As you know, AutoCAD files in DWG format are the most widespread type of electronic documentation. In this form, thousands of new projects are created every day, so there is a great chance that you will also be able to use them. In this chapter, I’ll show you how to do it.

To begin with, it would be a good idea to mention all the file types that can be used in Revit. Without any doubt, the most prominent place among them is occupied by AutoCAD DWG files, but since Microstation is often used in engineering practice, you will be able to use its DGN format without any problems. If you want to download data from another, less popular CAD program, you can do it via DXF files, and there is direct support for SAT and SKP formats (3D and SketchUp).

Revit allows you to completely include data from another program in your project (Import) or to establish a special connection with them (Link). Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages, and for now it is enough to understand how they differ. Namely, if it suits you that the new elements become an integral part of your project, it would be best to import them, and if you want to automatically track all changes, then it is necessary to use them as a “reference”, that is, to link them. On the other hand, regardless of the system you have chosen, Revit will expect you to help it with the conversion, which primarily refers to the interpretation of layers, colors, dimensions and the interpretation of 2D and 3D coordinates. .

If there is a need to share your data with colleagues who still use AutoCAD or another program, you can achieve this in several ways. It is easiest to save the complete project in DXF or DGN format, because in that form it will be easily accessible to the widest circle of your collaborators.