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SPECIFICTION
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Bonsai

bonsaibim.org

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Spec score 8.0 #3 of 13 in Building Information Modeling Software

What it is

Bonsai is a free, open-source family of applications for creating, reviewing, and sharing IFC models. Bonsai Studio is an IFC authoring platform built on Blender. It supports modeling, documentation, coordination, and BIM data management across disciplines. Studio can generate and annotate linked 2D drawings, then produce schedules and reports from model data. Bonsai Viewer is a separate free desktop application for reviewing IFC models, drawings, and data without the authoring environment. Viewer includes model search and filtering, clash detection, BCF issue management, federation of multiple models, and cloud synchronization for models and issues. Bonsai reads and writes native IFC and states that it has no proprietary formats or lock-in. Studio is powered by IfcOpenShell and includes Python scripting and an API. Listed workflows cover structural-analysis solver connections, MEP systems, 4D scheduling, 5D cost estimation, and COBie facility-management data. Studio and Viewer support Windows, macOS, and Linux. The Studio page labels the software alpha.

Spec sheet

Product
Bonsai is a family of open source apps for authoring, reviewing, and sharing IFC models.Read 3 Oct 2026 · bonsaibim.org
Integrations
Studio is built on Blender and powered by IfcOpenShell; its workflows include Python scripting and an API.Read 3 Oct 2026 · bonsaibim.org
Support
The documentation directs users to live chat, community forums, and GitHub bug reports for help.Read 3 Oct 2026 · docs.bonsaibim.org
Additional workflows
Studio describes structural analysis solver connections, MEP systems, 4D scheduling, 5D cost estimation, and COBie facility management data.Read 3 Oct 2026 · bonsaibim.org
Authoring features
Studio supports modeling, documentation, coordination, and BIM data management across disciplines.Read 3 Oct 2026 · bonsaibim.org
Cloud sync
Viewer lists cloud sync for models and issues to support team review and collaboration.Read 3 Oct 2026 · bonsaibim.org
Coordination
Viewer supports model search and filtering, clash detection, BCF issue management, and federation of multiple models.Read 3 Oct 2026 · bonsaibim.org
Drawings and reports
Studio can generate and annotate linked 2D drawings and produce schedules and reports from model data.Read 3 Oct 2026 · bonsaibim.org
Maturity
The Studio page labels the software alpha.Read 3 Oct 2026 · bonsaibim.org
Open formats
Bonsai reads and writes native IFC and says it has no proprietary formats or lock-in.Read 3 Oct 2026 · bonsaibim.org
Studio
Bonsai Studio is a free, open source IFC authoring platform built on Blender.Read 3 Oct 2026 · bonsaibim.org
Supported systems
Studio and Viewer list Windows, macOS, and Linux support.Read 3 Oct 2026 · bonsaibim.org
Viewer
Bonsai Viewer is a free desktop app for reviewing IFC models, drawings, and data without the authoring environment.Read 3 Oct 2026 · bonsaibim.org
Web app status
Bonsai Web is described as coming soon for viewing and sharing IFC models from a browser.Read 3 Oct 2026 · bonsaibim.org

Plans and prices

Bonsai Free Free software forever · open source · Studio and Viewer Read 3 Oct 2026 · bonsaibim.org

Every Bonsai plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free software with open-source Studio and Viewer
  • Reads and writes native IFC formats
  • Includes clash detection and BCF issue management
  • Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Provides Python scripting and an API

Limits

  • Studio is labeled alpha
  • No mobile access is listed
  • Browser-based Bonsai Web is still coming soon

Who it suits

Bonsai suits teams working with multi-discipline IFC models on Windows, macOS, or Linux. It is also aimed at users who want open formats, desktop review tools, scripting, and API access.

Verdict

Bonsai combines IFC authoring and review in free desktop applications, with open-format workflows and multi-discipline tools. Its alpha label and lack of mobile access are important considerations.

Where Specifiction places it

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