Comparison

OpenAEC vs Solibri

Open source BIM validation with BIM Validator, BCF Manager Studio and Monty IFC Viewer — built on open standards like IDS, NL-BIM Basis ILS and the RVB BIM Norm.

Solibri Office has been one of the established names in BIM model validation and model checking since 2000. It offers an extensive rule library for clash detection, code compliance and QA/QC, with workflows refined over decades. Solibri Office typically costs €2,000-5,000 per user per year (subscription or perpetual + maintenance), depending on edition and country.

OpenAEC offers an open source stack for BIM validation: BIM Validator for IFC and IDS validation, BCF Manager Studio for issue management and Monty IFC Viewer for model inspection. The tools are browser-based or native, free, and built on open standards such as IDS (buildingSMART), NL-BIM Basis ILS and the RVB BIM Norm.

BIM Validator

Validate IFC models against IDS specifications, NL-BIM Basis ILS and RVB BIM Norm. Browser-based, no installation.

BCF Manager Studio

Issue management with BCF 2.1 and BCF API 3.0. Self-hosted or local, seamless integration with BIM Validator.

Monty IFC Viewer

Lightweight IFC viewer for inspecting geometry, properties and relationships. Open source and cross-platform.

Feature comparison

Feature OpenAEC stackBIM Validator + BCF Manager + Monty Solibri OfficeSolibri Inc. (Nemetschek)
PriceFree~€2,000-5,000/user/year
LicenseLGPL-3.0 / open sourceCommercial, proprietary
License cost per user€0High, annual
PlatformsBrowser, Windows, macOS, LinuxWindows, macOS
IFC supportIFC2x3, IFC4, IFC4.3IFC2x3, IFC4
IDS (buildingSMART)NativeVia export/rules
NL-BIM Basis ILSBuilt-in validationPossible via custom rules
RVB BIM NormBuilt-in validationCustom rules
Clash detectionBasic (in viewer + checker)Mature, refined over years
Rule libraryGrowing, based on open standardsExtensive, decades of refinement
BCF 2.1 / BCF API 3.0Native, BCF Manager StudioYes
Browser-basedYes, BIM Validator runs in the browserNo, desktop installation required
Self-hostedFullyLimited
Source codePublic on GitHubClosed
Integration with other toolsOpen standards, easy to connectSolibri ecosystem, plug-ins
TelemetryNoneYes
SupportCommunity + GitHub issuesCommercial, SLA possible

When do you choose which?

Choose OpenAEC when...

  • You work in the Dutch market and want direct support for NL-BIM Basis ILS or RVB BIM Norm.
  • You want to use IDS (the open buildingSMART standard) as your primary validation mechanism.
  • You want browser-based validation — no installation, easy to share with clients and partners.
  • You don't want to pay a €2,000-5,000 annual subscription.
  • You want to work self-hosted without vendor lock-in.
  • You want to use BCF API 3.0 natively for issue exchange.
  • You're a smaller organization or freelancer that needs professional BIM validation.

Choose Solibri when...

  • You need a very extensive, proven rule library with decades of refinement.
  • You run advanced clash detection and code compliance workflows.
  • Your organization has worked in Solibri workflows for years with existing rule sets.
  • You need commercial support with an SLA, including consultancy.
  • You use specific Solibri plug-ins deeply embedded in your pipeline.
  • License cost isn't an issue and you prefer maximum coverage and stability.

Start free with open BIM validation

Try the OpenAEC BIM Validator directly in your browser. No registration, no account, no telemetry. Or dive into the source code on GitHub.

BIM Validator BCF Manager Studio GitHub