GUID and Author Data

Building model objects have a unique identifier GUID, which remains the same for the duration of the object's existence. Every time a building model is saved, the program ensures that all objects have an identifier. The identifier is also verified when the building model is exported to an IFC file. The so-called compressed IFC GUID is exported to the IFC file. Based on this ID, you can search for an object when you open the IFC file with a viewer.

Saving a model to an IFC file requires the IFC Converter add-on option.

You can check the identifier of an individual object as follows:

  1. Select an object in the model or in the floor plan.
  2. Right-click to open the context-sensitive menu.
  3. Select GUID and Author. The dialog box shows the following information:
    • GUID - Unique identifier of the object.
    • IFC GUID - The compressed identifier to be exported to the IFC file.
    • Creator - User and date.
    • Modifier - User and date.

If you know the object’s GUID or IFC GUID, you can search for the object from the object tree and model by using the ID. Read more in the instructions Find From Object Tree.

Note:
  • If you start a new building based on an old building, the identifiers of the objects will be reset and recreated in the new building. This way, the identifiers remain unique.
  • The identifier is generated for most object types. If the function GUID and Author is not available, the object does not have an identifier.