How Do I Open a Revit File in AutoCAD?

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Opening a Revit file in AutoCAD can be a useful skill for architects and designers who work with both software programs. While Revit is known for its 3D modeling capabilities and BIM (Building Information Modeling) features, AutoCAD is widely used for 2D drafting and design.

In this tutorial, we will explore the steps to open a Revit file in AutoCAD. So let’s get started!

Before diving into the process, it’s important to note that AutoCAD doesn’t have native support for opening Revit files directly. However, there are workarounds to achieve this. One way is to export the Revit file as an intermediate format such as DWG or DXF, which can then be opened in AutoCAD.

Step 1: Exporting the Revit File

To begin, open your Revit project in the Autodesk Revit software. Once you have your project open, follow these steps:

  1. Select the “File” tab from the top-left corner of the screen.
  2. Click on “Export” from the drop-down menu.
  3. A new window will appear with various export options. Choose either “DWG” or “DXF” as your export format.
  4. Specify the desired location where you want to save the exported file.
  5. Click on the “Save” button to start the export process.

Note: It’s recommended to use DWG format if you plan to preserve as much information from your Revit file as possible.

Step 2: Opening the Exported File in AutoCAD

Now that you have successfully exported your Revit file, it’s time to open it in AutoCAD. Follow these steps:

  1. Launch Autodesk AutoCAD on your computer.
  2. Go to the “File” tab in the top-left corner of the screen.
  3. Select “Open” from the drop-down menu.
  4. Navigate to the location where you saved the exported file in Step 1.
  5. Select the file and click on the “Open” button.

Note: Depending on the complexity of your Revit file, it may take some time for AutoCAD to open it. Be patient during this process.

Step 3: Exploring the Imported Revit Geometry

Once you have opened the exported Revit file in AutoCAD, you can start exploring and working with its geometry. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Layers: The exported Revit file will likely have various layers assigned to different elements. You can use AutoCAD’s layer management tools to control their visibility and appearance.
  • Blocks: Revit elements such as doors, windows, and furniture may be imported as blocks in AutoCAD.

    You can manipulate these blocks using AutoCAD’s editing tools.

  • Scaling: Depending on your units setting in both Revit and AutoCAD, you may need to scale the imported geometry appropriately. Ensure that your drawing units match between both software programs for accurate representation.

In Conclusion

In this tutorial, we learned how to open a Revit file in AutoCAD by exporting it as a DWG or DXF format first. While there is no direct method of opening a Revit file within AutoCAD, exporting allows us to transfer information between these two powerful software programs.

Note: It’s important to remember that exporting from one software to another may result in some loss of information or fidelity. It’s always a good idea to review the imported file in AutoCAD to ensure everything is accurately represented.

Now that you have the knowledge and steps required, you can easily open your Revit files in AutoCAD and continue working seamlessly across these two platforms.