Do I have to remove the Autodesk COBie Extension to use BIMRelay?

No. BIMRelay reads the extension's COBie parameters when they are present, so the two can run side by side or BIMRelay can replace the export workflow entirely.

Is the Autodesk COBie Extension free?

Yes, the add-in itself is free for licensed Revit users. The delivery workflow still relies on Revit-capable team members to configure and maintain the models, rerun exports as models change, and coordinate the results. Those specialist hours can make repeated COBie maintenance and delivery costly even when the add-in has no separate license cost.

Does the COBie Extension add data to the Revit model?

Its setup workflow can add COBie parameters and supporting schedules to Revit. Parameter Mapping can reuse existing parameters, but the export still depends on correctly configured model fields. BIMRelay reads those fields when they exist but does not require COBie-specific parameters in the models.

Who can generate the COBie Extension export?

The export must be run from inside Revit by someone with access to the relevant models and the installed Autodesk Interoperability Tools. That person does not have to be the original model author, but the task usually remains with a Revit-capable BIM or modeling team member rather than the wider delivery team.

Does BIMRelay produce a COBie 2.4 workbook?

BIMRelay generates the standard COBie 2.4 worksheets, references, and PickLists as XLSX. The applicable contract and the owner's acceptance process remain the authority on any delivery.

Compare your options

An alternative to the Autodesk COBie Extension for Revit.

The free Autodesk extension produces COBie through a Revit-based setup and export workflow. BIMRelay generates a COBie 2.4 workbook from published models, so the wider delivery team can complete it without Revit.

Join the waitlist Download sample COBie workbook

The shared COBie workbook BIMRelay generates from published Revit models — One generated COBie 2.4 workbook across the host and linked models, completed by the whole team.

In short

How is BIMRelay different from the Autodesk COBie Extension?

The Autodesk extension prepares and exports COBie inside Revit. BIMRelay connects to published host and linked models in Autodesk Forma, generates one COBie 2.4 workbook in the cloud, and lets the delivery team complete and validate it in a browser. Existing COBie parameters are read when present, but they are not required.

Side by side

Compare the delivery workflows

Both approaches can produce a COBie workbook. The difference is where setup, collaboration, validation, and regeneration happen.

Workflow	Autodesk COBie Extension	BIMRelay
Generate	Autodesk COBie ExtensionRun the spreadsheet export from inside Revit.	BIMRelayGenerate from the published host and selected linked models without opening Revit.
Prepare the model	Autodesk COBie ExtensionCreate COBie parameters and schedules, or map existing Revit parameters, then configure the export scope.	BIMRelayMap available Revit properties in BIMRelay. COBie-specific model parameters are optional.
Complete missing data	Autodesk COBie ExtensionMaintain delivery values in Revit or coordinate additional information after export.	BIMRelayInvite suppliers, information managers, and owner representatives to edit one shared workbook in a browser.
Validate	Autodesk COBie ExtensionApply the team's checking process to the generated spreadsheet.	BIMRelaySee cell-level findings for required values, PickLists, identifiers, and worksheet relationships.
Regenerate	Autodesk COBie ExtensionA Revit user reruns the export and coordinates the refreshed spreadsheet after model changes.	BIMRelayRegenerate from newer published models while preserving matching manual edits.

What the Revit-side workflow requires

The add-in is free for licensed Revit users, but setup and regeneration stay inside Revit. A Revit-capable user needs access to the model set, the installed tools, and enough knowledge of the configured workflow to run it safely.

Configure worksheet behavior and export scope.
Create COBie parameters or map correctly configured existing parameters.
Add or use supporting schedules for data collection.
Select which types and instances participate in the export.
Return to Revit and rerun the export after model revisions.

BIMRelay moves delivery work into the browser

BIMRelay uses the published Revit models as source evidence, then gives the project team a shared COBie workspace. The people who know warranties, serial numbers, contacts, and turnover requirements can enter that information directly without Revit or modeling experience.

Extract the host and selected linked models as one coordinated set.
Review workbook cells beside the corresponding model elements.
Assign source mappings and required fields without changing the Revit model.
Resolve cell-level validation findings with the wider delivery team.
Export XLSX or generate a new version from newer published models.

Reduce the cost of every model revision

The extension has no separate license cost, but repeated exports still consume specialist time. Each revision can send the workbook back through a Revit user for model access, setup checks, export, and spreadsheet coordination.

BIMRelay lets the project generate from newer published models while preserving matching manual edits. Model-derived values can advance without rebuilding the delivery team's completed work or routing every update through a modeler.

Use the COBie data you already have

Projects that already use COBie Extension parameters do not need to discard them. BIMRelay reads those authored values and can use them as workbook sources.

New projects can use ordinary Revit properties instead and keep delivery-only information out of the design models. The contract, owner requirements, and receiving system still determine what the accepted workbook must contain.

Buyer questions

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to remove the Autodesk COBie Extension to use BIMRelay?: No. BIMRelay reads the extension's COBie parameters when they are present, so the two can run side by side or BIMRelay can replace the export workflow entirely.
Is the Autodesk COBie Extension free?: Yes, the add-in itself is free for licensed Revit users. The delivery workflow still relies on Revit-capable team members to configure and maintain the models, rerun exports as models change, and coordinate the results. Those specialist hours can make repeated COBie maintenance and delivery costly even when the add-in has no separate license cost.
Does the COBie Extension add data to the Revit model?: Its setup workflow can add COBie parameters and supporting schedules to Revit. Parameter Mapping can reuse existing parameters, but the export still depends on correctly configured model fields. BIMRelay reads those fields when they exist but does not require COBie-specific parameters in the models.
Who can generate the COBie Extension export?: The export must be run from inside Revit by someone with access to the relevant models and the installed Autodesk Interoperability Tools. That person does not have to be the original model author, but the task usually remains with a Revit-capable BIM or modeling team member rather than the wider delivery team.
Does BIMRelay produce a COBie 2.4 workbook?: BIMRelay generates the standard COBie 2.4 worksheets, references, and PickLists as XLSX. The applicable contract and the owner's acceptance process remain the authority on any delivery.