Importing Revit Model to SketchUp: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

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Importing Revit Model to SketchUp: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction: Why Import Revit Models to SketchUp?

If you’re an architect, designer, or student, chances are you use both Revit and SketchUp at some point in your workflow. Revit is perfect for creating detailed BIM models, but it can feel heavy when you want to experiment or make quick visualizations. SketchUp, on the other hand, is light, flexible, and great for fast modeling and presentation.

That’s why many people find themselves importing Revit model to SketchUp. It allows you to combine the best of both tools. Revit gives you accuracy and data, while SketchUp gives you speed and creative freedom. In this guide, we’ll walk through the entire process step by step, highlight common problems, and share tips to make the workflow smooth.

Understanding the Need for Conversion

Revit and SketchUp are built for different stages of design. Revit is all about precision, documentation, and construction-level detail. It’s where you handle BIM data, schedules, and coordination. But when you’re brainstorming or preparing a presentation, those details can feel overwhelming.

SketchUp shines in early design and client communication. It’s easier to move shapes around, test ideas, and create visuals that people understand instantly. By importing Revit model to SketchUp, you can take a project that’s already accurate and make it more flexible for quick edits, renders, and presentations.

This dual workflow saves time, improves collaboration, and lets you use each tool where it’s strongest.

Preparing Your Revit Model for Export

Before you export your Revit model, preparation is key. If you skip this step, you might end up with messy geometry, oversized files, or missing elements in SketchUp.

Start by opening the 3D view of the model you want to transfer

Make sure it shows only the parts you need. Clean up the file by hiding or removing extra elements like detailed furniture or unused families. The simpler the Revit model, the smoother the import into SketchUp.

Also, check your levels and grids. If they’re not needed in SketchUp, leave them out. This step ensures your file size stays manageable and your model is easier to navigate after import.

Exporting the Model from Revit

Now comes the important step: exporting from Revit.

1. In Revit, go to File → Export → CAD Formats → DWG

2. In the export setup dialog, adjust settings:

• Under the Colors tab, choose Specified in view. This keeps your export looking consistent with what you see in Revit.
• Under the Solids tab, choose ACIS Solids. This makes sure SketchUp can handle the geometry properly.

3.Save the file in a location you can easily find later. Give it a clear name so you know which version it is.

Click the 3dots tab near Modify Export setup.

Above Modify DWG/DXF Export setup dialogue box opens, Click the Color tab

Under, Colors Tab - Specified in view, to be selected

Under, Solids Tab - ACIS Solids, to be selected and click ok

Click Next

Specify name and location of the File and Click ok

These small settings make a big difference. If you choose the wrong export type, you might end up with broken surfaces or missing volumes in SketchUp.

Importing the Model into SketchUp

With your DWG file ready, it’s time to bring it into SketchUp.

1. Open SketchUp and create a new file.
2. Go to File → Import.
3. Select DWG as the file type, then browse to where you saved your exported Revit file.
4. Before clicking import, check the Options tab. Here, you can set units and decide whether to merge coplanar faces. Make sure units match your Revit file to avoid scaling issues.
5. Click Import and wait for SketchUp to process the file.

Open SketchUp 

Under - File - Import

Select the File location (Option Tab can be clicked to enter in the units and Importing Material)

File is getting loaded into SketchUp

Imported

File is now ready to work in SketchUp

Once the model loads, orbit around it to check for accuracy. Zoom into details to make sure walls, windows, and levels came through correctly. If everything looks good, save your SketchUp file right away.

Fixing Common Issues After Import

Sometimes the imported model won’t be perfect, and that’s normal. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• Missing materials: Revit materials don’t always transfer into SketchUp. You may need to reassign them manually using SketchUp’s paint bucket tool.
• Scaling problems: If your model looks too big or small, double-check that the units you selected during import match the units you used in Revit.
• Heavy geometry: Revit models are detail-rich, which can overwhelm SketchUp. Use the “CleanUp” plugin or manually simplify geometry by grouping and removing unnecessary details.
• Unorganized layers: In SketchUp, group related geometry and assign layers (tags). This makes the model easier to manage.

Fixing these issues might take a little time, but it will make your SketchUp file smoother to work with.

Best Practices for a Smooth Workflow

If you plan on importing Revit model to SketchUp regularly, developing good habits will save you frustration.

First, always clean your Revit file before export. The fewer unnecessary details you bring into SketchUp, the faster your model will run. Second, use clear naming conventions for files, layers, and groups. This helps if you’re collaborating with a team or moving back and forth between software.

Finally, save backup versions at each stage—one in Revit before export, one in DWG after export, and one in SketchUp after import. This way, you always have a safe copy to return to if something goes wrong.

Benefits of Using Revit and SketchUp Together

When you combine Revit and SketchUp, you’re really combining two different strengths.

From Revit, you get BIM accuracy, precise dimensions, and construction-ready details. From SketchUp, you get flexibility, quick edits, and client-friendly visuals. Together, they create a powerful workflow where accuracy meets creativity.

For example, you might design your full building in Revit, then export it to SketchUp to test different façade ideas. Or you might use SketchUp for quick client presentations while keeping your Revit file as the detailed base. The result is a workflow that saves time and impresses clients.

FAQs on Importing Revit Models to SketchUp

Can I import RVT files directly into SketchUp?
Not directly. You need to export to DWG or DXF first.

Which SketchUp versions support DWG import?
SketchUp Pro supports DWG import. Free versions may require workarounds.

Do materials from Revit transfer to SketchUp?
Not always. Basic colors may transfer, but detailed textures usually need to be reassigned.

How do I reduce file size when importing?
Simplify your Revit model before export, and use SketchUp tools like “Purge Unused” or cleanup extensions.

What if my geometry is missing after import?
Double-check your Revit export settings. Make sure you chose “ACIS Solids” for reliable geometry.

Conclusion: Making the Most of Both Tools

Importing Revit model to SketchUp doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right steps, you can move your models smoothly between the two tools and get the best of both worlds.

Revit ensures your design is accurate and ready for construction, while SketchUp lets you explore ideas and create visuals that clients love. Together, they form a workflow that’s flexible, efficient, and powerful.

So the next time you start a project in Revit, don’t hesitate to bring it into SketchUp for presentation and creativity. Once you try this workflow, you’ll wonder how you worked without it.