USING AUTOCAD BLOCKS IN REVIT

[Anonymous]

Please help. I am using Revit 2017 and loving it. However, I moved to a firm that primarily uses AutoCAD for drafting but I would still ant to use Revit. The drawings are supposed to be standardized and have uniform objects across all projects and the objects are in AutoCAD block format. Please advice on the most effective way of using these blocks in Revit

Thank you in advance 

[ennujozlagam]

@Anonymous hello, can you explain more about autocad block format? if is a standard detail drawing you can go view > drafting view > give name of  your detail and set your scale > once your drafting view open > go insert > link cad and select your file. thanks

[Anonymous]

if youre trying to reproduce drawings in revit to look like the dwgs out of autocad - IMHO you havent got a chance..... unless you import the dwg onto a drafting view. even then getting the sheets to look the same is unlikely......

got to ask - WHY?!

[andybrack]

Based on your question, there are a few alternatives, depending on the intended outcome. In the long run, your best bet is to start building up your family library.  AutoCAD blocks are not a direct 1:1 substitute because Revit families allow you to do a lot more.  My company uses a mixture of families depending on our needs. Simple 2D families include just linework and are great for fast studies or schematic presentations. If a project is more developed, we switch to full 3D families that will show up in plan, elevations, 3D views, and sections.

1. If you want the content of the blocks usable as loose objects, then create a new Family. Good examples would be for Specialty Equipment or Furniture. I usually make these floor or face hosted. This will allow you to move the objects around and place them in your plans.
2. If you want objects that Revit normally hosts to other objects, such as doors and windows, these are wall hosted families.
3. If your block is a standard detail drawing, you can bring in the linework by linking your CAD file into the Revit model in a drafting view. Insert > Link CAD.

Sincerely,

Andy Brack

[Sahay_R]

Welcome to the Revit-lovers club! Glad to have you here!

However, my concern is that while you are working with Revit in a primarily AutoCAD environment,

1. working in 2D (as it seems that you will be) would not let you utilize all the wonderful capabilities that Revit offers

2. this could create challenges for other team members or consultants - who may need to work on the same project.

As far as AUtoCAD blocks go, import them into Revit drafting views or families. But again thius will not give you the advantages of working with Revit components. For minimum frustration and maximum productivity, work entirely in one software. Just my two cents.

[RobDraw]

The most effective way to use AutoCAD blocks in Revit is not to do it at all. Don't even import them for conversion purposes. Some things don't import well or at all and the import creates a lot of unnecessary overhead that can bloat your project file.

As to the comment about making things look like the current AutoCAD standards:

While getting it exact is a pipe dream, you can absolutely come close, but that depends on the AutoCAD environment. Text styles can be a stumbling block.

[hanslammerts]

May i remind you that this product was acquired in 2002 by Autodesk.

Going on to 2017, these two 'sollutions' to the challenge remain the best
1. Dont use AutoCAD (get white)
2. Dont use Revit (stay black)

..way to go,.. Autodesk..

However, there can be some new developments be spotted.

this one, using  a new fileformat to go along.

Stabicad is a dutch developer

https://youtu.be/5kLLBXb9a_o

[Anonymous]

have you tried finding somewhere to slot in a floppy disk lately........ 😉

[hanslammerts]

Than you must be confusing developments in hardware technology with incompatible software -makers

[dgorsman]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Please help. I am using Revit 2017 and loving it. However, I moved to a firm that primarily uses AutoCAD for drafting but I would still ant to use Revit. The drawings are supposed to be standardized and have uniform objects across all projects and the objects are in AutoCAD block format. Please advice on the most effective way of using these blocks in Revit

Thank you in advance 

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Simple: meet the standards laid out by your employer.  As a (presumably relatively) new employee you should be working within the established system, regardless of personal preferences.

[ToanDN]

It's not uncommon to use Revit for design, creating floor plans, RCPs, elevations, sections, etc... and use AutoCAD for detailing, especially typical details.  The big question is that does your firm use Revit at all or just you are wanting to use it?