How Do You Edit a Revit Model in SketchUp?

Are you a professional architect or designer who uses both Autodesk Revit and SketchUp for your projects? If so, you may have encountered situations where you needed to edit a Revit model in SketchUp. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of editing a Revit model in SketchUp, step by step.

Step 1: Exporting the Revit Model

To begin the process, you need to export your Revit model as a compatible file format that can be imported into SketchUp. The recommended file format for exporting from Revit is the Autodesk Exchange Format (FBX). This format preserves most of the geometry, materials, and textures of the original model.

Step 2: Importing the Model into SketchUp

Once you have exported your Revit model as an FBX file, open SketchUp and go to “File > Import”. Browse for the exported FBX file on your computer and click “Import”. Make sure to choose the correct options during import to ensure a smooth transition between the two software platforms.

Step 3: Exploring and Familiarizing with the Imported Model

After importing the Revit model into SketchUp, take some time to navigate and familiarize yourself with it. Use SketchUp’s navigation tools such as orbit, pan, and zoom to explore different parts of the model. This will help you understand its structure and components before making any edits.

Step 4: Making Edits in SketchUp

Now comes the exciting part – making edits in SketchUp! You can use various tools provided by SketchUp to modify your imported Revit model. Some commonly used tools include:

  • Move Tool: This tool allows you to move individual objects or groups of objects within the model.
  • Push/Pull Tool: Use this tool to extrude or push/pull faces, edges, or any other parts of the model.
  • Eraser Tool: The eraser tool allows you to delete unwanted geometry from the model.
  • Paint Bucket Tool: This tool lets you apply materials and textures to different surfaces of the model.

Step 5: Exporting the Edited Model

Once you have made all the necessary edits in SketchUp, it’s time to export your modified model. Go to “File > Export”, choose a suitable file format (such as .skp), and save it on your computer. This exported file can be imported back into Revit if needed, or used independently in other applications.

Congratulations! You have successfully edited a Revit model in SketchUp. By leveraging the power of both software platforms, you can enhance your design workflow and create stunning architectural visualizations.

Remember that this tutorial provides a general overview of the process. Depending on the complexity of your Revit model and specific editing requirements, additional steps or considerations may be necessary. Experiment with different tools and techniques in SketchUp to achieve your desired results.

We hope this tutorial has been helpful in guiding you through the process of editing a Revit model in SketchUp. Happy designing!