check if the elements now have the correct "Identity Data" with "Type Mark" attached using the ARCHICAD IFC model viewer.
  8. Upload your revised IFC file to Data Octopus and run a check to confirm the fix.

Example 2

The failed requirement:

05d Doors must have a suitable Uniformat classification defined

IFC authoring software:

ARCHICAD

How to fix in Archicad:

  1. In ARCHICAD, open the project and go to the "Classification Manager" located under the "Options" menu.
  2. Select "IFCDOOR" entities from the project map and ensure they have the "Uniformat" classification scheme assigned.
  3. For each door entity, choose the appropriate classification value from the list: "B2030.*" for doors within buildings or "C1020.*" for interior doors.
  4. Once all doors have the correct classification, go to "File" > "Interoperability" > "IFC" > "IFC Manager" and select "Export IFC" option.
  5. In the export dialogue, ensure that "Include classifications" is checked, and save the file.
  6. Verify that the exported IFC file matches the IDS requirement by opening it with an IFC viewer and checking the classification properties of doors.
  7. Upload your revised IFC file to Data Octopus and run a check to confirm the fix.
AI-generated guidance: use with care. Data Octopus provides this advice to help identify potential fixes, but AI outputs aren't always complete or accurate. Always verify changes in your BIM software and IFC before relying on them. Data Octopus accepts no liability for any loss, error, or outcome resulting from their use.
Interested? Start with 3 free checks to experience the accuracy of our IFC to IDS Checker

Read more...

Fix IFC / IDS errors with Data Octopus AI How this works with Revit, Archicad, Vectorworks, or Tekla

Fix IFC and IDS Errors in Revit with AI Validate your Revit IFC models against IDS requirements

Fix IFC and IDS Errors in Vectorworks with AI Validate your Vectorworks IFC models against IDS requirements

Fix IFC and IDS Errors in Tekla Structures with AI Validate your Tekla Structures IFC models against IDS requirements