If you work with 3D models and Revit, you know that optimizing your models can save you time, space, and frustration. Revit is a powerful software for building information modeling (BIM), but it can also be demanding on your computer and network resources. How can you optimize a 3D model for Revit without compromising its quality and functionality? Here are some tips and tricks to help you out.
Not all 3D model formats are compatible with Revit, and some are more efficient than others. Revit supports importing and linking 3D models in formats such as DWG, DXF, DGN, SKP, and SAT. However, these formats can vary in their level of detail, accuracy, and complexity, which can affect how Revit handles them. For example, DWG and DXF files can contain a lot of unnecessary geometry and data that can slow down Revit, while SKP files can have issues with scaling and units. A good option for optimizing your 3D models for Revit is to use the SAT format, which is a simple and lightweight format that preserves the solid geometry of your model.
Collaboration: In collaborative projects involving multiple team members and disciplines (architects, engineers, contractors), an unoptimized model can hinder effective collaboration. Large file sizes may be difficult to share and synchronize, leading to version control issues and potential data corruption. Optimizing the model ensures that collaborators can work seamlessly with the project data.
If your software supports exporting the 3D model to (.ifc) or (.dwg), try them first! They usually are enough for general purposes. IFC files are great for importing the parameters of elements and 3D modeling (naturally heavier) whereas DWGs are ideal for exporting 2D views out of the 3D model and continuing modeling in Revit. If you use Rhino as your main 3D software, then make sure to use "rhino.inside.revit" plugin for importing/exporting into Revit.
Another way to optimize your 3D models for Revit is to simplify the geometry of your model as much as possible. This means reducing the number of faces, edges, vertices, and curves in your model, as well as eliminating any redundant or overlapping elements. You can use tools such as MeshLab, Blender, or SketchUp to clean up and optimize your 3D models before importing them to Revit. You can also use the Purge Unused command in Revit to remove any unused families, types, materials, or views from your project.
Always go by the needed LOD and never go higher than what is needed. As someone using Revit for fabrication, it is very important to always keep the balance of what is needed to be implemented in the whole project and what can be added manually later. In Revit models , Less is more!
Keep the model geometry simple and avoid unnecessary complexity. Use fewer faces and vertices to reduce the file size. Adjust the level of detail based on the intended use of the model. Use higher detail levels for elements close to the viewer and lower levels for background elements.
Optimizing 3D models for Revit involves simplifying the model's geometry. This means minimizing the number of faces, edges, vertices, and curves, and removing redundant elements. Tools like MeshLab, Blender, or SketchUp are useful for this cleanup process. Additionally, using Revit's 'Purge Unused' command helps eliminate unused families, types, materials, and views from your project, further streamlining your model for efficient use in Revit.
Always purge (remove) unnecessary elements from your 3D model before exporting it for Revit. Revit is not really good with heavy linked/imported models and might crash. Start like this: Remove unnecessary 3D elements, 2D elements, views, texts, etc. You can even partially hide unnecessary elements and only export the view that is necessary for Revit.
If your 3D model contains multiple copies of the same element, such as furniture, fixtures, or equipment, you can optimize it for Revit by using instancing and grouping. Instancing means creating a single family or type for the element and placing multiple instances of it in your model. This way, Revit only has to load and update one definition of the element, rather than multiple copies. Grouping means creating a collection of elements that can be reused and modified as a unit. This can help you organize and manage your model more efficiently.
The materials of your 3D model can also affect its performance in Revit. Materials can add realism and detail to your model, but they can also increase its file size and rendering time. To optimize your 3D models for Revit, you should use materials that are appropriate for your design intent and level of detail. You should also avoid using too many different materials or textures, as this can create more data for Revit to process. You can use the Material Browser in Revit to edit and apply materials to your model, as well as to compress and optimize the images and textures used in your materials.
Use Standard Revit Materials: Whenever possible, utilize Revit's standard materials to improve compatibility and rendering performance. Optimize Textures: If textures are used, optimize their resolution and size to avoid unnecessarily large file sizes. Avoid Unnecessary Complexity: Simplify or remove overly complex materials that might not translate well in Revit.
Always purge unused materials. For the materials that you WANT to be imported in Revit, adding a "prefix" or "suffix" to their names is a good idea so they do not get mixed with your local Revit materials.
Finally, to optimize your 3D models for Revit, you should test and monitor your model regularly. You should check how your model behaves in Revit, such as how long it takes to open, save, sync, or export. You should also monitor the memory and CPU usage of your computer and network when working with your model. You can use tools such as the Performance Advisor, the Worksharing Monitor, or the Task Manager to analyze and troubleshoot your model's performance. By testing and monitoring your model, you can identify and fix any issues or bottlenecks that may affect its optimization.
Here's the optimization methods i follow when using Revit [for beginners] 1.1stly don't use lot of imported 3d components as it slowly deoptimizes your project 2. Avoid using other formats 3d model in your Revit projects as sometimes it creates a problem for example models of SketchUp creates issue if you haven't modelled correctly, instead directly model it in Revit, but in case you use it for complex shapes 1st try modelling tool in Revit if its not possible use rhino 3d if you know before using SketchUp.If at all SketchUp is the only way you know check the overlaps, wrong faces etc 3.Purging method also helps as it removes some imported components that are not currently used in the project