How to Use Revit With a 2D Plan

Import your plan into Revit to create a three-dimensional model.

Autodesk Revit is building information modeling (BIM) software that creates three-dimensional virtual constructions of a building. The computer model can be tested for loads, light levels, and environmental impact, as well as produce orthographic and perspective drawings. The designer takes the drawings from the three-dimensional model, instead of drafting each view. Because of its efficiency and power many architects and engineers are turning to Revit for their projects. If you would like to use Revit to model a design you have documented as a two-dimensional plan, you will need to use the "Import" tool on the "Insert" panel and construct your Revit model from your imported plan.

Things You'll Need

• Two-dimensional plan
• Scanner

Instructions

1. Convert your plan to a format Revit can import. Computer-aided design (CAD) drawings must be in the DWG, DXF, DGN, SKP or ACIS format. Whereas, scanned image files must be in the JPG, PNG, TIF or BMP format. If your plan is a paper, mylar or vellum drawing, scan your plan using a large-format scanner, which is available at many office supply and printing companies, such as FedEx Office, UPS Store, Staples, Office Depot and Office Max.

2. Open Revit and select "New Project" from the "File" menu. Click on "Plans" in the "Project Browser" and double-click "Level 1."

3. Select the "Insert" ribbon menu. In the "Import" menu, click on "CAD" to import a CAD file or click on "Image" to import an image file. Navigate to and select your file. Select "Import," and your plan will appear on the "Level 1" plan view.

   Imported CAD plans will be correctly scaled, whereas imported image files need to be scaled. To scale the plan image, click the "Scale" tool on the "Modify" ribbon menu, select "Graphical" on the "Options" bar and trace a line on a part of the plan where you know the true dimension. Click the starting point of the line you just drew and type the true dimension of the image; the plan image will be correctly scaled.

4. Draw your building over the two-dimensional plan using the drawing tools, such as "Wall," "Door," "Window" and "Floor." Ensure the building is correctly modeled by checking the section and "3D" views in the "Project Browser."

5. Hide the imported plan by selecting and right-clicking the plan. Select "Hide in View: Elements." To show the imported plan, click the "Reveal Hidden Objects" button at the bottom of the window. Select and right-click the plan. Select "Unhide in View: Elements."

References

• Autodesk: Revit Architecture

Resources

• Autodesk Wikihelp: Revit User's Guide