BIM File

What are BIM files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a BIM file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your BIM files.

What is a BIM file?

A .BIM file is a BIM Format file.

BIM Format (v1.0.0) is a minimal, human-readable file format designed to store 3D building geometry (meshes) along with metadata, for use in Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows. It was created by the dotbim project to make exchanging and visualizing BIM data simpler and lighter weight than more complex standards. Files are JSON-based and allow definitions of meshes, how those meshes are used as building elements, and additional information such as color, material, and custom key/value metadata.

Files are written (typically exported) by modeling tools or plugins such as the dotbim exporter, and read by viewers, web visualizers, or other BIM tools that support dotbim. The workflow starts with meshes described by coordinates and indices, which represent the 3D geometry, then elements place those meshes in space using translation ("vector") and orientation ("rotation" as a quaternion). Metadata attachments ("info" dictionaries) label objects with names, types, and other properties. Color or face_colors may be specified for elements. The schema includes a version number "schema_version" to allow compatibility as the format evolves.

Files matching this format begin with a "{" character (indicating JSON), and contain keywords such as "SCHEMA_VERSION", "MESHES", "ELEMENTS", "COORDINATES", "INDICES", "GUID", "TYPE", "VECTOR", "ROTATION", "COLOR", and "INFO". The schema version in version 1.0.0 appears explicitly (as "1.0.0") inside the file.

How to open BIM files

Important: Different programs may use files with the BIM file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your BIM file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested seven different BIM openers which you will find listed below.

Last updated: August 24, 2026

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of BIM files. Remember, different programs may use BIM files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about BIM file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.