Revit exports to many different file formats. But what do they all mean? We've put together the following table to help you navigate this extensive list of formats.
| Logo | Format | Extension | Details |
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DWG | .dwg | Industry standard for CAD-based drawings. DWGs are the native filetype for AutoCAD. Other non-Autodesk software can also open and modify this filetype. |
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DXF | .dxf | An "open" CAD filetype developed by Autodesk. It's goal is to allow interoperability between different CAD vendors. Essentially, it's a watered-down DWG. |
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DWF | .dwf/.dwfx | The Design Web Format is a lightweight file format you can use to exchange Building Models. Think of it as a PDF for Building Models. |
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GBXML | .xml | An XML schema defining a structure to exchange energy Analysis Model data. Used by many Building Information Modelling software packages on the market. |
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FBX | .fbx | File format used to transfer model data from Revit to 3ds Max without any information loss. It's great for sending a building model to a rendering specialist. If linked into 3ds max properly, it can be easily reloaded by the rendering specialist when a new model is sent his way, preventing re-work. |
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DGN | .dgn | The native file format for Bentley's Microstation CAD and BIM platforms. |
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Portable document file. Supported in Revit via 3rd party printer. | ||
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IFC | .ifc | Industry Foundation Classes. An open-source building information modelling file format maintained by the BuildingSmart alliance. Revit 2013 now exports to version 2x2 and 2x3. |
| ACIS | .sat | A 3D modelling file type that combines wireframe, surface and solid modelling in one file. Common among CAM (Computer Aided Modelling) software vendors. | |
| ADSK | .adsk | Autodesk exchange is Autodesk's attempt at making their software talk to each other better. It allows you to bring in Inventor models as Revit families for example. |
In addition to all of these file formats, the suites also have direct exports to other Autodesk software. See the Revit Wiki for more info.
Another important note is that Revit exports to SDNF and CIS/2 via the Autodesk Extensions. These file formats can be used for exchange with structural analysis and detailing programs.
If you notice that we've missed one, please let us know in the comments below!
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