CAD to BIM - User Guide & Reference

The CAD to BIM utility (Conversion category) CAD to Revit element converter stack. Automates mapping CAD layers to native Revit element types. Converts CAD geometry into Walls, Floors, Beams, Columns, Grids, and Levels, significantly reducing modeling time during Revit model setup from 2D drawings..

1. Overview & Key Capabilities

The CAD to BIM tool is designed to improve workflow efficiency by automating standard tasks. Key capabilities include:

• CAD to Revit element converter stack.
• Automates mapping CAD layers to native Revit element types.
• Converts CAD geometry into Walls, Floors, Beams, Columns, Grids, and Levels, significantly reducing modeling time during Revit model setup from 2D drawings.

2. Detailed Step-by-Step Usage

Follow these instructions to use the tool in your active Revit session:

1. Select a linked or imported CAD file in the active view.
2. Open CAD to BIM dialog and select target elements category (Walls, Floors, or Beams).
3. Query layers from the selected CAD file.
4. Map layers to Revit types (e.g., Layer
5. to Revit Wall Type
6. ).
7. Define level parameters, heights, and centerline offsets.
8. Click Generate to build Revit elements automatically.

3. Technical Specifications & Under the Hood

Revit API Integration

• Key API Components: DWG layer coordinates parsing, element creation APIs (Wall.Create, Floor.Create, Grid.Create, etc.) based on mapped layer vectors.
• Transaction Handling: All modifications are packaged into a single Revit API transaction. If any error occurs, the changes are rolled back automatically to preserve model integrity.

[!TIP] Best Practice Tip: Ensure that target levels are created and named correctly prior to running the conversion, as elements will host on the selected levels.