Importing SketchUp files into Revit can be a useful workflow when you want to take advantage of the modeling capabilities in SketchUp and the documentation and collaboration features in Revit. In this tutorial, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of importing SketchUp models into Revit.
Step 1: Preparing your SketchUp model
Before you import your SketchUp model into Revit, it’s essential to ensure that your model is properly prepared. Here are a few things to consider:
- Clean up your model: Remove any unnecessary elements or components from your SketchUp model that are not relevant to the final Revit project.
- Organize your layers: It’s crucial to have a well-organized layer structure in your SketchUp model.
Consider grouping components on separate layers for easy manipulation in Revit.
- Check for errors: Run a validation check on your SketchUp model using the built-in tools or third-party extensions. Fix any errors or issues before proceeding with the import.
Step 2: Exporting your SketchUp model
To import your SketchUp model into Revit, you first need to export it as an appropriate file format. Follow these steps:
- Select the desired geometry: In SketchUp, use the selection tools to choose which parts of the model you want to export.
You can select individual components or groups.
- Navigate to File > Export > 3D Model: Choose the file format that is compatible with Revit, such as .dwg or .skp. Make sure to specify a location for the exported file.
- Adjust export settings: Depending on the file format you choose, you may have additional export settings to adjust. Ensure that the settings are suitable for your project requirements.
- Click Export: Once you’ve set up the export options, click the Export button to generate the file.
Step 3: Importing into Revit
Now that you have your SketchUp model exported, it’s time to import it into Revit. Here’s how:
- Open your Revit project: Launch Revit and open the project where you want to import the SketchUp model.
- Navigate to Insert > Import CAD: In Revit, go to the Insert tab and click on Import CAD.
This will open a dialog box for importing CAD files.
- Select your exported file: Browse for the exported SketchUp file (.skp) and select it from your computer.
- Review import options: In the import settings dialog box, make sure to review and adjust import options as needed. Pay attention to units, layers, and positioning settings.
- Click Open: Once you’re satisfied with the import settings, click Open to initiate the import process.
Tips and Tricks
In addition to following these steps, here are a few tips and tricks to enhance your workflow when importing SketchUp into Revit:
Create a reference model
If you plan on making changes or updates to your SketchUp model after importing it into Revit, it’s a good practice to create a reference model. This allows you to link the SketchUp file to your Revit project, making it easier to update the model when changes occur.
Use the correct units
Ensuring that you use the correct units during export and import is crucial for maintaining accurate dimensions in your Revit project. Pay attention to unit settings in both SketchUp and Revit to avoid scaling or measurement issues.
Consider using third-party plugins
Revit offers various plugins that can enhance the import process and improve compatibility with SketchUp files. Explore options like “Import from SketchUp” or “SketchUp Importer” plugins for additional features and functionality.
By following these steps and utilizing best practices, you can successfully import your SketchUp models into Revit and leverage the strengths of both software platforms. Remember to always review your imported model in Revit and make necessary adjustments for a seamless integration into your project.