Understanding DWG Exporting in Revit
Revit is a powerful tool for Building Information Modeling (BIM), and one of its significant features is the ability to export drawings to various CAD formats, particularly DWG. This capability allows users to share their models with clients, engineers, and other stakeholders who may rely on AutoCAD for their work.
Steps to Export Revit Files to DWG Format
Open Revit Project: Launch Revit and open the project that contains the drawings or views you want to export.
Navigate to Export Options: Click on the “File” tab located in the upper left corner of the interface. Select "Export" from the drop-down menu, then choose “CAD Formats.”
Choose DWG or DXF: You will see options to export in either DWG or DXF format. Select “DWG” for standard AutoCAD compatibility.
Configure Export Settings: In the DWG Export dialog that opens, you will see an option labeled “Select Export Setup.” Here, you can choose an existing setup if one has been created or modify settings to fit your needs.
Select Views or Sheets: You can now choose which views or sheets you want to export. Whether it’s floor plans, elevations, sections, or 3D views, simply check the boxes next to the relevant items.
Finalize Export: Once you have selected the desired views, click “Next” to proceed. This will take you to a dialog where you can define the file name and destination for the exported DWG file.
- Complete the Process: After defining your file parameters, click “Export.” Your DWG will now be generated, ready for use in AutoCAD.
Exporting 2D Views from 3D Models
Revit is primarily a 3D modeling tool, and exporting a 2D representation requires a slightly different approach. Follow these steps for exporting a 2D plan:
Add the 3D View to a Sheet: Open the 3D view that you want to export. You will need to add this view onto a sheet by selecting "View" and then "Sheet."
- Export the Sheet View: With the sheet containing your 3D view active, go back to the "File" tab, select "Export," navigate to "CAD Formats," and choose “DWG.” This method ensures that what you export is a 2D representation of your model instead of a full 3D file.
Exporting Multiple DWG Files at Once
If you’re working on a large project with several views that need to be exported, Revit allows for batch exporting:
Open the Export Menu: As with the previous sections, start by navigating to “File,” then “Export,” and select “CAD Formats.”
Modify Export Options: Within the export dialog, look for an option labeled “In session views/sheet set." This allows you to choose multiple views for export.
Select Desired Views: You can now select which views to include in your export by ticking the boxes next to their names.
- Proceed with Export: Once your selections have been made, click “Next” to finalize your settings and then hit “Export.” All chosen views will be exported simultaneously to DWG format.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can Revit export 3D models directly to DWG?
Yes, Revit can export 3D models directly to DWG format. However, it’s essential to set your views appropriately to ensure the model exports as intended.
Q2: Are there specific settings I need to configure for a successful export?
Yes, configuring export settings is crucial. It impacts how elements are represented in AutoCAD. You can customize settings for layer mapping, object representation, and more in the Export Setup dialog.
Q3: Can I import DWG files into Revit?
Indeed, Revit supports the import of DWG files. This feature is beneficial when you want to use existing CAD drawings as references in your Revit project.
