Sketchup & Revit

[tbarnesarc]

We just bought SketchUp 4 for the office. I was wondering if anyone was using it with Revit models? If so what is the best way to get a Revit Model into SketchUp? Any tips would help.

[Dimitri Harvalias]

You can easily bring a Revit model into Sketchup by exporting any 3D view in Revit to DXF or DWG. The only problem is that EVERYTING is exported. So, if your Revit model is complex be prepared to wait a while and deal with some glitches. You might try experimenting with cutting and pasting various parts of your Revit model into new files so it only shows exterior walls for instance.
Sketchup is still a phenomenal piece of software that does what it does exceptionally well and, IMHO, the best bargain out there for conceptual 3D modelers.

[dg]

I export the model as a 3d dwg, and then import the dwg into Sketchup. The only problem is that you end up with 1000's of faces and lines and Sketchup grinds to a halt. I work on mainly domestic homes, so my models are not that big either.

I posted a query on the Sketchup forum, and Jim from @Last confirmed it was the sheer number of faces/lines that was the problem.

What I do is either export the model and then delete all internal walls, components etc that I don't need and just work on external views. If I need internal views, its quicker to just replace them in Sketchup
Alternatively it is sometimes much quicker to export a 2d floor plan and then pull the model from this in Sketchup.

[tbarnesarc]

Thanks for the replies! I am messing with SketchUp as we speak. I have found that it is initially laborious to apply materials to the model but easy to change them once applied. I wish they come out with a plug-in for Revit that would maintain materials via an ACAD file or other type. I guess we will have to wait and see if and/or when that happens.

[barathd]

Taylor:

I do something a little different. I make items in Sketchup and bring them into Revit. I just did a kitchen island today. I am not interested in rendering the view so materials were not a concern. Very quick and efficent. Sketchup is a wonderfully simple program - Revit is like a big brother.

Regards

[Simon.Whitbread]

If you are concentrating on the exterior, using the Visibility/Graphics Overrides for Worksets and Model categories. That way you can export a 3D model of the exterior only.