Importing CAD Files

You can import data from other CAD programs into a Revit model.

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

Insert tabImport panel (Import CAD)

Topics in this section

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 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 FormIt Files
Import a FormIt file into a model and use it to develop your design.
About Importing 3D Shapes
You can import 3D geometry from supported file formats and applications.
Import a CAD File
Open a Revit model, and use the Import CAD tool to import 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.
Video: Import a 3D Shape
Import 3D shapes using Rhino and SAT files.
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.
Import a FormIt File
Import a FormIt file to a Revit model when you want to use the conceptual FormIt model to develop the construction documentation set.
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.
Scaling for Imported CAD 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.
Limitations of SketchUp Data Imported to Revit
Revit treats the data imported from Trimble® SketchUp® as a complicated collection of geometry that may require more steps to manipulate. However, you can change the layer settings from Trimble® SketchUp® to improve the results.

Parent topic: Using Information from Other Applications

Importing CAD Files

Related Concepts

Related Information