BCF Export

ClashWise can export the clashes in a set as a BCF (.bcf) file — a coordination package that other BIM tools can open. Use it when the next step in your workflow happens outside ClashWise: for example, when a partner tracks issues in a BCF-compatible coordination or issue-management tool.

What is BCF?

BCF (BIM Collaboration Format) is an open, vendor-neutral format for exchanging coordination issues between BIM applications. Instead of sharing whole models, BCF shares the issues found in them: each issue travels as a topic with descriptive details, comments, an image snapshot, and a 3D camera viewpoint, so the receiving tool can jump straight to the same spot in the model.

When ClashWise exports BCF, each clash in scope becomes one coordination topic containing:

the topic itself (the clash and its details),
its comments,
a snapshot image, and
a 3D viewpoint so compatible tools can restore the camera position for that clash.

BCF is a fixed format

Unlike Excel and CSV exports, you cannot choose columns for a BCF export. The Export clashes dialog explains this directly: "BCF exports a fixed coordination format (topic, comments, snapshot, and 3D viewpoint per clash). Column selection doesn't apply."

This is by design — BCF defines what an issue package looks like so that every tool reading it agrees on the structure. If you need control over exactly which fields are included, use an Excel or CSV export instead.

Who can export BCF?

Any signed-in user who can open the clash set on the web. Exporting works even when your organization is in read-only mode.

How to export a BCF file

Open your clash set from the Clash Sets page.
Filter the grid or select clashes first if you only want a subset — filters and selections carry over into the export dialog.
Open the More menu and choose Export…. The Export clashes dialog opens.
Under Format, choose BCF (.bcf).
Pick a Scope — All clashes in this set, Matching current filter, or Selected clashes (each shows a live count).
Adjust the File name if needed, then start the export.

Small exports download immediately. Large exports run in the background and appear in the export tray on the toolbar, where you can download the file when the job shows Ready. Exports are browser downloads only — no email delivery.

Using the BCF file in other tools

Open or import the downloaded .bcf file in any application that supports BCF — most modern BIM coordination and issue-tracking tools do. Each ClashWise clash arrives as its own topic, with its comments, snapshot, and viewpoint attached, so reviewers in the other tool can read the issue and orient themselves in the model without needing a ClashWise account.

Tips

Filter before exporting to build discipline-specific packages — for example, export only the clashes assigned to the mechanical contractor and send them just that BCF file.
Keep clash numbers in the conversation. Each clash's number (clash #N) is its permanent identity within the set — quote it when discussing an exported topic so everyone can find the same clash back in ClashWise.
Export at milestones. A BCF export is a portable record of the open issues at a point in time.

FAQs

Why can't I pick columns for BCF like I can for Excel? BCF is a standardized package, not a table. Its structure — topic, comments, snapshot, and viewpoint per clash — is fixed so that every BCF-compatible tool can read it. For a field-by-field data export, use Excel or CSV.

Does the BCF export respect my grid filter? Yes. Choose the scope Matching current filter (or Selected clashes) in the export dialog — the same scope options apply to all export formats.

My BCF export is large — where is it? Large exports run in the background. Watch the export tray on the clash grid toolbar; when the job shows Ready, click Download.

Limitations

The BCF package contains the fixed coordination content per clash — column selection and the extra Excel/CSV options don't apply.
BCF export is one-way: ClashWise exports BCF files but clash sets themselves are created by publishing from the Navisworks plugin.
Delivery is by browser download only.