Importing or Linking CAD Files

You can import or link data from other CAD programs into a Revit project.

Supported CAD formats include AutoCAD (DWG and DXF), MicroStation® (DGN), Trimble® SketchUp® (SKP and DWG), SAT, and 3DM (Rhinoceros®).

Insert tabImport panel (Import CAD)
Insert tabLink panel (Link CAD)

Topics in this section

About Importing or Linking CAD Files
If you have existing designs created using other CAD software, you can import or link them into a Revit project to use as a starting point for a building model.
About Imported Geometry
When you import a file, the format of the imported file may support varying qualities of geometry. These variations are caused by the file type, the export settings for the originating application, and the Revit import settings.
About Importing vs. Linking for Xrefs
Before using a DWG file that contains xrefs, consider whether you should import it or link it to a Revit project.
About Importing ACIS Objects
ACIS^® objects describe solids or trimmed surfaces. Revit supports the import of ACIS objects contained in DWG, DXF, DGN, and SAT files.
About Importing SketchUp Files
You can incorporate a Trimble® SketchUp® design into a Revit project to provide a starting point for the building model.
About Importing 3D Shapes
You can import 3D geometry from supported file formats and applications.
Import or Link CAD Files
Open a Revit project, and use the Import CAD or Link CAD tools to import or link vector data from other CAD programs.
Import a 3D Shape
Open a Revit project or family, and use the Import CAD tool to import 3D geometry from supported applications.
Import CAD Files Using i-drop
Revit supports the Autodesk i-drop® drag-and-drop feature. When i-drop objects are pulled from an i-drop–enabled web page, Revit downloads the file and imports it as if it were pulled from a local file.
Define Scaling for Imported DWG or DXF Files
For imported DWG and DXF files, you can specify the units of measure for the imported geometry, and define a scale factor to achieve the appropriate scale for the Revit project.
Define Line Weights for Imported DWG or DXF Files
When you import a DWG or DXF file, each layer in the file is assigned a line weight based on the pen number-line weight settings.
Map AutoCAD SHX Fonts to TrueType Fonts
When you import or link AutoCAD drawings to a Revit model, you can map the AutoCAD SHX fonts to TrueType fonts so they appear correctly in Revit.
Specify the Base Level for Imported Geometry
When you import geometry into all views, you can set the base level for it and specify a height offset from that level.
Explode Imported Geometry
When you import a drawing into Revit, you are importing all the elements, such as blocks and external references (xrefs) from the drawing. They are all contained inside an element called an import symbol.
Move a View-Specific Import to the Foreground or Background
You can move a view-specific import symbol between the foreground and the background of a view, with respect to model elements in the view.
Import and Link Options
When you import or link files to the Revit project, you can control many aspects of the process, such as colors, layers, and positioning.
Reposition a Revit Link
Reposition a linked Revit model after it is inserted.
Link a DWF Markup File
You can export a Revit sheet as a DWF file, mark it up electronically using software like Autodesk Design Review, then link the markups back into Revit to see the desired changes in the context of the project.
Modify a DWF Markup
If markups were created in Autodesk Design Review using its markup tools, you can modify the Status and Notes properties in Revit. This feature allows you to add information to the markup or maintain information about its status.
Import SketchUp Files
To incorporate a Trimble® SketchUp® design, import the SKP file into a Revit family. Then load the family into a Revit project.
Limitations of SketchUp Data Imported to Revit
Revit treats the data imported from Trimble® SketchUp® as a large block of geometry that resists being manipulated. However, you can change the layer settings from Trimble® SketchUp® to improve the results.

Parent topic: Using Information from Other Applications

Importing or Linking CAD Files

Related Concepts

Related Information