How to get a revit model into Fusion 360?

[Anonymous]

Since they're both Autodesk apps, you'd think it would be easy, but I can't seem to upload revit designs.

[Anonymous]

Did some more reading up on this.  Apparently Revit models can't even talk to each other from one version to the next.  How pathetic.  Looks like I'll need to install a trial of revit to export it into dwg or similar, then import that.

[innovatenate · Accepted solution]

I did a quick test and it looks like you will need Revit to export to a DWG format. A360 and A360 Drive cannot export an RFA file into another format.

There are a log of different options when exporting. The AU class below may be helpful to reference.

http://au.autodesk.com/au-online/classes-on-demand/class-catalog/2013/revit-for-mep-engineers/mp1654...

I hope that helps.

[Anonymous]

Worked great ... had to use the downloaded program.   Lost all the texture (windows were opaque for example), but not sure there were any to start with.  Actually I think the surface stuff should have been preserved since it was Revit ... maintaining such parameters is what revit is all about.  Anyway.  Thanks for the help.  Incidentally that link didn't help me ... older version.

[TrademarkCreative]

Wait.  Why doesn't fusion import revit models if they're both autodesk products?

[Anonymous]

The link you shared could not open for me. Can you please share a new working link again

[chrisplyler]

---

@TrademarkCreative wrote:

Wait.  Why doesn't fusion import revit models if they're both autodesk products?

---

Um... because they are two totally different products, with two totally different database structures, designed to accommodate two totally different intents and philosophies.

That's like asking why Microsoft Paint can't import Microsoft Project files.

[phil.knoll]

A better analogy than "Microsoft Paint -> Microsoft Projects" would be "Adobe Illustrator -> Adobe Photoshop". I'm tired of reading dramatized, backhanded answers on this forum.

[MCharles]

You can export Revit models in the 3D viewer form as a .SAT file.  You can upload that into Fusion 360.  

That was the best way that I have found, let me know if there is a better method.

[tfultonDUWN3]

"I'm tired of reading dramatized, backhanded answers on this forum."

100% agree. Needs said more.

[stephen.forbes]

Its because Revit wasn't a Autodesk product, they bought out a company that developed it. Subsequently its not written in the usual Autodesk coding that would enable them to readily talk to each other. 

In February 2002, Autodesk acquired Revit Technology Corporation, a developer of parametric building technology for building design, construction, and management.

Its also why there is loads of strange situations - i.e. no backwards compatibility. Basically at some point they could really do with building an equivalent programme from scratch, I just don't see this ever happening as they are too far down the line for this to be workable.

[rward7041]

Someone has to say it.  Autodesk Software used to be great, but now it is terrible.  The amount of forum posting on workaround for bugs is proof of that.  Autodesk needs to hold themselves to the high standards they had in the past.  Talk to any UX or Product Manager and ask them if they think its a good idea to have a family of products that cannot exchange data easily.