Thursday, June 12, 2008

Revit Tutorials

If you were looking to brush up on your Revit skills...
JB points out that you can download them from the AutoDesk website for free here AutoDesk Revit Architecture 2009 and AutoDesk Revit Architecture 2008.

Autodesk in their wisdom didn't include tutorials with their software... I guess it didn't fit on the DVD.

Follow the instructions and you'll be on your way... happy Reviting.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Import/Link a Sketchup Model into Revit

In summary, there are three ways to "Import/Link" a SketchUp file into Revit.
They all have their positives and negatives.

The "Link" way is to import the SketchUp model into the Revit file with a simple Import/Link. Doing it this way allows you to Link the file which is great if you plan on managing two files :( especially if the SketchUp file is going to change and inform the Revit model.

The "Revit" way is to Import/Link the Sketchup model into a "Mass Object" like the Revit Tutorials describe. Doing it this way does allow you to take sections of the SketchUp model and other views display the model like you expect. This method does not allow you to "Link" the Sketchup model.

The "Family" way is to Import/Link the SketchUp model into a "Create a Family Object in Place". This allows you to identify what "Family" the SketchUp object belongs to Generic Models, Walls, Roofs, etc. This allows you to control the visibility of the model including the imported SketchUp model since it is now a Generic Model, Walls, Roofs, etc. This method does not allow you to "Link" the Sketchup model. You may want to break apart your SketchUp model before you bring it in so that it is more accurate to what "Family" you assign it to.

The "Link" way is -
File > Import/Link > Cad Formats
Files of type: *.skp file type > then browse... to the file


Import/Link > Link (Allows you to update the Sketchup file as needed, this option although does not allow the Sketchup model to be viewed correctly.) You can choose either one the difference is that the SketchUp model will not or will be able to be updated. Then you can select "Black and White", "Automatically Place" (X & Y) and "Place at Level" (Z).

At this point the SketchUp model should appear in your Revit file.
Now, the SketchUp file changes, you can update the Revit file by opening the "Manage Links" dialog box.
File> Manage Links>
Then select the linked file and "Update" the link.
Now your SketchUp model should be updated in your Revit file.

The "Revit" way is similar execpt that you first create a "Mass Object" and then you Import/Link the Sketchup model in the Revit file.