What is the BIMX file format?
.bimx is the Graphisoft BIMx Hyper-model - a proprietary binary container produced by Graphisoft Archicad via its BIMx export. The file bundles an optimized, navigable 3D BIM model with fully linked 2D drawings (floor plans, sections, elevations) into a single self-contained package known as a "hyper-model."
The defining feature of .bimx is the hyper-model concept introduced around 2014: while exploring a building in real-time 3D - navigating through rooms like a game engine - the viewer can tap any element to jump instantly to the corresponding 2D documentation sheet. This makes .bimx files a powerful presentation and on-site review tool for architects, engineers, and clients.
Files are exported from Graphisoft Archicad, the BIM authoring application whose native project format is .pln. The .bimx file is a delivery and viewing format only; it cannot be edited back into a full BIM model. For open, interoperable exchange, Archicad can also export to .ifc.
The free BIMx app opens .bimx files on Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and Android. Large models can be shared via Graphisoft's BIMx Transfer cloud service. Internal mesh and texture data is compressed and optimized for mobile streaming, keeping performance reasonable even on tablets. Optional password protection can be applied at export time.
Because .bimx is a proprietary Graphisoft format, it has no publicly documented magic-byte signature and is not readable by general-purpose 3D viewers.
Security & safety
RISK: LOW.bimx is passive model/document data with no executable code; opening it in the official BIMx app is safe. Only download the BIMx viewer from Graphisoft to avoid fake 'BIMx viewer' sites. Exported files can be password-protected by the architect.
Format details
in a nutshellPrograms that open BIMX files
Windows2 apps
ArchiCAD
Paid Opens/creates the source project and exports .bimx; use it if you need to edit the underlying BIM, not just view. 
BIMx Desktop Viewer
Free Install BIMx and open the .bimx to navigate the 3D hyper-model and linked 2D drawings. 
macOS2 apps
Android1 app
BIMx (Android)
Free Open the .bimx in the BIMx app to walk through the model and view linked drawings.
BIMx (iOS/iPadOS)
Free Open the .bimx in the BIMx app; pinch/swipe to navigate, tap to jump to linked 2D drawings. Technical details
deep spec| Developer | Graphisoft (Nemetschek Group) |
| Format type | Proprietary binary hyper-model container |
| Encoding | Binary, little-endian |
| Container contents | Optimized 3D BIM geometry, textures, element metadata, and hyperlinks to linked 2D drawing sheets |
| Hyper-model linking | 3D building elements are cross-linked to 2D documentation sheets; selecting an element jumps the viewer to the corresponding plan, section, or elevation |
| Compression | Internal mesh and texture compression optimized for real-time mobile streaming |
| Typical file size | 10 MB - 2 GB, scaling with geometry complexity, texture count, and building size |
| Texture color depth | 24-bit RGB textures embedded within the 3D mesh data |
| Platform support | Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android (via free BIMx app) |
| Export source | Graphisoft Archicad (formerly ArchiCAD); no third-party tools produce .bimx natively |
| Access control | Optional password protection applied at export time in Archicad |
| Version compatibility | Format version tied to exporting Archicad release; files from newer versions may require an updated BIMx viewer |
| Editable status | Read-only delivery and presentation format; the editable BIM source remains in Archicad's .pln project file |
| MIME type | application/octet-stream (no dedicated registered MIME type) |
| Magic bytes | No publicly documented stable magic-byte signature; proprietary container structure not disclosed by Graphisoft |
| Released | 2011 (BIMx); 'Hyper-model' linking 3D + 2D introduced ~2014 |
| Latest version | Current BIMx (paired with current Archicad releases) |
| Specification | graphisoft.com |
BIMX conversions
Community Q&A
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