Importing SketchUp Files as Masses into Revit

This tutorial will take you through the process of importing a Google SketchUp file into Autodesk Revit so you can later paint surfaces before final rendering and presentation.

1. Open Google Sketchup and either create your own object or import from Google Warehouse. (Be sure to delete the opening character that appears when you first launch the software.)

Please note, when selecting an object from Google Warehouse ensure that the geometry is not complex or contains intricate curves. Autodesk Revit will not be able to interpret the formulas based on the complicated lines and you will encounter an error later on in the importing process.

The illustration on the following page represents a reasonable simple drawing that does not contain complex surfaces or many curved lines.

2. Click on File > Save As from the menu.

3. Be sure that you select the Sketchup Version 6 or later steps will fail! Name the file appropriately and click Save.

4. Open your existing Revit document and select the Massing and Site Ribbon. From the toolbar press on In-Place Mass.

5. Name the mass and press OK.

6. From the Insert ribbon tab select the Import CAD button.

7. An Import dialogue box will appear. Be sure to click the down arrow on file types and select .skp files and then browse to the location of the stored file.

8. In the option box below confirm the following settings: Colours: Preserve Layers: All Import Units: Auto-Detect Positioning: Auto - Centre to Centre Place at: Select the appropriate level as to where the item will appear

(Example: Level 2)

9. After your mass appears click Finish Mass or the green checkmark button.

10.After importing your mass the .skp appears as a wireframe object in 2-D view. Switch to 3-D and view colours by selecting the Shading and Borders button from the Views toolbar.

11.Although the image contains the original colours from SketchUp, rendering the object will only produce grey shades. To add colours or materials to the object select the Modify ribbon and then the Paint button. Choose your materials and custom shade the various faces.

12.Choose your Materials or colours and customize each of the faces that highlight on a mouse roll-over.

13.To ensure that imported objects plot in 2-D plans or 3-D rendered views ensure that you edit the Visibility/Graphics Override settings.

14. Scroll Down and ensure that the Mass checkbox is selected.