Importing MicroStation Files into Revit: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding how to import MicroStation files into Revit can significantly enhance your workflow by bringing essential design data into your Building Information Modeling (BIM) environment. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do this effectively.
1. Preparing Your MicroStation File
Before attempting to import a DGN file from MicroStation to Revit, ensure your file is properly structured. Review the following steps:
- Clean Up Your DGN File: Remove any unnecessary layers or elements that aren’t needed in Revit. This will streamline the import process.
- Set Units and Scale: Ensure that the units used in the MicroStation file align with your Revit project settings. For example, if your Revit model is set to meters, the DGN file should be in meters as well.
2. Importing the MicroStation (DGN) File
Once your DGN file is ready, follow these steps to import it into Revit:
Open Revit: Start by launching the Revit application and either open an existing project or create a new one.
Access the Import/Link Options: Navigate to the "Insert" tab located on the ribbon interface at the top of the screen.
Choose the Import or Link Tool:
- If you’re looking to bring in a static representation without any updates, select “Import CAD.”
- If you would like to maintain a link to the original file so changes can be dynamically updated, choose “Link CAD.”
Select Your DGN File:
- Navigate through the file dialog to locate your DGN file.
- Consider checking the ‘DGN files’ option in the file type dropdown menu if it isn’t set by default.
Adjust Import Settings: In the settings dialog, you will have options for units, layering, and whether to import geometries as 3D solids. Adjust these settings according to your project requirements.
Position the Model: You will need to decide how to position the imported model in Revit. You can specify different positioning options such as "Auto-Center to Center" or "Place at Origin."
- Finalizing the Import: Click the “Open” button to complete the import process. After a brief loading period, your MicroStation model will appear in the Revit environment.
3. Post-Import Adjustments
After the import, it’s crucial to check the integrity of the imported data:
- Review the Model: Inspect the model visually to ensure that all components are present and correctly positioned.
- Adjust Visibility/Graphics Settings: If the imported elements are not displaying as expected, you may need to adjust the visibility/graphics settings. Go to the "View" tab and click on "Visibility/Graphics" to modify these settings accordingly.
FAQ
Q1: Can I directly edit the MicroStation files in Revit after importing?
No, Revit imports a copy of the DGN file. To edit the original design, you will need to make changes in MicroStation, then re-import or update the link in Revit.
Q2: What happens if my MicroStation model doesn’t appear correctly in Revit?
In case of issues, ensure that the layers are visible and correctly imported options were selected during importation. You may also want to check the scaling settings or the units used in your MicroStation file.
Q3: Is it possible to create new Revit elements using the imported MicroStation data?
Yes, once the MicroStation model is imported into Revit, you can use it as a reference to create new Revit elements. New components can be placed accurately in relation to the imported geometry.
