I. Introduction
BIM Architects are always looking for a way to Export From Sketchup to Revit and From Revit To Sketchup to facilitate exchange and interoperability between these two software, but what are Sketchup and Revit First?
SketchUp is a 3D modeling software that is commonly used in architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture. It has a user-friendly interface and is widely used for creating 3D models of buildings, furniture, and other architectural elements. It can be used for both 2D and 3D designs.
Revit is a building information modeling (BIM) software used by architects, engineers, and construction professionals. It is used for creating detailed, accurate models of buildings and other structures. Revit provides tools for architectural design, MEP engineering, structural engineering, and construction. It is mainly used for 3D modeling and documentation.
II. The Need for Interoperability Between Sketchup and Revit
The need for interoperability between SketchUp and Revit and other software like Archicad arises from the fact that both programs are widely used in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries, but they serve different purposes. SketchUp is commonly used for conceptual design and modeling, while Revit is used for detailed design and documentation. Therefore, many professionals may find themselves needing to import or export models between the two programs in order to use the strengths of each program to complete a project.
Additionally, many architects, engineers, and contractors use both SketchUp and Revit in their workflow, and they might want to share their models between the two programs, or even use both programs to work on the same project. Interoperability between SketchUp and Revit allows them to easily transfer models and data between the two programs, ensuring consistency and reducing the chance of errors.
In summary, interoperability between SketchUp and Revit is necessary for professionals to take advantage of the strengths of both programs, and to streamline the workflow and data exchange between different team members.
III. Best Methods to Export from Sketchup To Revit and from Revit to Sketchup
- Export your Revit Model as DWG File: It’s one of the most simple way to export from Revit to Sketchup
- IFC format Workflow: Export From Revit to Sketchup or From Sketchup to Revit using the IFC Format workflow
- Import your SketchUp model as a Revit Link: Revit allows you to link SketchUp models to Revit, and it supports also IFC formats. It allows you to import your 3D elements Directly into Revit and it will change as you save your changes in the Sketchup file.
- Using Revit and Sketchup Plugins.
- Helix® is the best plugin that helps you cross the model drop chasm between your BIM tools. Helix® converts your SketchUp®, AutoCAD®, and Rhino® models to native Revit® components and vice-versa, allowing you to sync your models easily and seamlessly.
- SimLab SketchUp Importer for Revit: This plugin enables you to import SketchUp models into Revit, and it supports both SKP and 3DS file formats. It allows you to import textures, cameras, and scenes from SketchUp to Revit, and it also includes a batch import feature for importing multiple SketchUp files at once.
- rvt2skp: This plugin allows you to export SketchUp models to Revit with just a few clicks. It supports both IFC and RVT file formats, and it allows you to export both 2D and 3D elements from SketchUp to Revit.
- BIMdex: This plugin is specifically designed for exporting SketchUp objects to Revit. It supports multiple export options, such as exporting objects as families or as individual elements, and it also allows you to export materials and textures from SketchUp to Revit.
Please note that the availability of the plugins and its version might differ based on the version of SketchUp and Revit you are using. It is always recommended to check the developer’s website for the latest version and compatibility of the plugins with your software version.
IV. Export from SketchUp to Revit then Back to Sketchup using Helix
One of the advantages of using the Helix plugin in Revit is the ability to convert free-form SketchUp geometry into structured native Revit content. This means that the converted content will behave as if it was originally modeled in Revit. For example, moving a level will automatically adjust the Helix-generated geometry based on the wall, window, and door constraints to that level. Additionally, when the setup is standardized, non-Revit users can have their content easily converted from SketchUp to Revit, allowing for seamless integration of design data. And here are the steps of using Helix:
Step-by-Step Tutorial
- Setup SketchUp Model Tags
- Tag SketchUp Geometry
- Send Revit Family Type Data to SketchUp
- Map SketchUp Geometry to Revit in Helix
- Save the Helix Mappings (Optional)
- Create Levels in SketchUp
- Send Mapped Geometry to Revit
- Fix Any Model Errors (Conditional)
- Load SketchUp Geometry in Revit
- Review Element Status in Revit (Optional)
- Make Adjustments in SketchUp (Optional)
- Make Adjustments in Revit (Optional)
This Table Below is a Resume in of a step-by-step guide posted on the Helix website via this Link
| # | Step |
|---|---|
| 1 | Setup SketchUp Model Tags |
| 1.1 | Create Tags for Helix to map as Revit Family Categories |
| 2 | Tag SketchUp Geometry |
| 2.1 | Place the SketchUp geometry on the correct tag |
| 2.2 | For surface-based elements, place the SketchUp face onto the correct tag. Ex: walls, curtain walls, floors, roofs and ceilings |
| 2.3 | For point-based elements, place the component or group on the correct tag. Ex: windows, doors, meshes |
| 3 | Send Revit Family Type Data to SketchUp |
| 3.1 | Open a Revit model that has the necessary families types loaded (wall types, doors, windows, curtain walls) |
| 3.2 | On the EvolveLAB Revit ribbon tab, click the Sync Family Types button. You should get a dialogue with a summary of the synced content. |
| 4 | Map SketchUp Geometry to Revit in Helix |
| 4.1 | Open the Helix interface by pressing the Helix button on the SketchUp toolbar |
| 4.2 | Select a face with the proper tag, and assign the Revit category & Family Type |
| 4.3 | For components that need to be represented 1:1 in Revit, you can map that geometry as a Mesh. |
| 4.4 | Repeat this process for all the tags |
| 5 | Save the Helix Mappings (Optional) |
| 5.1 | To use the same mappings for other projects, or to restore the mappings in the current project, export the mappings to an external file. |
| 5.2 | On the mapping tab, click the Export Map Settings button |
| 5.3 | Choose a directory to save the file. |
| 6 | Create Levels in SketchUp |
| 6.1 | In the Helix SketchUp UI, go to the Tools button |
| 6.2 | Click on the ADD LEVEL button to add a level in SketchUp |
| 6.3 | Copy this level to other floors, to make sure that elements have the proper base constraints. |
| 7 | Send Mapped Geometry to Revit |
| 7.1 | Press Send to Revit button on the SketchUp Helix UI. |
| 7.2 | You should get a Sync Completed notification |
| 8 | Fix Any Model Errors (Conditional) |
| 8.1 | If you get the Sync Completed with Warnings notification, after clicking Send to Revit, review the warnings and correct the model |
| 8.2 | Go to the status report tab |
| 8.3 | Click the eye button to investigate the modeling error |
| 9 | Load SketchUp Geometry in Revit |
| 9.1 | Back in Revit, press the Load Model button on the EvolveLAB ribbon tab → Helix Panel |
| 10 | Review Element Status in Revit (Optional) |
| 10.1 | If not all the geometry is transferred correctly in Revit, review the status report for more info. |
| 10.2 | Click the Status Report button in the EvolveLAB Revit ribbon tab, Helix panel. |
| 11 | Filter the report to see Failed elements only |
| 11.1 | Make Adjustments in SketchUp (Optional) |
| 11.2 | You can make changes in SketchUp and re-sync the model with Revit |
| 12 | Make Adjustments in Revit (Optional) |
| 12.1 | Further, refine the geometry in Revit. |
V. Tutorial Video ( Export from Revit To SketchUp and from Sketchup to Revit )
VI. Conclusion
I encourage readers to experiment with exporting from SketchUp to Revit and from Revit to Sketchup to see for themselves the benefits of interoperability between the two programs. By experimenting with exporting, you can learn how to troubleshoot any issues that may arise, and develop your own tips and best practices for successful export.
Additionally, it is important to share your own tips and experiences with others in the industry. By sharing your knowledge, you can help others to overcome common challenges and improve their workflow. You can share your tips and experiences by writing a blog post, creating a tutorial video on Youtube, or participating in online forums and discussion groups and posting on LinkedIn.
In conclusion, experimenting with exporting between SketchUp and Revit is a valuable learning experience, and sharing your own tips and experiences can help others in the industry. I would also recommend looking for online tutorials and forums, and checking out the SketchUp and Revit documentation to learn more about the export process and troubleshoot common issues.
