Building Information Modeling (BIM) has transformed the way the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry collaborates. At the heart of this transformation lies a critical decision:
Should you use Open BIM or Closed BIM?
While both approaches facilitate digital design and construction workflows, they differ fundamentally in how data is shared, what tools are used, and how flexible the ecosystem is.
In this article, we break down both approaches, explore their pros and cons, and help you decide which BIM path best fits your project based on facts, context, and practical applications.
What is Open BIM?
Open BIM is a way of working in construction where teams use open, non-proprietary standards so they can share building information across different software without being tied to one brand.
I.e., Instead of asking everyone to use the same tool, Open BIM lets each team work in the software they prefer, while still contributing to a common project model.
- Core Principles: Interoperability, vendor neutrality, transparency, flexibility.
- Standards Used: IFC (for model exchange), BCF (for issue tracking), COBie (for asset data).
- Popular Tools: Archicad, Tekla Structures, Allplan, Revizto, usBIM, Vectorworks, Solibri, BlenderBIM.
Benefits of Open BIM collaboration
- Supports multi-disciplinary coordination across platforms.
- Reduces data silos by standardizing formats.
- Enables flexible technology adoption.
- Future-proofs data for facility management and government mandates.
- Builds trust through reliable data exchange.
- Supports digital transformation through open data structures.
- Encourages industry-wide collaboration between diverse tools and workflows.
- Facilitates innovation through scalable, structured data for analytics and automation.
⚠️ Note: Even Open BIM formats like IFC may encounter interoperability issues if poorly implemented or inconsistently mapped across software.
What is Closed BIM?
Closed BIM on the other hand refers to workflows where all stakeholders operate within a single vendor’s software ecosystem.
Data is stored and exchanged using proprietary file formats, which may limit interoperability but can streamline internal processes.
This method is often preferred for its speed of implementation, reduced training burden, and tight integration.
- Core Characteristics: Proprietary data formats, streamlined workflows, consistent environment.
- Common Vendors: Autodesk (Revit, Navisworks, BIM 360), Bentley Systems, Trimble Connect.
When does Closed BIM work best?
- Projects with a single firm or tightly coordinated team.
- Fast-paced projects that require rapid modeling and revisions.
- Organizations already invested in one ecosystem.
Strengths and limitations of Closed BIM
- Strengths:
- Simplified coordination and training within teams.
- Faster design iterations using deeply integrated tools.
- Easier content standardization (e.g., consistent libraries in Revit).
- Limitations:
- Vendor lock-in.
- Isolated data silos.
- Higher long-term costs for cross-platform expansion.
Closed BIM can still deliver high-quality outcomes through well-defined processes, templates, and governance structures.
Pros and Cons of Open BIM vs Closed BIM
| Feature | Open BIM | Closed BIM |
| Interoperability | High – via IFC/BCF standards | Limited – single vendor workflows |
| Vendor Lock-In | Low – choose your tools | High – proprietary formats |
| Collaboration | Cross-platform and cross-discipline | Best within same ecosystem |
| Data Longevity | High – future-proof standards | Format obsolescence risk |
| Licensing Costs | Varies – open-source tools available | Typically higher, per-seat costs |
| Speed of Setup | Medium – coordination needed | High – native integration |
| Training Curve | Diverse tools require more onboarding | Lower with unified suite |
| Data Control | Shared governance | High internal control |
| Innovation Potential | Strong – supports AI/ML, cloud analytics | Strong within vendor ecosystem (e.g., Autodesk Forge) |
How Does Open BIM Support Facility Management (FM)?
Facility managers benefit from open, structured data that persists beyond project delivery.
- COBie and IFC facilitate digital handover and maintenance planning.
- Avoids reliance on specific software to access or modify asset data.
- Enables integration with CAFM, CMMS, and other facility tools.
- Complies with public-sector mandates for long-term digital asset preservation.
Software Compatibility: Open BIM vs Closed BIM Tools
Open BIM Tools
- Archicad, Allplan, Vectorworks, Tekla Structures, Revizto, BlenderBIM, usBIM, BIMx, Bonsai
Closed BIM Tools
- Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, Civil 3D, BIM 360, Trimble Connect, SketchUp, BricsCAD, Bentley Systems
⚠️ Even in Open BIM workflows, interoperability may depend on versioning, export settings, and IFC mapping fidelity. Tools like Navisworks while classified as Closed can import IFC files and act as bridges in hybrid workflows.
Common Myths About Open and Closed BIM
- Myth: Open BIM is always better.
- Clarification: Depends on project type, stakeholders, and compliance needs.
- Myth: Closed BIM guarantees coordination.
- Clarification: True only if processes and governance are also robust.
- Myth: Revit doesn’t support Open BIM.
- Clarification: It does but IFC exports may need tuning. Navisworks also supports IFC import for coordination.
- Myth: You must pick one approach.
- Clarification: Hybrid workflows are increasingly common in practice.
Choosing the Right Approach for Your Project
Use this decision matrix:
| Factor | Open BIM | Closed BIM |
| Team Size | Large, distributed | Small, unified |
| Timeline | Long-term, staged delivery | Fast-track |
| Budget | Flexible, scalable | Upfront investment in licenses |
| Regulatory Mandates | IFC/COBie required | Proprietary deliverables allowed |
| Tools in Use | Mixed software | Single suite (e.g., Autodesk) |
| Future Use of Data | Needed (FM, analytics) | Limited to project scope |
Best Practice: Evaluate both workflows early in the BIM Execution Plan (BEP) stage.
Future of BIM: Toward Interoperability and Hybrid Models
The industry is evolving toward more flexible, data-centric workflows:
- Government mandates increasingly require IFC submissions.
- Digital twins and FM integration demand lifecycle-ready BIM data.
- Cloud platforms and AI tools push for platform-neutral inputs.
- Hybrid BIM workflows — Closed for modeling, Open for delivery — are common.
- Standards like ISO 19650 are helping establish global alignment, though hybrid models still pose challenges such as version mismatches and minor data loss.
FAQ: Open vs Closed BIM
What is the difference between Open BIM and Closed BIM?
Open BIM relies on open standards (e.g., IFC, BCF) for collaboration across tools. Closed BIM uses proprietary formats within a single ecosystem.
Which one is better?
Neither is universally better. The right choice depends on team structure, compliance needs, project scale, and client goals.
Which software supports Open BIM?
Archicad, Allplan, Tekla, Solibri, Revizto, BlenderBIM, Vectorworks, and others.
Can you mix Open and Closed BIM in a project?
Yes. Hybrid workflows are increasingly popular, using Closed BIM for modeling and Open BIM for coordination and delivery.
What role does IFC play?
IFC is the most widely accepted schema for exchanging model data across BIM tools. It’s essential for Open BIM.
How does Open BIM aid FM?
Open formats support structured handover (e.g., COBie), allowing long-term operations and data analytics.
What’s the main drawback of Closed BIM?
Vendor lock-in and limited long-term data reuse, especially for FM.
How do I choose the right BIM approach?
Start by assessing your stakeholders, tools, compliance requirements, and future data needs. Document this in your BEP.
This article is informed by insights from industry standards and practices across the AEC and BIM communities. For implementation support, consult your BIM Execution Plan or connect with qualified BIM consultants.
Explore our service offerings from federated modeling and clash detection to Revit content creation and IFC-based handover support to see how we can tailor solutions that align with your BIM strategy. Check out our services.