Steps to Overlay CAD Drawings in Revit
Overlaying CAD drawings in Revit involves a series of straightforward steps that enable you to combine multiple files for an integrated view. This guide will outline how to successfully overlay CAD drawings, ensuring clarity and accuracy in your projects.
1. Prepare Your Workspace
Before inserting any CAD drawings, ensure that you have set up your Revit workspace. Open the Revit project where you want to overlay the drawings. Familiarize yourself with the interface and locate the Insert tab, as this will be your starting point for importing the CAD files.
2. Access the Import Function
Navigate to the Insert tab located on the ribbon. Here, you will find the Import panel. Click on the option labeled Import CAD, which allows you to bring in CAD files to your project.
3. Select the CAD File
A dialog box will appear prompting you to select the CAD file you wish to overlay. Locate the desired file on your computer. Be sure to select the correct file type from the dropdown menu if necessary. Once you have chosen the file, click Open.
4. Configure Import Settings
Once you open the CAD file, the Import CAD dialog box will display various settings. Here, you can adjust parameters such as:
- Insertion Point: Decide if Revit should auto-position the drawing based on the 0,0 point or if you want to place it manually.
- Scale: Ensure the drawing is scaled appropriately for your project—adjust the values if needed.
- Rotation: If the drawing needs to be rotated to align with your project, set the rotation angle accordingly.
Select the option for Overlay in the Reference Type section to ensure the drawing will not affect the current view of other elements.
5. Place the Drawing
After configuring your settings, click OK to place the CAD drawing in your Revit workspace. The overlay will now appear, allowing you to move, scale, or modify it as needed. Check that the alignment and visibility meet your project requirements.
6. Managing Overlays
Once the CAD overlay is in place, you can manage its visibility and properties through the Properties palette. You can also right-click on the drawing to access additional options such as renaming, modifying properties, or deleting the overlay if it no longer fits your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I overlay multiple CAD drawings in Revit?
Yes, Revit allows you to overlay multiple CAD drawings. You can repeat the process for each drawing file you want to include in your project. Ensure you manage their layers and visibility settings for clarity.
2. What file formats can I overlay in Revit?
Revit supports several formats for overlaying CAD files, including DWG, DXF, and DGN. Make sure your files are compatible and properly formatted before importing.
3. Will the overlay affect my model elements?
Using the overlay option prevents the CAD file from interfering with the model elements in Revit. It allows the CAD drawings to be visible without becoming part of the project’s permanent structure.
