Table of Contents

IFC Filters

The IFC Filters feature in Flinker allows users to create, combine, and toggle multiple filters to quickly locate, isolate, and visually compare IFC elements based on
models, attributes, classes, storeys, and property set values.

Each filter represents a logical query and can be displayed using a distinct color, enabling clear visual analysis and comparison directly inside the 3D viewer.

IFC Filters Panel Filters panel showing multiple active filters with color-coded visualization in the 3D view.

What is IFC Filters?

IFC Filters is an advanced filtering and visualization tool designed to query IFC models using:

  • IFC models
  • IFC classes (e.g. IfcDoor, IfcBeam)
  • Building storeys
  • Property sets (Psets)
  • Property values (text, boolean, numeric)

Unlike basic search, IFC Filters allow you to add multiple filters at the same time, assign unique colors, and toggle them on or off to create different analytical views of the same model.

All filter results are reflected instantly in the 3D view.

Why Use IFC Filters?

Multi-filter analysis
Apply several filters simultaneously to understand how different element groups relate to each other.

Visual comparison
Each filter is color-coded, making it easy to compare systems, storeys, or property-based classifications.

Toggle and focus
Enable or disable filters individually to focus on specific datasets without losing context.

Data-driven insight
Analyze models based on IFC properties and attributes rather than geometry alone.

Filter Capabilities

Text Search

Use the Text search field to match:

  • Element GlobalId (GUID)
  • IFC attribute values such as Name, Tag, or ObjectType
  • Property-set values

This is useful for quick lookups when the exact property set is unknown, for example searching by element name, tag, or a full identifier like:
Basic Wall:Wall-Ext_102Bwk-75Ins-100LBlk-12P:285459

Models Filtering

The Model filter lets you limit results to specific IFC models when multiple models are loaded.

You can:

  • Select one model to filter elements only from that model
  • Select multiple models to include elements from all selected models

Model filtering is combined (intersected) with other active filters:

  • IFC Class
  • Storey
  • Property Sets (Psets) and values
  • Text search

Only elements that satisfy all selected criteria are returned.
This ensures precise filtering across federated models without mixing unrelated elements.

Class Filtering (Optional)

Limit a filter to a specific IFC class, such as:

  • IfcDoor
  • IfcWindow
  • IfcWall
  • IfcSlab
  • IfcBeam

This helps reduce noise and improves performance when working with large models.

Storey Filtering (Optional)

Restrict filters to a specific building storey to analyze elements floor by floor or validate correct element placement.

Property Set Filtering

Filter elements using Property Sets (Psets) and their values.

You can filter by:

  • Pset name only
    Example:
    Pset_DoorCommon:IsExternal
    → Matches all elements that contain this property, regardless of its value.

  • Pset name and value

    • Pset Name: Pset_DoorCommon:IsExternal
    • Pset Value: true
      → Matches only elements where the property value equals true.

This enables precise queries based on BIM data rather than geometry alone.

Visual Feedback in the Viewer

When filters are applied:

  • Each filter highlights matching elements using its assigned color
  • Multiple filters can be active and visible at the same time
  • Non-matching elements are faded or visually de-emphasized
  • Filters can be toggled on or off instantly

This allows users to create clear visual sets and compare different data groups directly within the model.

Practical Use Cases

  • BIM Data Validation
    Verify that required properties (e.g. fire rating, external/internal flags) are correctly assigned.

  • Design Review
    Visually separate systems such as doors, windows, or structural elements.

  • Model Auditing
    Detect missing or inconsistent property values across storeys or classes.

  • Facility Management Preparation
    Identify assets based on operational properties before handover.

Reset and Refinement

Use the Reset button to clear all filters and restore the full model view.
You can iteratively refine your analysis by combining, toggling, and adjusting multiple filters.

How to Get Started

Explore how Flinker helps you search, compare, and analyze IFC models efficiently.

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