How to Import AutoCAD Files into Revit

Edited 3 days ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Revit, a software from Autodesk, is a leader in building information modeling (BIM). It is used by architects, engineers, and construction professionals to design buildings and infrastructure. AutoCAD, another software from Autodesk, is commonly used to create precise 2D and 3D drawings. Often, projects begin in AutoCAD because of its robust drawing and detailing capabilities, but they are later moved to Revit to take advantage of its BIM features. Importing AutoCAD files into Revit can streamline the transition from design to modeling. This detailed guide will walk you through the steps needed to complete this task.

Understanding the basics

Before you import, it's important to understand what format you'll be dealing with. AutoCAD typically uses the .dwg file format. When you want to bring a drawing into Revit, you need to make sure it's saved in a compatible format, which typically means using a DWG file. Revit can import a variety of formats, but DWG is most commonly used because of its compatibility.

Preparing your AutoCAD file for import

Preparation is key to ensuring a smooth import process. Here is a checklist for preparing your AutoCAD drawing:

1. Clean up your drawing: Remove unnecessary layers, blocks, annotations, and objects. Turn off any layers you don't want on import. This makes the file lighter and more focused.
2. Check for errors: Use the Audit command in AutoCAD to check for and fix drawing errors that could cause problems later.
3. Ensure compatibility: Save the DWG file in a version that is compatible with your version of Revit. Generally, it is safe to save it in version 2013 or later.
4. Coordinate System: Make sure your file is set to the correct coordinate system. Revit will place your imported file based on the origin point in AutoCAD, so make sure it is positioned correctly.

Steps to import AutoCAD files into Revit

Once your DWG file is ready, follow these steps to import it into Revit:

1. Open your Revit project

Open the Revit project where you want to import the DWG file. If you are starting a new Revit project for import, set up your project according to the specifications of the building or infrastructure you are working on.

2. Use the Insert tab

Go to the Insert tab on the Revit ribbon. This is your primary source for importing and managing links.

3. Select Import CAD

Click on Import CAD from the dropdown list. A dialog box will open asking you to select your DWG file.

4. Configure the import settings

The Import CAD dialog box lets you configure several settings:

• File Type: Make sure DWG is selected.
• Color: Choose from "Invert", "Preserve", or "Black and White" depending on your preference for how colors appear in Revit.
• Layers: Decide which layers you want to import (All, Visible, or Specify).
• Positioning: You can choose options such as "Auto - Origin to Origin," "Auto - Center to Center," or "Manual." Origin to Origin is usually best if your coordinates are aligned.
• Current View Only: Check this option if you want the import to appear only in the current view.

Once you have made the desired selections, click “Open” to start the import process.

5. Adjust import units

Make sure the units in Revit match the units used in your AutoCAD drawing. You can adjust these in the Import Units section of the dialog box. Correct unit settings are critical to accurately scaling your drawing in Revit.

6. Manage imported layers

After import, you may need to manage layers that were introduced during the import process. Go to the "Manage" tab, then "Object Styles". Under the Imported Objects tab, you can control the visibility, line weight, and display of these layers.

Linking vs. Importing

It is important to understand the difference between linking and importing:

• Import: Brings a static copy of the DWG file into Revit. Changes made to the original DWG will not be visible in Revit unless it is re-imported.
• Linking: Provides a dynamic link to the DWG file. Updates to the DWG file will automatically update in Revit. Use Link CAD instead of Import CAD if you prefer this option.

Handling post-import adjustments

Once imported, you may need to make further adjustments:

• Move or Rotate: If you need to adjust the position of imported geometry, use the Move or Rotate tools in Revit.
• Visibility settings: Control what's visible by managing the view template or turning on/off specific layers in the scene.
• Using Masks: Apply masking areas if certain parts of the import need to be hidden for clarity.

Troubleshooting common problems

You may encounter some problems during import. Here are solutions to the most common problems:

• Scaling issues: Incorrect scaling usually comes from mismatched units. Double-check that both file units are set correctly.
• Missing elements: If elements are missing, make sure they were on visible layers during import, and verify that no errors occurred during file preparation.
• Performance lag: Large imports can slow down performance. Streamline the file by reducing complexity and cleaning up unnecessary elements.

Benefits of importing AutoCAD files into Revit

• Advanced modeling: Bring detailed designs from AutoCAD into Revit, enabling more comprehensive 3D modeling in a BIM environment.
• Collaboration: Facilitate better collaboration between design and construction teams by integrating AutoCAD details into Revit’s broader project scope.
• Accuracy and precision: Maintain drawing accuracy and take advantage of the precise detailing inherent in AutoCAD within Revit projects.
• Streamlining workflow: Integrate detailed CAD drawings into Revit without the need to recreate the design, saving time and effort.

Conclusion

Importing AutoCAD files into Revit is a scalable solution for architects and construction professionals who want to take advantage of detailed designs in a BIM environment. By following the preparation steps and understanding the functionalities of both importing and linking, you can efficiently enrich a Revit project with accurate CAD details. It is important to approach the process systematically, ensuring that entities are aligned, potential errors are addressed, and file settings are optimized for best integration results. Equipped with the outlined processes and troubleshooting strategies, you can streamline the transition between these two powerful design and modeling platforms.

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