Point clouds in Revit LT

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I understand it is only possible to import/link point clouds into full Revit and not Revit LT?

I can see some logic to this given;

• the very expensive equipment required to generate point clouds.
• the large file size, which generally required expensive computing power to handle.
• the fact point clouds are most widely used on larger projects.

However times are changing! Basic point clouds can be generated using LiDAR and videos/images taken on phones/tablets and the file sizes are very manageable. Given many people already own the required hardware (a phone with Lidar) and the software is free, the most expensive upgrade in this workflow from scan to issuing drawings is the extra Autodesk subscription for the point cloud link/import function.

I was speaking with a colleague who felt Autodesk would us this as a carrot to encourage upgrades to full Revit licenses, however i feel that given how accessible the above technologies are becoming it could be an opportunity to encourage more SME and sole practitioners to move from 2D CAD (or even hand drawings) over to Revit software!!

I guess my questions is, why is the import/linking of point cloud not available on Revit LT? And given the widespread use of point clouds on much smaller project is it something Autodesk would consider adding in the next release?

[wayne]

From a surveyors perspective who conducts 3D laser scan surveys and then produces the associated 2/3D drawings in Revit.  We do not need the vast complex design functionality of Revit but only the basics to reproduce existing buildings. 

We currently need Full Revit just to insert the point cloud yet there hasn't been any point cloud handling visualization improvements for the past 5 years.

[FilippiniStudio]

ATTN: Product Management (Revit LT) Team

I completely agree with the comments here. Notably, there apparently was a "bug" in Revit LT v2025.4 allowing LT users to view/host existing full-version Revit files, with pre-existing point clouds within the file. I joined Revit LT at this time (via demo) and was under the impression that your Revit LT license allows for at least hosting point clouds that are pre-existing.

Fast-forward, I found out when upgrading to v2026, the files that I was working with were stripped of their linked point clouds. I thought this itself was a bug, but apparently it's "by Design." I'll echo here that this "by design" feature (of not allowing point clouds inside of Revit LT) is impractical for a few reasons.

1. It limits my ability to work with 3rd parties who run fuller versions of Revit. This means that if I receive Revit files from an architect or engineer, I will not be able to open and see any referenced/linked 3D scans. From a collaboration standpoint, this makes Revit LT useless for such workflows.
2. Imposing a limitation to link 3D point clouds within Revit LT makes such a 3D BIM software less useful for 3D references (i.e. point clouds). Your potential for new and referred business would likely dramatically increase if Revit LT can become a part of Reality Capture workflows. Please consider this and let us all know if/when you decide to include a feature to link to point clouds in future Revit LT releases.

Thank you.

[FilippiniStudio]

For context, here's a reply from a recent representative's conversation related to this issue. The representative, himself, thought at first the inability to link in version 2026 (once I upgraded from v2025.4) was a "bug." It wasn't until weeks later that he confirmed this is "as designed". Limiting the design of Revit LT in this way is making me think twice about whether or not I want to move forward and use and/or recommend Autodesk products. I hope the software [and business] teams can take this feedback and course-correct. Thanks again in advance for such a consideration.

[Autodesk Representative Response]

"Good day. I hope you are doing well. Since we have discussed the limitation of Revit LT in linking point clouds, which is by design, I believe your query on this subject has been addressed.

As mentioned earlier, I have documented the RGB issues with point cloud file selection in a new case (#-----------) and will be following up on that case. 

At this time, I'm going to close your case. However, you can automatically reopen this case by updating it via your Autodesk Account, or by replying to any case email within the next 30 days. After the 30 days, you can send in a new service request in the Autodesk Account, or via the Schedule a Call tool. As always, we'll be happy to help you. 
 
Once this case is closed, you will receive a survey link in the automated closure email, regarding this case and the service we provided. I would appreciate it if you could take a couple of minutes of your valuable time to give feedback about your experience with the way we handled your service request.

If you have additional comments specific to the software or its functionality for future consideration, please click on the feedback link below. Your feedback will go directly to the Product Management team.

Revit IdeaStation Link

It's been a pleasure working with you, and I look forward to doing so again in the future! 

Best regards,

P------- C-------
Customer Technical Success
Autodesk