Importing Or Linking Cad Formats; Implications Of Importing Vs. Linking For Xrefs - Autodesk 24000-000000-9860 - Revit Architecture - PC User Manual

Mass instances require volumetric geometry to calculate volume, surface area, and floor area faces. See
Considerations for Imported Geometry in Mass or Generic Model Families
Massing Studies from Other Applications
You can import many different types of file formats into Revit Architecture. When you export a file from
the originating application for use with Revit Architecture, you can set a variety of export options. With
these many variations of file formats and export options, it is important to ensure that the exported file
provides the geometric data needed for the Revit Architecture capability that you plan to use. To optimize
results with various file formats, consult the documentation provided with the exporting applications.

Importing or Linking CAD Formats

Use File menu
2009 (DWG and DXF), MicroStation
supports importing most DGN surfaces and solids with the exceptions of cones, B-Spline surfaces, and
SmartSolids.
In addition to using the Import/Link command, you can import CAD files using drag-and-drop from
®
Windows
Using i-drop
You can mirror imported and linked CAD files. See
NOTE Revit Architecture imports ACIS solids from SAT files. SAT file formats later than version 7.0 do not import
into Revit Architecture. You should determine which version your solid modelling program is creating. Some solid
modelling products (such as form-Z
Snapping to Imported Geometry
Suppose that you import an AutoCAD 2009
walls in that drawing. As you place the cursor near the lines representing the walls, it can snap to the lines
or the midpoint between the lines.
Proxy Graphics from AutoCAD 2009 Files
Revit Architecture supports reading in proxy graphics from AutoCAD 2009 files. Proxy graphics are AutoCAD
2009's representations of AutoCAD Architecture objects. Unlike AutoCAD Architecture objects, proxy graphics
have no intelligence.
Proxy graphics can exist for many types of data in AutoCAD 2009, including Mechanical Desktop (MDT)
parts and AutoCAD 2009 Runtime eXtension (ARX) objects. If you set the Proxygraphics command to 1 in
AutoCAD 2009, Revit Architecture can then import ARX objects and AutoCAD Architecture objects (such
as walls and floors) in the DWG or DXF file.

Implications of Importing vs. Linking for Xrefs

Suppose you use AutoCAD to generate a DWG file that contains external references (xrefs). When you import
or link the DWG file, Revit Architecture displays the geometry from the nested xrefs. The decision to import
or link a file to a Revit project affects what you can do with the xref information:
If you import the file, you can explode the nested xrefs to Revit elements. However, if the xref file is
updated after the import, Revit Architecture will not automatically reflect changes to the xref file.
Import/Link to import or link vector data from other CAD programs such as AutoCAD
Explorer onto a model, drafting, or sheet view of Revit Architecture. See
on page 1308.
®
) create SAT file formats later than version 7.0 by default.
on page 555.
®
(DGN), SketchUp (SKP and DWG), and ACIS (SAT). Revit Architecture
Mirroring Elements
®
drawing into Revit Architecture and then want to trace over
on page 555 and
Importing CAD Files
on page 310.
Importing or Linking CAD Formats | 1307
Importing