If you are a designer or architect, chances are you have come across the need to transfer your models and materials from one software to another. One common scenario is exporting materials from Autodesk Revit to SketchUp. In this tutorial, we will explore the steps involved in this process.
Exporting Materials From Revit
Before we delve into the steps of exporting materials, it’s important to note that Revit uses a different material system compared to SketchUp. While Revit utilizes physical-based materials, SketchUp relies on texture-based materials. Therefore, the exported materials will be converted into textures during the transfer process.
Step 1: Prepare Your Revit Model
To ensure a smooth export process, it’s essential to properly organize and assign materials within your Revit model. Make sure all the necessary material assignments are completed and that each material has an associated texture map.
Step 2: Export as FBX
To export your model with its associated materials, navigate to the “File” menu in Revit and select “Export” > “FBX”. Choose an appropriate location for the exported file and give it a descriptive name. Ensure that the “Export 3D Views” option is selected.
Note: It’s crucial to use the FBX format as it supports both geometry and material information.
Step 3: Configure FBX Export Settings
In the FBX export settings dialog box, make sure that the following options are enabled:
- “Include Materials”: This option ensures that material information is included in the exported file.
- “Convert Textures to Render Appearance”: Enabling this option will convert Revit’s physical-based materials into SketchUp-compatible texture-based materials.
Keep the other settings at their default values unless you have specific requirements.
Step 4: Export and Save the FBX File
Click “OK” to initiate the export process. Revit will generate an FBX file that contains your model along with its associated materials. Save this file in a location that is easily accessible.
Importing Materials into SketchUp
Step 1: Open SketchUp
If you haven’t already, launch SketchUp on your computer. Ensure that you have a new or existing project open where you want to import the materials from Revit.
Step 2: Import the FBX File
To import the previously exported FBX file, go to “File” > “Import”. In the import dialog box, navigate to the location where you saved the FBX file and select it. Click “Import” to proceed.
Step 3: Configure Import Settings
In the import settings dialog box, make sure that the following options are enabled:
- “Merge Coplanar Faces”: Enabling this option will combine coplanar faces, reducing unnecessary geometry.
- “Preserve Drawing Origin”: This option ensures that your imported model retains its original position in relation to SketchUp’s coordinate system.
You can adjust other settings based on your preferences or project requirements.
Step 4: Inspect and Assign Materials
After importing, carefully inspect your model in SketchUp. Depending on the complexity of your Revit model, you may need to make further adjustments and corrections. Additionally, you may need to assign textures or tweak material properties manually in SketchUp.
Note: Despite the conversion process, it’s important to note that some materials may not transfer perfectly between Revit and SketchUp. Manual adjustments might be necessary to achieve the desired appearance.
Conclusion
Transferring materials from Revit to SketchUp is a multi-step process that involves exporting your model as an FBX file and then importing it into SketchUp. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can successfully transfer your materials while preserving their basic properties. Remember, though, that some manual adjustments may be required in SketchUp to achieve the desired result.
With these instructions at your disposal, you are now equipped to seamlessly export materials from Revit to SketchUp and continue your design journey without any hindrances.