# IFC Schema versions

The IFC schema has had various versions released throughout the last 20 years and is still being actively developed. 

<figure><img src="https://2715261634-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FprbMwk21uTZaZrhwExiJ%2Fuploads%2FIwo872GuaqtSWtFBheeF%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=71753703-7bc3-4ebf-be95-a4efebe440f6" alt=""><figcaption><p><em>The evolution of IFC (c) Keenliside / Liebich / Grobler</em></p></figcaption></figure>

The currently used IFC Schema versions are:&#x20;

#### **IFC2x3**&#x20;

Released in 2005 and still in common use due to its wide integration across various software tools. However, it is outdated and does not include classes for infrastructure projects.

#### IFC4

The most current official standard and the recommended version due to many improvements if compared to IFC2x3, such as:&#x20;

* IfcAlignment for better support of infrastructure projects
* Major efficiency improvements, better consistency of the schema, and significantly smaller file sizes
* Extended definitions for building service elements, structural and analysis models
* GIS coordinate system transformation
* Support for property set templates, multi-language references, and integration with the buildingSMART Data Dictionary
* General geometry enhancements (tapering in extrusions, arbitrary sweeps, non-planar surfaces, better tessellation, textures, and lighting)
* Support for non-uniform rational b-spline representation (NURBS) in the Design Transfer View

#### IFC4.3 ADD2

Includes further improvements for infrastructure, like additional classes for IfcBridge, IfcRailway, IfcRoad and IfcMarineFacility. \
It has been [ISO-approved in January 2024](https://www.buildingsmart.org/ifc-4-3-approved-as-a-final-standard/) and [officially published as ISO 16739 in April 2024](https://www.buildingsmart.org/ifc-4-3-formally-approved-and-published-as-an-iso-standard/?utm_campaign=Digital%20Newsletter\&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_3pWhlRbcW_PCYidvOj8ZCnVbMLnDH1rJUxQyAMbxq_rBw9H3UY4hZH66rpfn0j_HP35FAIyYt0YG-9Zpcf_HDKBX9xFwQqRO1i8o5qIZfPtVKmEo&_hsmi=302025019\&utm_content=302025019\&utm_source=hs_email).

As software certification and dedicated MVDs are not yet in place, the quality of IFC4.3 implementation varies across different software products and should be checked before using in active projects.

&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://2715261634-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FprbMwk21uTZaZrhwExiJ%2Fuploads%2FxIfqiGqfvoitJtIZoBbx%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=9e825e0b-3179-4f34-85f1-51fadcf12d5d" alt="" width="227"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
A full overview of all versions and direct links to the official documentation can be found here: [https://technical.buildingsmart.org/standards/ifc/ifc-schema-specifications](https://technical.buildingsmart.org/standards/ifc/ifc-schema-specifications/)
{% endhint %}

###