Can You Export From Revit to SketchUp?
Revit and SketchUp are both popular software tools used in the architecture and design industry. While Revit is known for its powerful 3D modeling capabilities, SketchUp offers a more intuitive and user-friendly approach to 3D design.
Many professionals often find themselves needing to transfer their designs from Revit to SketchUp or vice versa. In this article, we will explore the process of exporting from Revit to SketchUp.
Exporting from Revit
If you have a design created in Revit and want to use it in SketchUp, you will need to export it in a format that is compatible with SketchUp. Fortunately, Revit provides options for exporting files in various formats.
STEP 1: Prepare your Model
Before you export your model, make sure it is properly cleaned up and organized. This step is crucial as it helps avoid any issues during the export process.
- Clean Up: Remove any unnecessary elements, such as temporary lines or construction geometry.
- Organize: Group objects together and assign appropriate materials and layers for easy manipulation in SketchUp.
STEP 2: Export Options
In Revit, go to the “File” menu and select “Export”. A dialog box will appear with various export options.
- Select Format: Choose the format that is compatible with SketchUp. The most common format is “.DWG“.
- DWG Options: Click on the “Options” button to access additional export settings.
STEP 3: Adjust Export Settings
When the DWG Export Options dialog box appears, you can customize the export settings to ensure a smooth transition to SketchUp.
- Export 2D Views: If you want to include 2D views, check the corresponding box. This is useful if you have detailed floor plans or elevations that you want to import into SketchUp.
- Preserve Model Origin: Keep this option checked to maintain the model’s original position in SketchUp.
- Export Patterns: If your Revit model includes custom patterns or hatches, enable this option to preserve them in SketchUp.
Importing into SketchUp
Once you have exported your Revit file, it’s time to import it into SketchUp. Follow these steps:
STEP 1: Open SketchUp and Create a New File
In SketchUp, go to “File” and select “New”. This will open a new blank document where you can import your Revit file.
STEP 2: Import the DWG File
In SketchUp, go to the “File” menu again and select “Import”. Locate the exported DWG file from Revit and click “Open”.
STEP 3: Adjust Import Settings (Optional)
If necessary, you can adjust the import settings based on your preferences. For example, you can choose whether to merge imported layers or preserve line weights.
STEP 4: Scale and Position
After importing, you may need to scale and position the model to fit your SketchUp workspace. Use SketchUp’s navigation tools and the “Scale” tool to adjust the size and position of your imported Revit model.
Note: Depending on the complexity of your Revit model, the import process may take some time. Be patient and allow SketchUp to complete the import successfully.
Conclusion
Transferring designs from Revit to SketchUp is possible through the export and import process. By following these steps, you can seamlessly move your models between these two powerful software tools.
Remember to clean up and organize your Revit model before exporting, and make any necessary adjustments during the import process in SketchUp. With a little practice, you’ll be able to utilize both Revit’s precision and SketchUp’s flexibility in your design workflow.