How To Bring AutoCAD Into Revit?

Importing AutoCAD into Revit: A Step-by-Step Guide

Integrating AutoCAD drawings into Revit can enhance your workflow, enabling the use of existing designs as a foundation for Building Information Modeling (BIM). Below is a detailed guide on how to bring AutoCAD into Revit.

Step 1: Preparing Your AutoCAD File

Before importing, ensure the AutoCAD file is well-prepared:

1. Clean Up the Drawing: Remove any unnecessary layers or elements to minimize clutter.
2. Check Units: Make sure that the units in AutoCAD match those in Revit to avoid scaling issues.
3. Save the File: Save your AutoCAD drawing in a compatible format, such as DWG, which Revit can read.

Step 2: Importing the AutoCAD File into Revit

1. Open Revit: Launch Revit and open the project or family where you wish to import the AutoCAD drawing.

2. Navigate to Insert Tab: Go to the top menu and click on the Insert tab.

3. Choose Import CAD: In the Import panel, select Import CAD.

4. Select Your File: A dialog box will appear. Choose the AutoCAD file (DWG) you want to import.

5. Configure Import Settings:

   • Select the appropriate Files of Type from the dropdown (e.g., DWG).
   • Set the Colors option according to your preference (Black and White, or Preserve).
   • Adjust the Positioning if necessary, either using AutoCAD coordinates or Revit’s internal coordinates.

6. Import the File: Click Open to start the import process.

Step 3: Positioning and Adjustments

1. Align Elements: Use the alignment tools in Revit to correctly position the imported elements within your project.

2. Adjust Visibility: Make any adjustments to visibility settings if some layers are not appearing as desired. Check the visibility/graphics settings to ensure the layers are turned on.

3. Edit Imported Elements: If required, convert the imported DWG entities into Revit elements for further modeling. You may need to trace over imported lines to create Revit-specific elements.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Imported CAD Not Displaying

If the CAD file appears to be missing:

1. Check the Scale: Sometimes, the scale may be so large or small that the elements are outside the visible area.

2. Review CAD References: Linked CAD files may reference a 0, 0, 0 coordinate system. Ensure that your model’s coordinates align properly.

3. Verify File Integrity: Ensure the DWG file isn’t corrupted by opening it directly in AutoCAD.

FAQ

1. Can I copy and paste elements directly from AutoCAD to Revit?
Yes, you can highlight the desired elements in AutoCAD, use “Ctrl+C” to copy them, and then in Revit, paste them using “Ctrl+V”. Be aware that the formatting might need adjustments post-paste.

2. What file formats can Revit import apart from DWG?
Revit supports several file formats such as DXF, DGN, IFC, SAT, and SKP among others. Make sure you choose the right format based on your needs.

3. Is it possible to convert 3D AutoCAD geometry into Revit families?
Yes, you can use specific tools or plugins (like CAD to RFA from PowerPack for Revit) to convert 3D AutoCAD solids into Revit families efficiently. This can facilitate further modeling and design processes.