Using CAD with Revit

There are a few best practices for using CAD with Revit that everyone should observe. When working with CAD keep in mind the simple fact that most CAD files contain layers of information that we do not need in our models.

For files to be used as reference for modeling, always clean up the file in CAD before importing into Revit. Keep only the information that is needed for the model; discard everything else.

Always use Link CAD  (not Import) for files that are used as temporary reference for modeling.

Always use ‘Current view only’ when linking or importing.

If you wish to use the same imported data in more than one view, use Copy/Paste – do not import another instance.

CAD files may also be imported, exploded, and converted into Revit details or 2D symbols.

After exploding, all lines must be converted to native Revit line styles. Use ‘Convert Lines’ to change 3D model lines to 2D symbolic lines.

To avoid loading up your project with useless data that still must be managed, always do this work in a separate project file. Copy/paste or load the finished work into your Revit project file.