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So, you have started the process of moving from AutoCAD to Revit, but you’re not sure how to manage the process of effectively converting your details in a reasonable time frame. In this blog we will discuss:

  • Methods to convert details from AutoCAD to Revit
  • Prerequisites to begin the process of converting details from AutoCAD to Revit
  • A plan of attack to convert large libraries for your entire MEP firm from AutoCAD to Revit.

Prerequisites

After making the decision to do your project work in Revit instead of AutoCAD, there are several standards that need to be created or imported. These are prerequisites that will satisfy that transition to convert details in AutoCAD into Revit details. Working with out-of-the-box Revit requires basic standard creation. Some elements that fall under these standards include:

  • Text styles
  • Line styles
  • Line types
  • Filled region types
  • Dimension styles
  • Leader types

Once your general annotation standards are created or imported into Revit, we can begin the process of converting details from AutoCAD to Revit.

Methods to Import AutoCAD Details

There are several methods you can use to convert AutoCAD details:

  • Import AutoCAD details and go through the converting process.
  • Link or import AutoCAD details and trace over existing details. Then, remove the AutoCAD link or import when finished.
  • My preferred method: Import AutoCAD details and convert them to Revit linework and text.

Recommended Method

When preparing to convert details, my recommendation is to create a separate model referred to as a sand box model to convert details:

This will resolve:

  • No AutoCAD layer line types in container model
  • No AutoCAD hatch types in container model
  • Less to purge out of your container model
  • Being able to redo what you may have messed up on

You will also want to:

  • Transfer annotation standards with the transfer project standards function in the manage tab
  • Organize your sand box model based on sub-discipline
  • Details that need additional work vs ones completed
  • Model organization
  • Be sure the scale from AutoCAD is accurate and follow the same scale in Revit

Create a container model that holds finished details per discipline.

This will resolve:

  • Searching for details in a large library of details
  • Each discipline will be responsible for maintaining their own container model
  • Everything in this container model will be ready to add to the project
  • Model will have a lighter file size because no AutoCAD import settings are left behind.

You will also want to:

  • Transfer annotation standards with the transfer project standards function in the manage tab
  • Organize container model by sub discipline and detail type
  • Create sheets and add standard details to sheets so the entire sheet can be transferred
  • Manage detail library based on project types, for instance:
    • If you are working on state projects that require standard details, but requires a different text size than your standard library of details
    • If you have details that are charts that only apply to a specific client or architectural firm

Joe Levija

Sr. MEP Technical Specialist

About Joe

Joe graduated in 2015 with an AS in drafting & design. He has a variety of experience working in AutoCAD and Revit throughout his career and while in school. He has worked professionally in MEP, Structural and Architectural firms, Electrical contractor as a VDC technician, VDC Manager in a design firm and for a manufacturer.

Within the MEP sector, he has experience in low voltage (telecom, audio visual, security camera, access control, paging and some fire alarm) as a lead drafter and power user while also assisting with project work and project setup for Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical/ HVAC. Within both structure and MEP design and MEP VDC, he has a large background in project setup, template creation and standard creation. As a power user for those industries, he has helped to move multiple companies from AutoCAD into Revit while setting standards and training current staff. His project background consists of local and state government project, Veterans Administration, healthcare, higher education, Arenas and Large venues, high rise buildings, skilled nursing facilities and commercial projects.

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