diff --git a/src/blenderbim/blenderbim/bim/operator.py b/src/blenderbim/blenderbim/bim/operator.py
index 8a0fe19311..799846df72 100644
--- a/src/blenderbim/blenderbim/bim/operator.py
+++ b/src/blenderbim/blenderbim/bim/operator.py
@@ -38,6 +38,7 @@ from blenderbim.bim.ui import IFCFileSelector
 from blenderbim.bim.helper import get_enum_items
 from mathutils import Vector, Matrix, Euler
 from math import radians
+from pathlib import Path
 
 
 class SetTab(bpy.types.Operator):
@@ -127,7 +128,7 @@ class SelectIfcFile(bpy.types.Operator, IFCFileSelector):
     bl_idname = "bim.select_ifc_file"
     bl_label = "Select IFC File"
     bl_options = {"REGISTER", "UNDO"}
-    bl_description = "Select a different IFC file"
+    bl_description = f"Select a different IFC file.\n{tool.Blender.operator_invoke_filepath_hotkeys_description}"
     filepath: bpy.props.StringProperty(subtype="FILE_PATH")
     filter_glob: bpy.props.StringProperty(default="*.ifc;*.ifczip;*.ifcxml", options={"HIDDEN"})
     use_relative_path: bpy.props.BoolProperty(name="Use Relative Path", default=False)
@@ -138,6 +139,11 @@ class SelectIfcFile(bpy.types.Operator, IFCFileSelector):
         return {"FINISHED"}
 
     def invoke(self, context, event):
+        filepath = Path(context.scene.BIMProperties.ifc_file)
+        res = tool.Blender.operator_invoke_filepath_hotkeys(self, context, event, filepath)
+        if res is not None:
+            return res
+
         context.window_manager.fileselect_add(self)
         return {"RUNNING_MODAL"}
 
diff --git a/src/blenderbim/blenderbim/tool/blender.py b/src/blenderbim/blenderbim/tool/blender.py
index 20aebd3019..f69513d12d 100644
--- a/src/blenderbim/blenderbim/tool/blender.py
+++ b/src/blenderbim/blenderbim/tool/blender.py
@@ -551,6 +551,50 @@ class Blender(blenderbim.core.tool.Blender):
             for axis_idx in range(3):
                 attr[axis_idx] = lock_state
 
+    operator_invoke_filepath_hotkeys_description = "Hold Shift to open the file, Alt to browse containing directory"
+
+    @classmethod
+    def operator_invoke_filepath_hotkeys(cls, operator, context, event, filepath: Path):
+        if not event.alt and not event.shift:
+            return
+
+        import platform
+        import os
+        import subprocess
+
+        def open_file_or_folder(path):
+            if platform.system() == "Windows":
+                os.startfile(path)
+            elif platform.system() == "Darwin":
+                subprocess.Popen(["open", path])
+            else:
+                subprocess.Popen(["xdg-open", path])
+
+        # resolve relative filepaths with .blend path by default
+        if not filepath.is_absolute():
+            if bpy.data.filepath:
+                filepath = Path(bpy.data.filepath).parent / filepath
+            else:
+                operator.report({"ERROR"}, f'Couldn\'t resolve relative filepath "{filepath.as_posix()}"')
+                return {"CANCELLED"}
+
+        # holding ALT - open file directory
+        if event.alt == True:
+            # open directory
+            filepath = filepath.parent
+            if not filepath.exists():
+                operator.report({"ERROR"}, f'Cannot open non-existing directory: "{filepath.as_posix()}"')
+                return {"CANCELLED"}
+            open_file_or_folder(filepath.as_posix())
+            return {"PASS_THROUGH"}
+
+        # holding sHIFT - open file
+        if not filepath.exists():
+            operator.report({"ERROR"}, f'Cannot open non-existing file: "{filepath.as_posix()}"')
+            return {"CANCELLED"}
+        open_file_or_folder(filepath.as_posix())
+        return {"PASS_THROUGH"}
+
     class Modifier:
         @classmethod
         def is_eligible_for_railing_modifier(cls, obj):