Hi,

I am new to CATIA software and have some questions on different versions of the software.

1. Can CATIA v5 export model to IFC and what version of IFC (2x3, 4.3, etc.)? Out-of-the-box function or via third party tool?
   
2. Can CATIA v6 export model to IFC and what version of IFC (2x3, 4.3, etc.)? Out-of-the-box function or via third party tool?
3. If IFC export is possible, is there any technical documentation explaining the limitation and compatibility?
   
4. Can CATIA v5 import IFC model and what version of IFC (2x3, 4.3, etc.) is supported?
5. Can CATIA v6 import IFC model and what version of IFC (2x3, 4.3, etc.) is supported?
6. Does CATIA have simplification tool that can be used prior to export to IFC / STEP files? For examples:
   

• Simplify geometry by lowering the number of polygons
  
• Intelligent removal of details, e.g., small holes, fixing details, small / thin elements, etc.
  
• Converting complex geometry into a boundary box / cylinder
  
• Extract the external visible shell of an object and omit internal details