How to Create a Federated BIM Model
August 27, 2025 at 10:51 am
Ideally, a BIM coordinator should always provide a ready federated model. But in reality, that’s not always the case. The good news is—you can build it yourself using either paid or free tools.
The choice of software depends on the format of the models you have:
- If your models are in IFC format – this is the easiest scenario, since IFC is an open format with wide support. You can create your federated model with free tools such as:
- BIMCollab Zoom
- BIM Vision
- Open IFC Viewer
- These tools allow you to open, combine, and review multiple IFC files in a single view.
- If you only have native authoring files (e.g., Revit) – there’s still a free option. Use Revit Viewer, the free version of full Revit, to open and combine models in their original format.
So, even if your project doesn’t come with a federated BIM from the start, it’s not a dealbreaker. With the right tools, you can create your own model, maintain visibility over the whole project, and reduce the risk of costly errors during construction.