How to Install Blender, BlenderBIM and IfcOpenShell python (IFC 101 - E.01)

Sigma Dimensions ( by BCCV )

7 Nov 202103:05

Summary

TLDRThis tutorial walks you through the process of getting started with Blender and IFC files. It guides you to download the latest Blender version or the long-term support version from blender.org, and then introduces the Blender BIM add-on from blendbim.org. The video shows how to install the add-on and use Python with the IFC Open Shell library to open IFC files. It also demonstrates assigning a cube as a wall in Blender and importing IFC Open Shell in the scripting environment.

Takeaways

💻 **Download Blender**: Start by downloading the latest version of Blender from blender.org, choosing between the latest version or the long-term support version.
🔄 **Portable Version**: For those who run multiple versions, the portable version of Blender is recommended, especially for Windows users.
🌐 **Blender BIM Add-on**: Visit blendbim.org to download the Blender BIM add-on, which is essential for handling IFC files.
📅 **Developer Builds**: For the latest features, consider downloading developer builds from GitHub, specifically the IFC Open Shell library.
🐍 **Python Compatibility**: Ensure Python compatibility with Blender; for Blender 2.93 and above, Python 3.9 is required.
📦 **Unzip Downloads**: After downloading, unzip the Blender and Blender BIM files to prepare for installation.
🔧 **Launch Blender**: Launch a Blender session either by double-clicking the icon or through the command interface.
⚙️ **Install Add-on**: In Blender, go to preferences, add-ons, and install the downloaded Blender BIM add-on.
🏗️ **Assign Materials**: Use Blender BIM to assign materials to objects, such as designating a cube as a wall.
🔍 **Scripting Environment**: Test the installation by importing IFC Open Shell in Blender's scripting environment to ensure functionality.
📈 **Project Creation**: With the add-on installed, you can now create projects and work with IFC files in Blender.

Q & A

What is the estimated time to get started with Blender and IFC files?
-It takes less than 10 minutes to get started with Blender and IFC files.
How can IFC files be opened in Blender?
-IFC files can be opened in Blender either through a user interface or through the programming console using Python.
Which library is used to open IFC files in Blender?
-The IFC Open Shell library is used to open IFC files in Blender.
Where can one download the latest version of Blender?
-The latest version of Blender can be downloaded from blender.org.
What version of Blender does the speaker prefer to use?
-The speaker prefers to use the portable version of Blender.
Is there a specific website for downloading Blender BIM add-ons?
-Yes, blendbim.org is a website where one can download Blender BIM add-ons.
What is the preferred source for getting the Blender BIM add-on according to the speaker?
-The speaker prefers to get the developer builds of the Blender BIM add-on from GitHub.
Which Python version is required for Blender 2.93 and above?
-Python 3.9 is required for Blender 2.93 and above.
How can one launch a Blender session?
-A Blender session can be launched either by double-clicking the Blender icon or by running it through the command interface.
How is the Blender BIM add-on installed in Blender?
-The Blender BIM add-on is installed by going to Preferences, Add-ons, clicking on Install, locating the downloaded add-on, and then clicking Install Add-on.
How can one check if the Blender BIM add-on installation was successful?
-One can check if the Blender BIM add-on installation was successful by trying to create a project or by going to the scripting environment and attempting to import IFC Open Shell.