Can You Import SketchUp Into Revit Family?

Can You Import SketchUp Into Revit Family?

If you are working with both SketchUp and Revit, you may have wondered if it is possible to import your SketchUp models into a Revit family. The good news is, yes, you can! In this tutorial, we will walk you through the steps to import your SketchUp models into a Revit family.

Step 1: Exporting Your SketchUp Model

The first step is to export your SketchUp model in a format that Revit can recognize. To do this, follow these simple steps:

  1. Open your SketchUp model.
  2. Navigate to the File menu and select Export.
  3. Choose a file format that is compatible with Revit, such as DWG or FBX.
  4. Select the appropriate options for the export, such as units and layers.
  5. Click on the Export button to save your model in the desired format.

Step 2: Importing Your SketchUp Model into a Revit Family

Now that you have exported your SketchUp model, it’s time to import it into a Revit family. Here’s how:

  1. Open your Revit project and navigate to the Family Editor.
  2. Create a new family or open an existing one where you want to import your SketchUp model.
  3. Navigate to the Insert tab and click on the Import CAD button.
  4. Browse to the location where you saved your exported SketchUp model and select it.
  5. Click on the Open button to import your SketchUp model into the Revit family.
  6. Adjust the imported model as needed using Revit’s tools and features.

Step 3: Saving Your Revit Family with the Imported SketchUp Model

Once you have imported your SketchUp model into the Revit family, it’s important to save your work. Follow these steps to save your Revit family:

  1. Navigate to the File menu and select Save As.
  2. Choose a location on your computer where you want to save your Revit family.
  3. Name your file and select a file format for saving (e.g., RFA).
  4. Click on the Save button to save your Revit family with the imported SketchUp model.

Tips for a Successful Import

To ensure a successful import of your SketchUp model into a Revit family, keep in mind these tips:

  • Clean up your SketchUp model before exporting by removing unnecessary elements or components.
  • Avoid using complex materials or textures that may not translate well in Revit.
  • Prioritize simplicity and efficiency in modeling techniques for better compatibility with Revit’s parametric features.
  • Test the imported model in Revit to verify that all elements are intact and functioning as expected.

With these steps and tips in mind, you can now confidently import your SketchUp models into Revit families. This integration between the two software tools opens up new possibilities for your design workflow and allows you to leverage the strengths of both SketchUp and Revit.