buildingSMART openCDE API
Seamless interoperability with any BIM platform through standardized APIs
CDE 19650 Cloud implements the full openCDE API specification by buildingSMART International — enabling your projects to connect with Solibri, BIMcollab, Trimble Connect, and other compliant platforms.
What is openCDE?
openCDE is a portfolio of standardized APIs developed by buildingSMART International that enables interoperability between Common Data Environment platforms. Instead of proprietary integrations, openCDE defines a common language for CDE-to-CDE communication.
- Standardized document exchange between platforms
- BIM Collaboration Format (BCF) for issue management
- OAuth2-based authentication for secure cross-platform access
- No vendor lock-in — switch or connect platforms freely
buildingSMART
International Standard
Supported APIs
Foundation API v1.1
Discovery and authentication layer — the prerequisite for all openCDE APIs.
- API version discovery endpoint
- OAuth2 authentication (ROPC grant)
- Current user identification
- HTTPS/TLS 1.2+ secured
Documents API v1.0
Standardized document upload, download, and version querying across platforms.
- Session-based document selection
- Multi-part file upload with chunking
- Document version tracking and metadata
- Callback-based workflow integration
BCF API v3.0
BIM Collaboration Format for managing issues, viewpoints, and comments on BIM models.
- Full topic/issue CRUD with ISO 19650 status mapping
- 3D viewpoints with camera positions and snapshots
- Comment threads with viewpoint references
- Document references and related topic linking
How It Works
openCDE enables seamless cross-platform workflows through a standardized callback pattern.
Discovery
External client queries /foundation/versions to discover available APIs and authentication methods.
Authentication
Client obtains an access token via the OAuth2 token endpoint using standard credentials.
Document Exchange
Client initiates a document selection or upload session. Users select documents through the CDE interface.
Collaboration
Issues, viewpoints, and comments are synchronized between platforms via the BCF API.
Compatible BIM Tools
Any BIM tool that supports the openCDE/BCF standard can connect to CDE 19650 Cloud.
Solibri
Model Checking
BIMcollab
Issue Management
Trimble Connect
CDE Platform
Revit (via plugins)
BIM Authoring
Navisworks
Coordination
SimpleBIM
IFC Tools
Why openCDE Matters
No Vendor Lock-In
Your data is accessible through standardized APIs. Switch platforms or connect multiple tools without custom integrations.
ISO 19650 Aligned
openCDE is the technical mechanism recommended by ISO 19650 for interoperability between Common Data Environments.
Reduced Integration Cost
One standard API replaces dozens of proprietary connectors. Build once, connect everywhere.
Real-Time Collaboration
Issues, comments, and viewpoints sync across platforms. Teams use their preferred tools while staying connected.
Ready to Connect?
See how CDE 19650 Cloud's openCDE API can integrate with your existing BIM workflow.
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