In this tutorial, we will learn how to export a 2D drawing from Autodesk Revit and import it into AutoCAD. This process can be useful when you need to share specific views or details with colleagues or clients who do not have access to Revit. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Open the View You Want to Export
First, open the Revit project and navigate to the view you want to export as a 2D drawing. This can be a floor plan, section, elevation, or any other view that you want to share.
Step 2: Customize the View for Export
If needed, customize the view for export by hiding unnecessary elements or adjusting visibility settings. This step is optional but can help simplify the exported drawing if there are elements that are not relevant.
Hiding Elements
To hide elements in Revit, select them and click on the “Hide in View” option in the properties palette. This will ensure that those elements are not included in the exported drawing.
Adjusting Visibility/Graphics Settings
You can also adjust visibility/graphics settings for specific categories of elements in your view. To do this, go to “Visibility/Graphics Overrides” under the “Graphics” tab. Here, you can control how individual elements are displayed in your view.
Step 3: Exporting as a DWG File
To export the view as a 2D drawing file compatible with AutoCAD, follow these steps:
- Select the “Export” option: Go to the “File” menu and choose “Export > CAD Formats > DWG.”
- Specify the export settings: In the Export dialog box, specify the desired settings such as file name, location, and version of AutoCAD compatibility.
- Select the view: In the “Export Range” section, choose “Current View Only” if you want to export only the active view. Alternatively, you can select “Selected Views/Sheets” to export multiple views or sheets at once.
- Adjust additional settings: If needed, you can tweak additional settings like layers, line weights, and colors in the “Options” tab of the Export dialog box.
- Click “OK”: Once you have set all your preferences, click “OK” to initiate the export process.
Step 4: Importing into AutoCAD
Now that you have exported the Revit view as a DWG file, let’s import it into AutoCAD:
- Open AutoCAD: Launch Autodesk AutoCAD on your computer.
- Select the correct template: Choose a template or create a new drawing based on your requirements.
- Import the DWG file: Go to the “Insert” tab and select “Import.” Locate and select the exported DWG file from Revit.
- Select insertion point and scale: In the Import dialog box, specify an insertion point for your drawing and choose an appropriate scale if required. Click “OK”.
- Your drawing is now imported!
Tips for Successful Export/Import
To ensure a smooth transition from Revit to AutoCAD, keep the following tips in mind:
- Check for updates and compatibility: Make sure you are using the latest versions of both Revit and AutoCAD to avoid any compatibility issues.
- Organize your views in Revit: Properly name and organize your views in Revit to make it easier to find and select the desired view during export.
- Review the exported drawing: After importing into AutoCAD, carefully review the drawing for any missing elements or discrepancies. Make necessary adjustments if required.
Conclusion
In this tutorial, we have learned how to export a 2D drawing from Revit and import it into AutoCAD. By following these steps, you can easily share specific views or details with colleagues or clients who do not have access to Revit.
Remember to customize your view, export as a DWG file, and import into AutoCAD for a successful transition. Happy exporting!