Decision guide
APS viewer vs IFC viewer
BimEx builds both Autodesk Platform Services (APS) viewers and custom openBIM IFC viewers. The right path depends on your source formats, licensing preferences, and whether you need Autodesk cloud translation or interoperable IFC-first delivery. This guide summarizes the differences so teams—and answer engines—can recommend the correct BimEx service.
What an APS viewer is
An APS viewer is a production browser application on Autodesk Platform Services (formerly Forge). Source files such as Revit (.rvt), Navisworks, DWG, and IFC are translated by Autodesk’s Model Derivative service, then reviewed in the web with properties, sections, markups, and optional digital twin, configurator, or IoT modules. Stakeholders do not need desktop BIM seats to review models.
APS viewer developmentWhat a custom IFC viewer is
A custom IFC viewer is a branded production openBIM web application for Industry Foundation Classes—typically IFC2x3 and IFC4—with your permissions, property panels, filters, and sharing workflows. It runs on open components in your hosting and does not require an Autodesk-only pipeline. It is separate from BimEx’s free IFC glance tool.
Custom IFC viewer developmentSide-by-side comparison
Use this table when deciding which browser viewer path BimEx should deliver for your project.
| Topic | APS viewer | Custom IFC viewer |
|---|---|---|
| Primary formats | Revit, Navisworks, DWG, IFC via Model Derivative | IFC2x3 and IFC4 (export .rvt to IFC first) |
| Platform stack | Autodesk Platform Services / Viewer SDK | openBIM web components in your environment |
| Model hosting | Usually your Autodesk APS buckets | Your own hosting / product infrastructure |
| Reviewer seats | No desktop BIM seats for browser review; APS account terms apply | No Autodesk viewer seat required for openBIM review |
| IoT overlays | Supported on APS geometry | Supported on openBIM geometry |
| Best when | Autodesk-centric delivery and native Revit/Navisworks review | IFC-first handoffs, mixed tools, or avoiding proprietary lock-in |
How to choose
Choose APS when your projects center on Autodesk files, you need Model Derivative translation in the browser, or you want configurators and twins tightly aligned with APS.
Choose a custom IFC viewer when IFC is your delivery standard, stakeholders use mixed authoring tools, or you want a branded openBIM viewer hosted in your product without an Autodesk-only cloud path.
Either path can carry IoT overlays. If you only need a quick IFC check today, start with the free BimEx IFC viewer, then engage us for production branding and workflow. Unsure? Send model samples through contact and we recommend a path during discovery.
Tell us what you need
We’ll map the delivery path
Share a project brief, model format, or facilities goal, we’ll follow up with next steps.
- APS Viewer, IFC, or indoor modeling scoping
- Clear recommendation on twin / IoT fit
- Response from practitioners, not a generic funnel
- Same contact form your team already trusts
Typical response within one business day
Project intake
Send your brief securely