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.

You can explode (disassemble) the import symbol into its next highest level elements: nested import symbols. This is a partial explode. A partial explode of an import symbol yields more import symbols, which, in turn, can be exploded into either elements or other import symbols. This is analogous to exploding in AutoCAD with nested xrefs and blocks. For example, you explode an xref into other xrefs and blocks. Those xrefs and blocks can, in turn, be exploded into more blocks and xrefs.

You can also explode the import symbol immediately into Revit text, curves, lines, and filled regions. This is a full explode.

Note: You cannot explode linked files or an import symbol that would yield more than 10,000 elements.

Exploding Sketchup geometry

Because of the way Sketchup files are imported into Revit, they behave differently when exploded. The model will have to be exploded twice to effect a visible change.

To explode imported geometry

1. Select the import symbol.
2. Click Modify | <File Name> tabImport Instance panelExplode drop-down (Partial Explode) or (Full Explode).

To explode 3D form geometry in the Family Editor

You can explode imported solid (not polymesh) geometry in the Family Editor environment.

1. Select the import symbol.
2. Click Modify | Imports in Families tabImport Instance panelExplode drop-down (Partial Explode) or (Full Explode).
   The 3D solids are now preserved as free form elements.

   Note: The 3D solid must be "watertight" to create a free form element. When a non-watertight 3D element is exploded, surfaces are created.
   

   You can adjust their position with the shape handles on planar faces. Use the free form elements to cut and join geometry.

Resulting partial explode import symbols can be exploded again by selecting them and clicking Partial Explode. You can continue to do this until all import symbols are converted to Revit elements.