Instructions

Welcome to IFCTagger!

This is a free tool for automatically converting IFC files (from Tekla) into Microstation DGN files and, at the same time, tag the 3D objects with a unique identifier that is derived from the Tekla properties.

Instructions:

1. Download and unzip the file IFCTagger.rar
2. Open the INI file using Notepad editor and change the values according to the reference below.
3. Run by double-clicking the executable IFCTagger.exe
4. Drag either an IFC file or a converted DGN file and drop into the application window. Note that multiple files can be dropped at once.
5. Conversion and tagging of the IFC and DGN files will commence and converted files will be stored in the same folder.
6. If new parts are discovered but missing from the INI file, they will be added to the INI file and a reminder message will show in the log window to add any new prefixes.
7. If new prefixes are added to the INI file, drag the DGN file into the application window in order to tag again.

Reference for INI Settings:
[Settings]
TagSet_Name=BIMTAGS <-- Name of MicroStation TagSet to create for holding the Unique Tag
Tag_Name=PART <-- Name of MicroStation Tag to create for holding the Unique Identifier
IFC_Property=Name <-- Name of IFC attribute to read for part translation (see Parts section)
IFC_ID=Tag <-- Name of IFC Attribute to read for acquiring a unique identifier
IFC_ID_Start=11 <-- Number of first character in the IFC_ID field
IFC_ID_Length=9 <-- Length of unique id starting from number in IFC_ID_Start

[Parts] <-- List of prefixes for various parts (object types)
BEAM=BEM-
COLUMN=COL-
PLATE=PLA-
ANCHOR ROD=ROD-
NUT=NUT-
P-ELV-02-SH2-019-ASM-=ELV-
WASHER=WSH-

NOTE 1: You require an existing installation of Microstation or Bentley AECOsim that support opening of IFC files. This is needed in order to access Microstation features.

Note 2: This might work for Revit files as well, but it is untested. However, full Revit support can be added if requested and a sample model is provided.