# The IDS editor

Write rules in a table, with live counts on a model.

Updated 1 November 2026

- [How do I write an IDS in the IDS editor?](https://ifcchecker.com/help/write-an-ids/): Open the IDS editor, click its field at the top to start from a public test, an IDS file of your own or a model, or write the first rule in the table, and tighten the rules one row at a time.
- [How do I write and change rules?](https://ifcchecker.com/help/ids-rules/): Every row of the IDS editor's table is one rule, one requirement and the elements it is checked on.
- [How do I change several rules at once?](https://ifcchecker.com/help/ids-several-rules/): Tick the boxes of the rules you want, or hold Shift to take a range, and the bar under the table copies, cuts, duplicates, moves or deletes them together.
- [How do I give one test to many properties?](https://ifcchecker.com/help/ids-many-properties/): To give one rule's test to more properties, right-click the rule and choose Same test for more properties, tick the properties in the list and choose Add.
- [How do I use the test grid?](https://ifcchecker.com/help/ids-grid/): In the IDS editor, switch the table from Rules to Grid to see the same rules with properties down the page and kinds of test across.
- [How do I start an IDS from a list?](https://ifcchecker.com/help/ids-from-a-list/): In the IDS editor, choose A list of sets and properties and give it an Excel or CSV file of sets and properties, or an IFC model.
- [How do I paste rules from a sheet?](https://ifcchecker.com/help/ids-from-sheets/): Copy rows in Excel or Google Sheets and press Ctrl V in the IDS editor's table.
- [How do I see how my rules do on a model?](https://ifcchecker.com/help/ids-live-counts/): Load a model in the IDS editor and the table shows how many elements pass and fail each rule, and the counts follow your changes.
- [How do I turn a wrong value into a rule?](https://ifcchecker.com/help/ids-from-results/): A value can pass its rule and still be wrong for your project.

[Workflows and help](https://ifcchecker.com/help/)