To import an AutoCAD plan into Revit, you utilize the 'Import CAD' function found on the Insert tab, navigating to your file and setting the desired options during the process.
Importing existing CAD drawings into Revit is a fundamental step for many projects, allowing you to use the AutoCAD data as an underlay or starting point for your BIM model. The process is initiated through the 'Insert' tab in Revit.
Here are the exact steps to import your AutoCAD (.dwg) file into Revit, based on the standard procedure:
- Go to the Insert tab on the Revit ribbon.
- In the Import panel, click the (Import CAD) command. This opens the Import CAD Formats dialog box.
- In the dialog, find the Files of type dropdown menu. Select the desired file format, which is typically *DWG files (.dwg)** for AutoCAD plans.
- Navigate through the folders on your computer to locate the specific AutoCAD file you wish to import. Select the file once you've found it.
- Before clicking 'Open', it is critical to specify options. These settings control how the CAD data is brought into your Revit project. Key options include:
- Positioning: Determines how the CAD file is placed relative to the Revit model (e.g., Auto - Origin to Origin, Center to Center).
- Layers/Levels: Allows you to select which layers from the CAD file to import (All, Visible, or Specify which layers).
- Import Units: Ensures the units of the imported CAD file match the units of your Revit project (e.g., Inches, Feet, Auto-Detect).
- Placement: Often set to 'Current View Only' to place the CAD file only in the view where you are performing the import.
- Colors: How colors are displayed (e.g., Preserve, Black and White, Invert).
- After configuring the desired options, click Open.
The selected AutoCAD drawing will then be imported into your active Revit view according to the options you specified.
