# Link IFC

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://files.gitbook.com/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FprbMwk21uTZaZrhwExiJ%2Fuploads%2FCcsAizR01AtlBhLe1CSu%2FRevit-link-ifc.png?alt=media&#x26;token=42a74762-515b-4e49-a87f-5133811369a8" alt=""><figcaption><p><em>Link IFC</em> can be found in the <em>Insert</em> tab</p></figcaption></figure></div>

Linking or referencing IFC files in Revit is the recommended and most reliable method for using IFC data in Revit. This method processes the IFC file in the background and displays it as a reference. If the linked IFC file is updated, it will be reloaded and updated in Revit the next time the project is opened. Alternatively, it can be updated manually by selecting it in the project browser and clicking *Reload.*

## New in Revit 2026: Positioning options when linking IFC files

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://2715261634-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FprbMwk21uTZaZrhwExiJ%2Fuploads%2FabLl892hMdehcSRNRzWT%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=bbc7afbe-ae2b-4fc0-a58d-66d22164f225" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

{% hint style="danger" %}
Prior to Revit 2026, selecting the insertion point when linking an IFC in Revit is not possible. This means that an IFC will always be linked ORIGIN to ORIGIN in Revit:

<mark style="color:red;">**IFC Origin**</mark> <mark style="color:red;"></mark><mark style="color:red;">selected during the export will be positioned to match the</mark> <mark style="color:red;"></mark><mark style="color:red;">**Revit Internal**</mark> <mark style="color:red;"></mark><mark style="color:red;">Origin.</mark>

As Revit Internal cannot be moved, the following workflows are recommended:&#x20;

* Ideally, place the project base point in all software solutions to match the Revit internal origin in relation to the project.&#x20;
* If the above is not possible:  Use a coordination marker (e.g. a cube or a pyramid) at the project base point and manually align the linked model in Revit. <br>

Linking absolutely geo-referenced files in Revit might lead to issues, as the geometry is very far from the Revit origin. Check [this article ](https://autodesk.ifc-manual.com/revit/ifc-export-settings-dialog/geographic-reference)for more information. \
As a last option, try [**opening**](https://autodesk.ifc-manual.com/revit/using-ifc-files-in-revit/open-ifc) a geo-referenced IFC file in Revit and then linking the .RVT in the main project.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

Linking IFC files in Revit creates three files in the same directory:<br>

<figure><img src="https://files.gitbook.com/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FprbMwk21uTZaZrhwExiJ%2Fuploads%2F3Eih21nHqKVA65DqdX6S%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=d58c95fe-307f-4cce-bce0-ff8b6dd25c1e" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

\*  **ifc.RVT** is used by Revit internally and must not be moved or edited to maintain the relationship between the Revit project and the IFC file.&#x20;

\*  **ifc.log.html** is a logfile created during the conversion process. It contains a report about the linked elements, error messages, and hints that can help troubleshoot.&#x20;

\*  **ifc.sharedparameters.txt** contains the shared IFC parameters found in the IFC. To schedule parameters from the linked IFC file in the main project, these must be added to the main project.

<figure><img src="https://2715261634-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FprbMwk21uTZaZrhwExiJ%2Fuploads%2FRIh8sA9X7ybwY5T59ShN%2Frevit-shared-parameters.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c732cea7-0b6c-4438-8888-0a77f3bc62ed" alt=""><figcaption><p>Use the <em>Shared Parameters</em> Dialog from the Manage tab<br>to add parameters from <em>ifc.sharedparameters.txt</em> to the current project</p></figcaption></figure>

💡 Some best practices for using shared parameters from linked IFC flies can be found in this article: <https://bim-me-up.com/en/ifc-vorlage-in-revit-fur-intelligente-informationsverwaltung/>&#x20;