Breaking Down Interoperability: Three Tips for Streamlining Your SketchUp and Revit Workflow
In addition to the creative flexibility, precision, and scalability that SketchUp provides, one of its most valued advantages is its seamless integration with other software tools. Designers frequently pair SketchUp with various applications, whether for large-scale or smaller projects.
Image one: the original SketchUp model.
Image two: the SketchUp model linked in a Revit project
This article takes a closer look at the power of SketchUp’s interoperability, focusing on a crucial workflow—connecting SketchUp with Revit. There are multiple ways to transition SketchUp models into and out of Revit projects, and the optimal approach depends on the specific project goals and deliverables. Here’s a guide to effectively moving between SketchUp and Revit.
Getting Started: Workflow Best Practices
To ensure a smooth workflow, it’s essential to follow a set of best practices. Here are some key recommendations:
- Strive for precision: Organize your model using groups, components, and tags effectively—avoiding raw geometry will save you time and effort.
- Check software compatibility: Revit’s importer may not always support the latest SketchUp version, so it’s advisable to save your SketchUp file to an earlier version, ideally one year prior to your Revit version.
- Define your objectives: Clearly outline your project goals before selecting the appropriate workflow.
- Choose one of these primary approaches and treat it like a commandment:
- SketchUp as an “In-Place” Component
- SketchUp as a “Link” in a Revit Project
- SketchUp as an IFC Export
Three Key Methods for Transferring Assets Between SketchUp and Revit
There are three main strategies for integrating SketchUp models into Revit, each utilizing built-in features within both platforms to streamline the process.
1. Using SketchUp as an “In-Place” Component
Importing SketchUp models as “In-Place” components in Revit allows you to use conceptual and schematic designs as a foundation for further development. This approach is particularly useful for incorporating intricate, custom geometry that may be challenging to create directly in Revit. Additionally, you can take advantage of over a million real-world manufacturer models available in SketchUp’s 3D Warehouse. Assigning and modifying Revit family categories is also possible, and breaking models into multiple “In-Place” components can enhance control over visibility and settings within Revit.
Why choose the “In-Place” Component method?
- For conceptual and schematic design: Use SketchUp models as a reference to create native Revit elements such as walls, floors, and roofs.
- For complex, custom objects: Ideal for designing intricate elements that are difficult to model directly in Revit.
- For leveraging 3D Warehouse content: Access a vast collection of models, such as furniture, casework, and lighting fixtures, which may not be readily available in Revit’s library.
2. SketchUp as a “Linked” Model in a Revit Project
SketchUp is frequently used to develop detailed site or context models during the initial stages of a project. Rather than recreating this work in Revit, you can import SketchUp models as a “link” to incorporate site plans, renderings, and 3D views. This approach allows you to present additional urban context, nearby structures, or infrastructure without the need for remodeling.
Why choose the “Linked” model approach?
- To seamlessly visualize SketchUp models within Revit as contextual elements.
- To facilitate collaboration across disciplines, even when all team members do not have access to the same software tools.
3. SketchUp as an IFC Export
This approach integrates model elements into the Revit project for coordination and collaboration. Learn more about using IFC files.
When you use the standardized IFC format, you can preserve the details of complex models going from either tool.
Why use SketchUp as an IFC Export?
- For sharing complex SketchUp or Revit models. This is the best way to preserve all the details in your model when you move them between modeling tools, with limited rework required.
- When you need a reference or consultant model for third-party collaboration and coordination. Model object display and visibility options are controlled at the Revit family level.
Elements should be true 3D objects and properly enclosed. For instance, walls should not be represented as flat planes but as “thick” walls with real-world dimensions.
Want to give it a go? Check out this help article to explore the SketchUp to Revit workflow in more detail.
An IFC file is exported from Revit and imported to SketchUp.
Revit to SketchUp
Let’s reverse the process to help you excel in design reviews and stakeholder presentations. Export Revit models to SketchUp for easier manipulation and to gather client feedback.
Revit to SketchUp Use Cases
Here are several reasons to view Revit geometry in SketchUp:
- Design compelling visuals for public presentations
- Conduct shading and solar studies
- Perform material evaluations
- Model complex geometry more easily in SketchUp
- Add intricate details to the model
- Quickly iterate and test design alternatives for visual appeal or building performance
- Collaborate seamlessly with non-AEC stakeholders
- Create flexible models for fly-throughs and animations
- Design furniture and fixture layouts using 3D Warehouse
The Revit Importer
Starting in 2023, SketchUp Studio subscriptions include a native Revit Importer. This tool transforms Revit families and building elements into SketchUp’s native tags and components, optimizing the geometry and producing a clean, organized SketchUp file that’s easy to work with. Discover six tips to maximize the importer and streamline your Revit-to-SketchUp workflow.
You can also explore other new features in SketchUp for 2023 in the release post.
Revit to SketchUp: Extensions to Consider
Time-saving tools are essential for improving your workflow — and third-party extensions are perfect for this. We recommend exploring these Revit Add-ins to make your transition smoother:
- rvt2skp (C)
- SimLab SketchUp Exporter (C)
- BIMDeX (C)
- HelixBETA
*(C) indicates commercial, paid extensions.
Primary Approaches
There are several methods to bring your Revit model or elements into SketchUp, including DWG, DXF, and IFC file formats. Here are some of our preferred techniques:
- Revit as a DWG Export Workflow: Revit families are converted into SketchUp components and are tagged with the default CAD layer name.
- Revit as an IFC Export Workflow: Revit families are turned into components in SketchUp, assigned as Untagged, and properly labelled in the SketchUp Outliner. The IFC classifications set in Revit are preserved on the individual components, allowing for potential future re-exports as IFC.
Both methods allow you to treat the imported elements as standard SketchUp entities, giving you full control to manipulate and visualize them as needed. For more detailed steps, read on.
If you’re not yet a SketchUp subscriber, give the workflow a try with our free trial. If you’re already a subscriber, head over to SketchUp Campus for tutorials ranging from SketchUp basics to advanced CAD workflows.
