If there are many plans of the same type that need to be linked into multiple levels of a project there may be some value added in creating one CAD file with each plan in it at the Z elevation corresponding with the levels of the Revit model. I plan to write those instructions soon, when I do I will also link to them from here.
In Windows Explorer file browser:
Be sure you are working with a copy of the file that you want to import. Temporarily copy any xrefs into the same directory as the file. (This prevents us from having to repath xrefs.)
In AutoCAD:
Open the file to be linked.
Bind or detach xrefs as needed. Bind with Insert will give you less layers to manage. Bind with Bind only if you need the layers controllable separately but there will be many more layers.
Copy / Save file to a linked files folder under your Project Revit directory.
- Name / rename with nomenclature easy to find in linked file list.
Change solid patterns to something legible if needed, or turn off.
Explode the xref blocks just inserted. It will be easier to delete or freeze line work as needed.
Note: Do not explode all, this might explode other blocks (like plumbing fixtures, furniture, etc.) which, if built correctly, would revert to a 0 layer making their visibility hard to control.
Purge, Purge again, Purge until you can Purge no more.
Hint: checking the purge nested box, you may only need to purge once.
Save and Close
In Revit:
Link CAD
First make sure you are on the desired workset. It is recommended to have a dedicated one.
Use these settings:
Checking the "Current view only" box is recommended in most cases. Otherwise the file will show up in every view associated with that level. If you want the linked CAD file to show in multiple views then you would want to weigh your options. If only a few multiple views are required it is easier to still link into Current view only and then copy and past in place into other views. If linking to all views are desired, then you may consider unchecking current view only.
NOTE: Unchecking "Current view only" makes the link a single instance 3D element that is visible in all views which is relative to a level and can be given an elevation height. Checking by current view only treats the element similarly to an image with only 2D properties placing it into just the view that you are currently in.
After Import, select the file within the view and change the Draw Layer property to foreground. Default is background and most of the linework will usually be hidden under the floor element if there is one.
Layer visibility overrides for coordination purposes:
- Change all layers to Magenta or another preferred pop color using Visibility Graphics.
- Set Wall layers to different (Green) and a thick line type.
- Turn off Defpoints or any other CAD layers not needed, soffit lines, area lines, etc.
Another great walkthrough I found:
http://lineshapespace.com/3-steps-to-linking-dwg-files-into-revit/
In AutoCAD:
Open the file to be linked.
Bind or detach xrefs as needed. Bind with Insert will give you less layers to manage. Bind with Bind only if you need the layers controllable separately but there will be many more layers.
Copy / Save file to a linked files folder under your Project Revit directory.
- Name / rename with nomenclature easy to find in linked file list.
Change solid patterns to something legible if needed, or turn off.
Explode the xref blocks just inserted. It will be easier to delete or freeze line work as needed.
Note: Do not explode all, this might explode other blocks (like plumbing fixtures, furniture, etc.) which, if built correctly, would revert to a 0 layer making their visibility hard to control.
Purge, Purge again, Purge until you can Purge no more.
Hint: checking the purge nested box, you may only need to purge once.
Save and Close
In Revit:
Link CAD
First make sure you are on the desired workset. It is recommended to have a dedicated one.
Use these settings:
Checking the "Current view only" box is recommended in most cases. Otherwise the file will show up in every view associated with that level. If you want the linked CAD file to show in multiple views then you would want to weigh your options. If only a few multiple views are required it is easier to still link into Current view only and then copy and past in place into other views. If linking to all views are desired, then you may consider unchecking current view only.
NOTE: Unchecking "Current view only" makes the link a single instance 3D element that is visible in all views which is relative to a level and can be given an elevation height. Checking by current view only treats the element similarly to an image with only 2D properties placing it into just the view that you are currently in.
After Import, select the file within the view and change the Draw Layer property to foreground. Default is background and most of the linework will usually be hidden under the floor element if there is one.
Layer visibility overrides for coordination purposes:
- Change all layers to Magenta or another preferred pop color using Visibility Graphics.
- Set Wall layers to different (Green) and a thick line type.
- Turn off Defpoints or any other CAD layers not needed, soffit lines, area lines, etc.
Another great walkthrough I found:
http://lineshapespace.com/3-steps-to-linking-dwg-files-into-revit/
