Fix IFC and IDS errors in Vectorworks with Data Octopus AI

Validate your Vectorworks-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 Vectorworks with AI assistance

Vectorworks users often face challenges when exporting rich IFC data that meets strict IDS requirements. Data Octopus AI bridges that gap — automatically detecting Vectorworks as your authoring software and explaining exactly how to correct missing or invalid IFC data fields.

AI Fix translates technical IDS rules into familiar Vectorworks actions — pointing you to the correct Data Manager or Object Info palette fields to update. It ensures your model properties, classifications, and data tags are properly mapped before export, so your IFC passes validation on the first try.

Example 1

The failed requirement:

02 Elements must have Type ID defined (Type Mark)

IFC authoring software:

Vectorworks

How to fix in Vectorworks:

  1. Open Vectorworks and navigate to the 'Tools' menu, then select 'Organization'.
  2. In the Organization dialog, switch to the 'IFC Data' tab.
  3. Select the element(s) that failed the check.
  4. Click 'Attach IFC Data' and choose 'IFCELEMENT' as the entity.
  5. In the 'IFC Data' panel, click 'Add' under 'Property Sets' and select 'Identity Data'.
  6. Within 'Identity Data', ensure 'Type Mark' is defined and enter the appropriate value.
  7. Re-export the model: Go to 'File' > 'Export' > 'Export IFC Project'. Ensure 'IFC2X3' is selected as the export format.
  8. Verify the exported file contains the correct 'Identity Data' with 'Type Mark' by checking the IFC file in an IFC viewer.
  9. 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:

Vectorworks

How to fix in Vectorworks:

  1. Open the Door object in your Vectorworks model.
  2. Go to the "Data" tab in the Object Info palette.
  3. Locate the "Classification" section, and select the Uniformat classification system from the dropdown menu.
  4. Add or edit the classification by entering either "B2030" or "C1020" for the door's property value.
  5. Navigate to File > Export > Export IFC Project to re-export your model.
  6. Ensure that the IFC2X3 format is selected in the export options.
  7. Verify the classification was set by reopening the exported IFC file in an IFC viewer and checking the door's Uniformat classification matches the requirement.
  8. 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.
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