This is a couple step process, once learned will be rather easy to replicate. First, you must export the format from Revit to Autocad.
While in Revit, open a 3D view Go to View>Visibility/Graphics (or type VG). Turn off all Worksets that won’t be needed for the rendering. Go to File > Export > Cad Formats. When the Export Menu pops up, select the Options button. You should see this options menu.
Figure 1
2.
Ensure that the DWG unit is in inches and that the solids are polymesh. Select OK to go back to the Export Menu. Name the file and select the location for the DWG file to be exported to, then select the Save button.
Second, import the DWG file into Viz.
3.
Open Viz, select File>File Link Manager. The File Link Manager dialog will appear. Select the File button and browse to the previously exported DWG file. Select the Preset Tab, highlight the Revit preset and click on the Modify Button.
Figure 2
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4.
Go to the Advanced Tab, under Derive AutoCAD Primitives by, ensure Layer, Blocks as Node Hierarchy, Split by Materials is selected. Also check Use scene material definitions and Use scene material assignments on Reload and click Save.
Figure 4
5.
Select the Attach tab, in the preset pulldown select Revit. Click the Attach this file button.
Your file is now linked to the Autocad DWG file.
Figure 5
6.
Updating the Revit file:
As your Revit model progresses you will want to continue to update your Viz model. When it’s time to update your Viz model, repeat steps 1-9. As your exporting the Revit model to the DWG format ensure that the file name and location at the same. To do this, I suggest browsing to the folder containing the existing DWG file and actually select the file name, then click Save.
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7.
A confirm overwrite warning will pop up, asking you if you’re sure that you’d like to overwrite the existing file. Select the Yes button to ensure that your DWG file be replaced with a new one.
Figure 8
8.
Open Viz. Open File>File Link Manager. In the File Link Manager, click the Files Tab. Notice the red flag next to the file name. This means that the DWG file has changed and should be reloaded. Select the Reload button and watch your Viz file update!
