How to Import CAD Floor Plan into Revit?

Understanding the Process of Importing a CAD Floor Plan into Revit

Importing a CAD floor plan into Revit is a valuable process that allows architects and designers to leverage existing CAD designs and integrate them into their Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflow. To successfully import a CAD file, it’s essential to follow a structured process that ensures accuracy and efficiency.

Step-by-Step Guide to Importing CAD Files

Step 1: Prepare the CAD File

Before importing, it’s crucial to prepare your CAD file. Open the CAD software and make sure the floor plan is properly organized:

1. Clean Up the Drawing: Remove any unnecessary layers or elements that could complicate the import process. Retain only the relevant details you wish to bring into Revit.
2. Adjust the Units: Ensure the units used in the CAD file are compatible with Revit’s settings, as scale discrepancies can lead to confusion once imported.
3. Simplify Geometry: Avoid complex shapes or excessive details that might not translate well into Revit.

Step 2: Open Revit and Create a New Project

Launch Revit and open or create the project where you want to import the CAD file:

1. Access the New Project Dialog: If starting fresh, select “New” and choose a template based on your project needs.
2. Set the Project Location and Units: Navigate to the “Manage” tab to ensure that the project settings align with those in your CAD file.

Step 3: Import the CAD Floor Plan

With your project prepared, you can now import the CAD file:

1. Navigate to the Insert Tab: Click on the “Insert” tab located on the Ribbon.
2. Select Import CAD: From the options available, click on “Import CAD.” A dialog box will appear.
3. Locate and Choose Your File: Browse your directories to find the prepared CAD floor plan file, typically .dwg or .dxf format.
4. Set Import Options: Before confirming the import:
   • Positioning: Choose how you want the file to be positioned upon import (e.g., origin to origin).
   • Scale: Ensure the scaling settings match the CAD file’s dimensions.
   • Layer Options: If required, you can customize which layers of the CAD file to import.

Step 4: Finish the Import

After selecting your preferences and confirming the import:

1. Place the CAD File: Once imported, the CAD drawing should appear in the drawing area. You may need to adjust its position or scale based on your project setup.
2. Lock the CAD Layer: It might be advisable to lock the imported layers to prevent accidental modifications in the Revit environment.

Step 5: Verify and Adjust the Import

After importing:

• Verify Visibility: Check if all necessary elements are visible. If some components are hidden, adjust the view settings accordingly.
• Modify as Necessary: Utilize Revit’s editing tools to make any required modifications to the imported CAD geometry.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Here are some potential problems one might encounter while importing and their solutions:

• CAD File Not Showing: If your CAD file doesn’t appear:
  • Check for excessive distances from the origin which may push it out of the visible area. Utilize the “Zoom Extents” feature to locate it.
• Import Scale Issues: Should the geometry look off-scale, return to the import options and reassess the scaling settings based on your Revit project’s units.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I edit the imported CAD file in Revit?

No, the imported CAD file is not editable in Revit as it becomes a static part of the Revit model. You will need to make edits to the original CAD file and re-import it if changes are required.

2. What file types can I import into Revit?

Revit supports several file formats for import, including DWG, DXF (both from AutoCAD), DGN (from MicroStation), and also supports various image formats like BMP and PNG in certain contexts.

3. What is the difference between linking and importing a CAD file in Revit?

Linking a CAD file allows you to retain a reference to the external file, meaning updates to the CAD file are reflected in Revit. In contrast, importing a CAD file embeds it directly into the Revit model, severing any connection with the original file and preventing updates.