datadrivenconstruction/cad2data-Revit-IFC-DWG

What it solves

CAD and BIM files like Revit (RVT/RFA), IFC, and DWG are often locked inside proprietary software, making it hard to extract usable data. This project provides a set of offline converters that read those files directly and export them to open, structured formats such as GLB, glTF, OBJ, IFC4, Excel, CSV, JSONL, and SQLite. You get the data you need without requiring a Revit installation, a CAD licence, or an internet connection.

How it works

Each file format has its own converter, but they all work in a similar way. You drop a file into the desktop app or run a command-line tool, and the converter reads the geometry and properties, then writes the output into a chosen folder. For RVT and RFA files, the converter outputs 3D meshes (GLB by default, also glTF and OBJ), an IFC4 file if requested, and a table of element properties (like category, type, area, volume, parameters) as Excel, CSV, or JSONL. IFC files are converted to an Excel workbook (objects, properties, quantities), plus JSONL and SQLite databases. DWG drawings are converted to Excel, CSV, JSONL, DXF, and SVG. Every run produces a report (report.json) that lists what was read and what was skipped. There is also a free Data Viewer that lets you explore the tables and 3D models together, with linking between rows and elements. Additional free tools (ddc check, ddc diff, ddc qto, ddc bcf) help validate exports, compare model versions, and generate quantity take-offs.

Who it's for

This is aimed at construction, engineering, and architecture professionals who need to work with building data outside of the original CAD/BIM software, such as for analysis, reporting, or custom workflows. It is also useful for developers who want to automate data extraction in scripts or pipelines, and for anyone who wants to access model data without paying for proprietary licences. The README notes that the converters are free for non-commercial use, while commercial use requires a separate licence.

Highlights

• Works fully offline on Windows (and command-line tools on Linux and macOS)
• Supports Revit files from 2016 to 2027 without needing Revit installed
• Exports to multiple open formats: GLB, glTF, OBJ, IFC4, Excel, CSV, JSONL, SQLite
• Each geometry node keeps its native element ID, so tables and 3D can be linked
• Produces a report for every run, showing counts and skipped items
• Includes desktop apps and command-line interfaces with exit codes for automation
• Free Data Viewer with two-way linking between table rows and 3D elements
• Bundles free tools for data validation (ddc check), model comparison (ddc diff), quantity take-off (ddc qto), and BCF issue generation (ddc bcf)