Bonsai
What it is
Bonsai is a free family of open-source apps for creating, reviewing, and sharing IFC models. Bonsai Studio is an authoring platform built on Blender for modeling, documentation, coordination, and BIM data management across disciplines. It can create and annotate linked 2D drawings and generate schedules and reports from model data. Bonsai Viewer is a separate desktop app for reviewing IFC models, drawings, and data without the authoring environment. Its review tools include model search and filtering, clash detection, BCF issue management, combining multiple models, and cloud sync for models and issues. Studio is powered by IfcOpenShell and includes Python scripting and an API. Described workflows also 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. Bonsai reads and writes native IFC, with no proprietary formats listed. The Studio page labels the software alpha. Documentation directs users to live chat, community forums, and GitHub bug reports for help.
For and against
For
- Free open-source Studio and Viewer apps
- Reads and writes native IFC
- Viewer includes clash detection and BCF issue management
- Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux
Against
- Studio is labeled alpha
- No mobile access is listed
- Browser-based Bonsai Web is not yet available
The verdict
Bonsai pairs IFC authoring with a distinct model-review app and supports workflows across disciplines. The Studio alpha label is worth considering when evaluating it.
Who it suits
Bonsai suits teams and practitioners working with IFC models across disciplines, whether they need authoring tools or a separate desktop review app.
Plans and prices
Bonsai
Free software forever · open source · Studio and Viewer
Read 3 Oct 2026 · bonsaibim.org
On the record
- Additional workflows
- Studio describes structural analysis solver connections, MEP systems, 4D scheduling, 5D cost estimation, and COBie facility management data.bonsaibim.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Authoring features
- Studio supports modeling, documentation, coordination, and BIM data management across disciplines.bonsaibim.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Cloud sync
- Viewer lists cloud sync for models and issues to support team review and collaboration.bonsaibim.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Coordination
- Viewer supports model search and filtering, clash detection, BCF issue management, and federation of multiple models.bonsaibim.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Drawings and reports
- Studio can generate and annotate linked 2D drawings and produce schedules and reports from model data.bonsaibim.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Studio is built on Blender and powered by IfcOpenShell; its workflows include Python scripting and an API.bonsaibim.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Maturity
- The Studio page labels the software alpha.bonsaibim.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Open formats
- Bonsai reads and writes native IFC and says it has no proprietary formats or lock-in.bonsaibim.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Product
- Bonsai is a family of open source apps for authoring, reviewing, and sharing IFC models.bonsaibim.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Studio
- Bonsai Studio is a free, open source IFC authoring platform built on Blender.bonsaibim.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- The documentation directs users to live chat, community forums, and GitHub bug reports for help.docs.bonsaibim.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Supported systems
- Studio and Viewer list Windows, macOS, and Linux support.bonsaibim.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Viewer
- Bonsai Viewer is a free desktop app for reviewing IFC models, drawings, and data without the authoring environment.bonsaibim.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Web app status
- Bonsai Web is described as coming soon for viewing and sharing IFC models from a browser.bonsaibim.org · read 3 Oct 2026
