IFC CSV icon

IFC CSV

Convert IFC to CSV and import CSV data into IF, for documentation see Ifcopenshell.C

Overview

This node provides functionality to convert IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) data files into CSV or Excel formats and also to import CSV data back into IFC files. It is useful in scenarios where users need to extract structured data from IFC models for reporting, analysis, or integration with other tools that consume CSV/Excel files. Conversely, it supports updating or augmenting IFC files by importing data from CSV sources.

Practical examples:

  • Exporting product information such as names and descriptions from an IFC model into a CSV file for documentation or review.
  • Importing updated attribute values from a CSV spreadsheet back into an IFC file to synchronize changes made outside the BIM environment.

Properties

Name Meaning
IFC Filename The name of the IFC file to export (for export operation) or import into (for import operation).
Output Filename The name of the output file: CSV/Excel for export, or IFC for import (optional for import).
Options Collection of options for export operation:
- Attributes Comma-separated list of attributes to include in the CSV file (e.g., "Name,Description").
- Delimiter The delimiter character to use in the CSV file (default is comma ,).
- Format Output format choice: CSV or Excel (csv or xlsx).
- Null Value String to represent null values in the output (default is -).
- Query Query string to filter IFC data (default is IfcProduct).
CSV Filename The name of the CSV file to import (for import operation).

Output

The node outputs JSON data representing the result of the export or import operation. For export, this typically includes the extracted IFC data converted into JSON form corresponding to the CSV/Excel content. For import, it returns confirmation or status information about the import process.

If binary data were involved (e.g., actual file contents), it would be summarized here, but this node appears to handle filenames and metadata rather than raw binary streams directly.

Dependencies

  • Requires access to an external API service (referred to generically as an IFC pipeline API) that performs the actual conversion between IFC and CSV/Excel formats.
  • Requires an API authentication token or key credential configured in n8n to authorize requests to this service.
  • The node uses helper functions to make HTTP POST requests to endpoints /ifccsv for export and /ifccsv/import for import.

Troubleshooting

  • Common issues:
    • Incorrect or missing filenames can cause the API request to fail.
    • Invalid query strings or attribute lists may result in empty or incomplete exports.
    • Network or authentication errors when connecting to the external API.
  • Error messages:
    • Errors returned from the API are captured and included in the node output if "Continue On Fail" is enabled.
    • Typical error messages might indicate missing required parameters or failed API calls.
  • Resolution tips:
    • Verify all required filenames and options are correctly set.
    • Ensure the API credentials are valid and have proper permissions.
    • Check network connectivity to the external API endpoint.

Links and References

Discussion