Revit 2023 mesh

• Linking and Importing CAD Files
  • Link FormIt, SketchUp, and OBJ support
  • Position CAD imports
  • Enable Cutting 3D CAD elements
• Link 3D Sketch
• IFC Parameters and Mapping Dialog
• Enhanced Mesh Control
• Direct Shape Import Placement
• What’s Your Favorite?

I covered rebar enhancements and other structural enhancements in the previous What’s New in Revit 2023 post. In this post, let’s see the improvements for file interoperability.

When we’re working, there’s a big chance we need to import or reference models from another software. So yes, interoperability is important.

Linking and Importing CAD Files

Revit put many types of files under the CAD files category. Not only DWG but also DGN, SKP, etc. So what’s new for these formats?

Link FormIt, SketchUp, and OBJ support

Revit already can import FormIt and SketchUp for a while. In version 2022.1, Revit supports importing OBJ and STL files. So those file formats are not new to Revit.

However, sometimes importing files is not the best way to collaborate with another software. Importing a file means unnecessary objects will bloat your file, making your Revit file prone to be corrupt. That is why the linked file is important.

In Revit 2023, Autodesk adds the capability to link FormIt (*.axm), SketchUp (*.skp), and OBJ (*.obj) files.

Position CAD imports

Before Revit 2023, you can only place linked or imported files at a level as a reference. In Revit 2023, you can also use reference planes.

You can always change the host after importing. However, having the option to place linked/imported files at the correct reference helps.

Enable Cutting 3D CAD elements

Revit 2022 or older can’t cut elements from a CAD file. All elements are only projected in a section view, regardless of the location of the section line.

Revit 2023 has a parameter in family files that allows you to cut the elements from CAD files.

It allows you to create a section from imported files for proper documentation.

Link 3D Sketch

Creating a 3D sketch in FormIt and importing it to Revit was introduced in Revit 2022. It helps you make quick conceptual objects in FormIt and shows it in Revit.

In Revit 2023, the elements are no longer imported from FormIt. Instead, Revit inserts it as a linked file.

IFC Parameters and Mapping Dialog

In Revit 2023, you have the option to map IFC attributes to elements in the Revit projects. These attrbutes are added as instance properties.

You can use the mapping dialog to apply the parameters using an IFC schema. This mapping dialog will fill the Export to IFC As and IFC Predefined Type parameters.

Enhanced Mesh Control

In Revit 2023, you can override the appearance of all elements, including mesh. You can have more control to override all element appearance. In the example below, I can override the planting and entourage color, which was impossible before.

Direct Shape Import Placement

The new feature is probably a bit confusing. Now, in the import CAD dialog, you have the option for positioning and placement for the direct shape file format.

True, it wasn’t available before, but the option is already available in the link CAD dialog.

What’s Your Favorite?

My favorite is the ability to cut CAD elements in a section. It is handy to have the option while creating the documentation. How about you? What’s your favorite?

I work as a Solution Consultant in Datech Solutions, Tech Data Indonesia. I've been using AutoCAD since R14 and Revit since Revit Building 9. I occasionally write for AUGIWorld magazine and also active in Autodesk discussion forum.
I'm an Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) for Revit Architecture and AutoCAD. I'm also a member of Autodesk Expert Elite, appreciation for individuals who give contribution to Autodesk community.
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