SketchUp IFC classifications

SketchUp
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1

Hi,

I’ve used SketchUp for some time now but new to BIM modeling and IFC format.

I need to export my SketchUp model to ifc to open it in DIALux. I have given all components and groups a classification but when I export the file is empty and it says no geometry found with most components when troubleshooting.

My workflow with components and groups is probably quite messy and can’t find any tutorials or information how to build proper hierarchy for ifc/BIM model.

I’m using MacBook M3 chip.

I hope someone could help!

2

Basically …

Nesting: Your model’s nesting must follow the desired spatial hierarchy:

  • Create a component/group for the IfcProject (optional, often the whole model).
  • Nest the IfcSite component/group within the project (optional).
  • Nest the IfcBuilding component/group within the site.
  • Nest IfcBuildingStorey components (one for each floor) within the building.
  • Nest all individual building elements (walls, slabs, doors) inside their respective IfcBuildingStorey component.
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3

See this tutorial video:

4

Thank you! This clears it a bit. Do you have any idea why the ifs file is totally empty even though I have some classifications on groups and components? Is it simply because the hierarchy isn’t there?

5

How many ways or times would you like me to say it, before you believe it?

I had thot that the newest version of the exporter was made “smart” and would insert the proper nesting if it was absent.

@tiagoricotta Can you confirm?

6

By the way, there were significant fixes to many of the importers (incl. IFC) in the 2026.0 release.
Have you tried this version?

7

Yes, there is a UI option “standard IFC hierarchy” in the IFC export that creates the project > site > building > building storey for you.

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8

Can you share the file? Even if the hierarchy is not in the outliner you should be able to have the entities exported. Which version of SketchUp are you using?

9

@Kalletuomainen I made a few youtube tutorials about how to make a model from the begining and how to attach BIM information and also how to export to IFC. In this video (in spanish) you can see how to make the right Ifc structure. I hope it helps you.

10

I found the issue after running some tests with Dialux, the problem is Dialux does not support Tesselation as a Geometry, so when you export from SketchUp make sure you export at Body (BRep - Body Representation). If you do it, you have your project in Dialux:

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You can make this choice by going to the IFC Export UI options and selecting the “Body” under the Geometry preferences:

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I’m happy that we didn’t displace the “Body” implementation :slight_smile:

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