Recommended by BIMvoice

Tools I actually use.

Everything on this page is something I use in real work or teach with. Nothing in the tools list pays me. The courses section includes partner links, and I say so right there.

openBIM tools

Bonsai

Author IFC models natively in Blender. Free, no licence, and the IFC model is the file you work in, not an export at the end. This is what I model and teach with.

bonsaibim.org

IfcOpenShell

The open source engine behind a large part of the openBIM ecosystem. If you script IFC in Python, this is the library. It also powers Bonsai and IfcTester.

ifcopenshell.org

IfcTester

Validate IFC models against IDS requirements and get a clear report of what passes and what fails. I use it in the Practitioner exercises and in real deliverable checks.

Part of the IfcOpenShell family

buildingSMART Validation Service

The official free check for syntax, schema and normative rules. First stop before you deliver an IFC model, and before you blame the software.

validate.buildingsmart.org

Learn

Some links in this section are partner links. If you buy through them, BIMvoice earns a share at no extra cost to you. Nothing gets listed that I would not recommend on a call anyway.

buildingSMART certification training with BIMvoice

Foundation and Practitioner training, delivered by an approved buildingSMART training provider. The open standards side of your career, with official proof at the end. It starts with one honest call.

Book an openBIM Orientation

Balkan Architect Summit

The software side of BIM, from the person I trust to teach it. Milos has taught Revit to hundreds of thousands of people, and I am presenting at the Summit myself.

See the Summit

Last reviewed: August 2026.