File formats

Your plans come as IFC, STEP, DXF and PDF. This page says which file to open in which software, then what each tool delivers.

Which file for which software

Format	Software	Who uses it	What you get
IFC	Revit, Archicad, Tekla, Navisworks	General contractors, architects	The 3D model goes into the project’s model, for BIM coordination.
STEP	SolidWorks, Inventor, Fusion	Engineers	The 3D model of the parts, for checking and coordination.
DXF	AutoCAD and 2D drafting software	Drafters, outside firms	The plan in 2D, to reuse in their own drawings.
PDF	No software needed	Site, permits, client	A plan anyone can read.
Realistic render	No software needed	Sales, estimating	An image of the site your client understands without reading a plan.

Open the files in your software

• Revit: link the IFC file with Insert → Link IFC. Use the DXF for 2D.
• AutoCAD: open the DXF directly. Use the STEP for 3D.
• Inventor: open the STEP.
• SolidWorks: open the STEP.
• SketchUp Pro: import the IFC or the DXF.
• Archicad, Tekla, Navisworks: open the IFC.

IFC files are in IFC 4. The DXF of a plan is in AutoCAD 2000 format; the DXF of a single part is in R12 format.

What each tool delivers

Download links stay valid for 30 days for plans, and one hour for Parts & Materials catalogues. Each file carries a TektonAI reference that proves where it comes from. See Check that a document comes from TektonAI.

Scaffold

• the dimensioned PDF plan, in A3 format;
• the bill of materials in Excel and CSV;
• the indicative calculation note as a PDF;
• the presentation PDF for your client, without a detailed bill of materials or calculation;
• the plan data in JSON;
• the 3D model in STEP;
• the scaffold’s IFC model;
• the CAD plan (DXF), which can arrive a few minutes after the other files;
• the “Part codes” annex as a PDF, when the plan uses the parts in your library;
• on request, a realistic render of the 3D model.

See Scaffold.

Fencing

• the PDF plan in A3 format;
• the bill of materials in Excel and CSV;
• the “Part codes” annex as a PDF, when the plan uses the parts in your library;
• the fence’s 3D model in STEP and IFC;
• the CAD plan (DXF);
• on request, a realistic render, alone or with the scaffold.

See Fencing.

My Equipment

• the QR labels as a PDF;
• the drawing of a part from your library (see below).

See My Equipment.

Parts & Materials

• the catalogues as PDF and Excel;
• the drawing of a dimensioned item (see below).

See Parts & Materials.

The drawing of a part

Scaffold, Fencing, My Equipment and Parts & Materials also draw a single part. Each one delivers:

• the part plan as an A3 PDF, on 2 sheets: the legend, then the drawing;
• the 3D model in STEP;
• the IFC model;
• the CAD plan (DXF).

The plan says what it does not check. For a standard drawn by Scaffold, the title block reads:

PART NOT VERIFIED: NOT FOR ERECTION

and the points to note say:

Part not verified: no load capacity calculation was made.

When a dimension is missing, the part takes the one from its family’s template. The plan says so:

Simplified template shape: a dimension not provided takes the template’s. It is for recognising the part, not for making it.

A Fencing part plan reads “PRELIMINARY: NOT FOR INSTALLATION”.

Good to know

• Plans are preliminary: a competent person checks and approves them before erection.