Anyone using VIZ & linking Revit files?

[jwilhelm]

Im just curious if anyone is having any luck using VIZ with Revit models, does the linking of Revit files work? what kind of issues are you having, do you recommend VIZ as a high end rendering tool vs Accurender?

[mibzim]

i know a bunch of people that have done it quite successfully, but never tried it out myself. They are even teaching courses on this at uni here in Brisbane

[dhurtubise]

VIZ is a million time better then Accurender.
As for the Worksflow, simply export a 3D view to DWG then link that file in VIZ. Use VIZ to create material, lightning and camera. Render

VIZ or MAX do the same job

[greg.mcdowell]

Word of warning... your VIZ geeks are not going to love your model... Revit doesn't produce a render friendly model... way too many objects, polygons, etc.

It would be nice if there were a way to better control the output. Like if you could export glass as a single plane instead of a 6-sided box... or if you could automatically delete unseen faces...

[Arnel Aguel]

Revit works great with Viz the only problem we have is that model coming from Revit specially large project has huge amount of polycount that will slow down tremendeously when you are working the model in Viz to apply materials etc. Try to off objects that will not be seen in your rendering prior to exporting to DWG.

Try to avoid bringing in circular railings from Revit into Viz as this will give you millions of polycount in your Viz model.

[Tom Dorner]

The Autodesk store now sells a training DVD on how to use Viz to render Revit output.

http://estore.autodesk.com/dr/v2/ec_Main.Entry17C?SID=19515&SP=10023&CID=0&PID=847446&PN=1&V1=847446&V2=&V3=&V4=&V5=11033743&CUR=840&DSP=&PGRP=0&ABCODE=&CACHE_ID=0

(If the above link doesn't work, go to http://estore.autodesk.com and select "Learning & Training" "Media & Entertainment" then under Viz choose "SUPERIOR RENDERINGS: AUTODESK VIZ FOR AEC USERS"

I ordered it and should get it this weekend. I'll post a review when I get a chance.

[dhurtubise]

I personnally never had an issue with polygon and else.
The way i do it, is that the first time i link the model i create Selection Set based on materials. That takes me a few mins. Then i'm all set. And it's easy to find the stuff since the OOTB export of Revit uses Revit object name to export.
I've attached an image (the whole process too about 45 mins to create). It was done using my trial version of VRay. BTW, i'm hook to that VRay

[Andre Baros]

The Autodesk store now sells a training DVD on how to use Viz to render Revit output.

http://estore.autodesk.com/dr/v2/ec_Main.Entry17C?SID=19515&SP=10023&CID=0&PID=847446&PN=1&V1=847446&V2=&V3=&V4=&V5=11033743&CUR=840&DSP=&PGRP=0&ABCODE=&CACHE_ID=0

(If the above link doesn't work, go to http://estore.autodesk.com and select "Learning & Training" "Media & Entertainment" then under Viz choose "SUPERIOR RENDERINGS: AUTODESK VIZ FOR AEC USERS"

I ordered it and should get it this weekend. I'll post a review when I get a chance.

Please do, I'm most curious if it has any advice on cleaning up files efficiently and working with substituted instances of VIZ objects for Revit objects.

[Tom Dorner]

Andre and all interested,

I received my DVD yesterday and watched it last night. I would say that what is covered is the very basics of using Viz with either Revit, ADT or AutoCAD which if you are like me just starting off on the Viz learning curve is exactly what is needed.

If you are already using Viz and looking for more advanced techniques, then this DVD is probably not for you.

The export process from Revit to Viz is straight forward and there are really no options as far as I can tell to reduce the polygon count. Using the Viz link manager allows for updating the CAD export and Viz picking up the changes like an xref.

They give you some sample files to play with and overall I feel I got my $29.95 worth considering what a basic instructor led Viz basics class would cost.

HTH

[dhurtubise]

Thanks a lot for taking the time to share, it's really appreciated i'm sure. And you just saved me 30$, so i owe you a beer now.
Thanks again