How do I import a Revit family into SketchUp?

Importing a Revit family directly into SketchUp is not possible due to their differing native file formats. Revit uses .RFA files for families, while SketchUp primarily works with .SKP files and supports imports from various formats like .DWG, .FBX, .3DS, and .OBJ. The process involves exporting the family from Revit into a compatible format and then importing that file into SketchUp.

Preparing Your Revit Family for SketchUp (Exporting from Revit)

Since Revit families (.RFA) cannot be directly opened by SketchUp, you need to export them into an intermediary format that SketchUp can read. The best choice depends on what aspects of the family (geometry, materials, data) you want to preserve.

Exporting as DWG (AutoCAD Drawing)

This is one of the most common and reliable methods for transferring 3D geometry from Revit to SketchUp.

Steps in Revit:
1. Open the Revit family file (.RFA) or the project containing the family you wish to export.
2. Navigate to File > Export > CAD Formats > DWG.
3. In the DWG (or DXF) Export dialog, choose 3D solids or ACIS solids for accurate geometry.
4. Select a suitable file version (e.g., AutoCAD 2007 DWG) for broader compatibility.
5. Click Next, choose a save location, and name your file.
6. Click OK to export.
Tips:
- Consider simplifying the family in Revit before exporting to reduce file size and complexity in SketchUp.
- Use specific layers in Revit if you want to maintain some organizational structure during import.

Exporting as FBX (FilmBox)

FBX is a proprietary file format owned by Autodesk, excellent for transferring 3D models, including geometry, materials, textures, and even animation data, making it a good choice if material appearance is crucial.

Steps in Revit:
1. Open the Revit family or project.
2. Go to File > Export > FBX.
3. Choose your desired export settings, including what elements to include (geometry, materials, etc.).
4. Click Next, select a save location, and name the file.
5. Click Save to export.
Tips:
- Ensure all necessary textures are correctly linked in Revit before exporting to FBX.
- Be prepared for some cleanup of materials and geometry upon import into SketchUp, as not all properties translate perfectly.

Exporting as IFC (Industry Foundation Classes)

IFC is an open international standard for BIM data exchange. While SketchUp can import IFC, its support for complex BIM data is limited, primarily bringing in geometry.

Steps in Revit:
1. Open the Revit family or project.
2. Go to File > Export > IFC.
3. Select the desired IFC version and setup.
4. Click Export, choose a save location, and name the file.
Tips:
- IFC is generally more suitable when you need to retain some level of BIM classification, even if SketchUp doesn't fully utilize it.
- Expect the geometry to be less optimized than a DWG export and likely require more cleanup.

Using Plugins for Direct SKP Export

Some third-party plugins for Revit (e.g., Kubity, Skimp for SketchUp, various direct link add-ons) offer more streamlined workflows, potentially allowing direct export to a SketchUp-compatible format or providing a more intelligent import into SketchUp while preserving more data or optimizing geometry. Researching such plugins can be beneficial for frequent users.

Importing Revit Data into SketchUp

Once you have your family exported in a compatible format, you can import it into your SketchUp model.

Basic File Import (DWG, FBX, IFC)

This is the standard method for bringing in external geometry.

Steps in SketchUp:
1. Open your SketchUp model (or a new empty model).
2. Go to File > Import.
3. In the Import dialog, navigate to your exported file and select its type from the Files of Type dropdown menu (e.g., AutoCAD Files (*.dwg, *.dxf), FBX Files (*.fbx)).
4. Click Options to adjust import settings, such as units, preserving origin, or merging coplanar faces. Ensure units match your SketchUp model for correct scaling.
5. Click OK in the options dialog, then Import in the main dialog.
6. SketchUp will process the file and import the geometry.
Important Considerations:
- Scale: Always check the scale of the imported family immediately. If it's too large or too small, undo the import, adjust the import options' units, or use SketchUp's Scale tool.
- Geometry: Imported geometry can sometimes be overly complex, especially from Revit. Be prepared to simplify, group, and clean it up.

Managing Revit Project Components in SketchUp (Advanced Workflow)

When working with comprehensive Revit projects that contain numerous families, or when needing to manage updates from a linked Revit project, a specific workflow can enhance data integrity and organization within SketchUp:

Start a New SketchUp Model: Begin by opening a fresh, empty SketchUp file. This acts as a clean container for your Revit data.
Import the Linked Project: Into this new, empty SketchUp model, import the entire Revit project (or the relevant part, previously exported as an appropriate format like DWG, IFC, or via a specialized plugin). This step brings all Revit components, including families, into a dedicated SketchUp environment.
Save and Close: Once the import is complete, save this new SketchUp model. This effectively creates a self-contained SketchUp component or proxy of your Revit project data. Then, close this model.
Integrate into Main Model: Return to your primary SketchUp project where you intend to use the Revit components.
Manage Missing Links: Within your main SketchUp model, navigate to the Tags (formerly Layers) panel. Locate the <Revit Missing Links> tag. It is crucial to ensure this tag is visible, as it signifies components that originated from a Revit project and may require attention for linking or updating.
Update Components: Identify and select the specific component within your main SketchUp model that is associated with the imported Revit project. Double-click this component. This action is designed to trigger an update or re-linking mechanism, helping to refresh the Revit-originated geometry and data or resolve any broken connections within your SketchUp model. This workflow is particularly useful for managing complex project integrations and ensuring components remain synchronized or updatable from their Revit source.

Optimizing Imported Revit Families in SketchUp

After importing, your Revit family will likely need some optimization to perform well in SketchUp.

Clean Up Geometry: Use SketchUp's Purge Unused feature (Window > Model Info > Statistics > Purge Unused) to remove unnecessary components, materials, or styles. Consider using plugins like Cleanup3 for more aggressive geometry cleanup, merging faces, and softening edges.
Group and Component: Immediately group the imported geometry or turn it into a component. This prevents it from sticking to other geometry and allows for easier manipulation and reuse.
Layer/Tag Organization: Assign imported geometry to appropriate tags to manage visibility and organization within your SketchUp model.
Simplify Meshes: If the imported family is excessively detailed, consider using tools or plugins to simplify its mesh, reducing polygon count for better performance.
Apply SketchUp Materials: Revit materials may not translate perfectly. Reapply or adjust materials within SketchUp to match your desired aesthetic and rendering needs.

File Format Comparison Table

Format	Best For	Pros	Cons
DWG	3D Geometry	Widely supported, good for basic shapes and lines.	Can be heavy, lacks material/texture information, requires cleanup.
FBX	Geometry & Materials	Supports textures, colors, and often UV mapping; good for visual fidelity.	Can be complex, may require significant cleanup of mesh and materials, larger file sizes.
IFC	BIM Data	Carries some semantic building information; open standard.	SketchUp's import is primarily geometric; complex data often lost or hard to utilize.

By following these steps, you can effectively bring Revit families into your SketchUp projects, transforming them into usable and editable components.