> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.realtimelca.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # IFC file upload > Bring a model into Real-Time LCA by uploading an IFC export. If you can't (or don't want to) stream your model through Speckle, you can upload an **IFC** export instead. Real-Time LCA reads the IFC entities, groups them into BIM types, and exposes their quantities for material mapping — just like a Speckle stream. ## When to use IFC upload * Your authoring tool doesn't have a Speckle connector available. * You're working with a model handed over by an external consultant. * You want a quick one-off LCA from a static export rather than a live design link. ## Prepare the export * Use **IFC 4** (or IFC 2x3) when possible. * Include the property sets that carry your type identifier (the parameter Real-Time LCA uses to group elements, by default `BIMTypeCode`). * Export quantities (`BaseQuantities`) so Real-Time LCA can read areas, volumes, and lengths directly from the file. ## Open the upload menu Open the project and switch to the **Material Mapping** tab. Click the upload icon next to **Select** above the Building Component Inventory to open the menu, then choose **IFC upload**. Material Mapping page with the upload icon expanded showing Excel upload and IFC upload options. ## Choose the model The **Upload IFC file** modal opens. Use the **Upload to model** dropdown to pick which Speckle model the IFC should be attached to — the file's BIM types will be added to that model's slice of the Building Component Inventory. Upload IFC file modal with the Upload to model dropdown set to architectural and a drag-and-drop area for the .ifc file. The dropdown lists every model configured on the project. Pick the one that matches the discipline of the IFC export (for example, *structural* for a structural engineer's hand-off). Upload to model dropdown open showing architectural, ifc, and structural model options. ## Upload the file Drop your `.ifc` file in the **Click to upload or drag and drop** area, or click to browse. The file appears in the drop zone once it has been added. Upload IFC file modal with the ifc model selected and an Office_STR.ifc file staged in the drop zone. Click **Upload** to start the import. Use **Cancel** or **×** to abort without changes. Watch the linked tutorial video in the modal before your first upload if you're unsure how to prepare the IFC export. ## Wait for processing Real-Time LCA parses the file, groups elements into BIM types, and reads their quantities. You can keep using the app in the background — the project updates automatically when processing finishes. Processing IFC file dialog with a success toast confirming the file was imported. When the import is complete you'll see a confirmation. Click **Close** to return to the Building Component Inventory. Import Complete dialog confirming the IFC file has been processed and the project has been updated automatically. ## Review the imported BIM types Each BIM type from the IFC now appears in the Building Component Inventory. Click a type to open its properties — Real-Time LCA shows the quantities it read from the file (square meters, cubic meters, meters, pieces) and the classification it inferred. From here, map the type to a material or construction the same way you would for a Speckle stream. Type properties panel for an imported IFC BIM type showing classification, type name, description, and quantity fields populated from the IFC file. ## Updating the model Uploading a new IFC creates a new version of the model's data. Existing material mappings carry over for BIM types that still match by identifier.