Convert AutoCAD Architecture model to Revit

[Ed__Jobe]

Years ago I drew our company's office building in AutoCAD Architecture. I was thinking of learning Revit and was wondering if there is a way to convert my model to Revit. Or would I just have to recreate everything? I'm sure somebody has run into this problem with legacy stuff.

Thanks for your help.

[ToanDN]

You can try to export to IFC from AutoCAD Architecture and open the IFC in Revit.  But you will need to recreate most things if you ever need to edit them.

[Ed__Jobe]

I haven't tried that before. Would the IFC objects in Revit have properties that I could copy. At a minimum, it should at least transfer all my measurements. I spent a lot of time measuring walls and stuff.

[ToanDN · Accepted solution]

IFC elements are actual BIM elements if that is what you are asking.  The geometry should stay intact for the most parts. 

[mhiserZFHXS]

If you're wanting to learn Revit, trying to import geometry from another platform doesn't seem like the best way to do it. Why not just start with a blank slate and build from scratch? Seems like a much better way to learn.

[Ed__Jobe]

The only problem with starting from scratch is I don't want to loose all my measurements. I was thinking if I could at least get the geometry into Revit, I could create a Revit wall, etc., on top of the acad model and snap to it. I plan on learning Revit in a class. So, if I switch to Revit, I want to switch my model too.

[ToanDN]

A more traditional approach is to export the AutoCAD Architecture DWG format to AutoCAD DWG format, then link the AutoCAD DWGs in Revit floor plans and trace them with native Revit elements.  This way you can see DWG annotation that can be useful.  It is a cleaner approach than IFC.

[Ed__Jobe]

Are you talking about 2D or 3D? I only have the 3D model. I never got around to creating sheets. Just been using the original architect's dwgs.

[ToanDN]

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@Ed__Jobe wrote:

Are you talking about 2D or 3D? I only have the 3D model. I never got around to creating sheets. Just been using the original architect's dwgs.

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2D.  If you only have the 3D then ignore.  Maybe instead of open the IFC directly, just link it in a clean Revit model then trace.

[Ed__Jobe]

Sounds like a plan.

I was afraid there wouldn't be a simple solution. Thanks for confirming.