Understanding the Export Process from Revit to AutoCAD
Exporting your Revit models to AutoCAD can be essential for collaboration, sharing designs, or creating construction documents. This article outlines the step-by-step process for efficiently exporting your Revit files to the AutoCAD format.
Preparation for Export
Before starting the export, ensure that the Revit project is well-organized. Review the views or sheets you want to export, and consider how you want to configure the export settings. Cleaning up unnecessary elements can also help streamline the final output.
Step-by-Step Export Process
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Open Your Revit Project:
Launch Revit and open the project file that you wish to export. -
Select Views or Sheets for Export:
Navigate to the views or sheets you want to include in your export. You can export individual views, multiple views, or entire sheets. -
Access the Export Options:
From the top menu, select the File tab. Under the export options, choose Export and then select CAD Formats. -
Choose Format:
In the dialog box, select your desired output format. Revit allows you to export to DWG or DWF formats, with DWG being the most common choice for AutoCAD users. -
Configure Export Settings:
After selecting the format, you’ll see the Modify DWG/DXF Export Setup dialog. Here you can set options like:- Layer Mapping: Customize how Revit categories translate into AutoCAD layers.
- Units & Coordinates: Specify the units of measurement and the basis for your coordinate system, ensuring that your model maintains accurate scale and positioning.
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Select Output Views:
If you’re exporting multiple views, find the section labeled Views/Sheets. You can select “In session views/sheet set,” which allows you to tick off the views you want to export. -
Export the File:
Once all settings are adjusted, click OK to finalize your choices. You’ll then need to specify a file name and location to save your exported DWG file. - Review Exported Files:
After the export is complete, navigate to the saved location, and open the DWG file in AutoCAD to verify that all elements have been successfully translated.
Additional Considerations
- Compatibility: Make sure that your Revit and AutoCAD versions are compatible to avoid issues in file translation.
- Check Elements: Some Revit elements may not export perfectly to AutoCAD. Take extra care to review the details and adjust anything that may have been omitted or altered in translation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I export only specific layers from Revit when exporting to AutoCAD?
Yes, you can customize which layers are exported by using the layer mapping options in the Modify DWG/DXF Export Setup dialog. This allows you to specify which Revit categories align with which AutoCAD layers.
2. What should I do if my exported AutoCAD file does not open correctly?
If the exported AutoCAD file does not open as expected, double-check your export settings in Revit. Ensure that you have selected the correct format and that all required views or sheets are included. If issues persist, consider exporting in a different format (like DWF) to troubleshoot.
3. Is it possible to export models with 3D elements from Revit to AutoCAD?
Yes, Revit allows you to export 3D models to AutoCAD. Ensure that you choose an appropriate view type, like a 3D view, during the export process to maintain the model’s three-dimensional characteristics in the DWG file.
