Info · IFC Schema
How to fix No file description
in IFC files
Set the file description (usually the MVD / view definition) in the export options — it is part of the STEP header metadata.
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What it means
The No file description check
IFC STEP header FILE_DESCRIPTION is empty
The fix
How to fix No file description in your authoring tool
Concrete, tool-specific steps. The check itself is schema-agnostic and works for IFC2x3, IFC4, IFC4x1 and IFC4x3.
| Authoring tool | How to fix |
|---|---|
| Revit | FILE_DESCRIPTION is set from the chosen MVD (e.g. Reference View). Selecting a proper export setup in the IFC dialog populates it. |
| ArchiCAD | The IFC Translator’s MVD selection populates FILE_DESCRIPTION; choose a defined export preset. |
| Tekla | The export type / MVD sets FILE_DESCRIPTION; choose a defined IFC export configuration. |
| Allplan | Select a defined IFC export preset so the file description / MVD is written. |
How it works
Find and fix it in the browser
The whole flow runs client-side — your IFC file never leaves your machine.
01
Open your IFC file
Open IFC Viewer Online and drag & drop your IFC file. It is parsed locally in your browser via WebAssembly — nothing is uploaded.
02
Run the Health Score validation
Run validation. The "No file description" check (RULE_FILE_DESCRIPTION_MISSING) flags every affected element and pinpoints it in the model tree.
03
Fix in Revit
FILE_DESCRIPTION is set from the chosen MVD (e.g. Reference View). Selecting a proper export setup in the IFC dialog populates it.
04
Fix in ArchiCAD
The IFC Translator’s MVD selection populates FILE_DESCRIPTION; choose a defined export preset.
05
Fix in Tekla
The export type / MVD sets FILE_DESCRIPTION; choose a defined IFC export configuration.
06
Fix in Allplan
Select a defined IFC export preset so the file description / MVD is written.
07
Re-validate
Re-export from your authoring tool and re-run validation to confirm the issue is resolved and your Health Score improved.
Related checks
Other IFC Schema checks →
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