How to Convert a 3D Revit Model to 2d Vector Line Cartoon

2D Linework Overlay Examples

So, you lot're trying to take a 3d model in Revit and you want to consign it every bit 2d linework… Hither's a quick way to do that!

This is a trick that I apply oft for creating 2D wireframe drawings from 3D perspectives. Oftentimes, I overlay these lines every bit function of a collage to give another layer of information that I can easily edit. Here are a few samples of how you could apply this technique:

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DISCLAIMER: This method does not guarantee perfectly clean exports of second linework. The result that you get from using this method ultimately depends on how you have created your model in Revit. The quantity and type of 3D geometry that you take in your model volition affect the linework quality.

With that beingness said, let's get started.

For this method, we will be using AutoCAD and Revit. If you are looking to edit the resulting linework in Illustrator, there is a elementary method for doing that which I embrace at the end of this tutorial.

Place a 3D View on Sheet in Revit

First, open up Revit and navigate to the 3D drawing that yous want to export linework from. This will be either a perspective or isometric view. For this example, we volition use a perspective view.

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Create a new sheet to place the 3D view onto, and name it accordingly to go along your files clean. When we consign this sheet, the name of your exported .dwg file will correlate with the sheet name that you choose.

Next, elevate and drib the view onto the sheet you lot just created.

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Consign the Sheet + 3D View From Revit

In the main navigation bar, select "File" -> "Export" -> "CAD Formats" -> "DWG". Select the location that you would like the .DWG file to exist stored.

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Information technology may have some time to export, merely that depends on the complexity of your 3D geometry. If it takes a LONG time to export, that's a practiced indicator that you may have a lot of geometry in your file. Always be conscious of how much detail you want to show, and be sure to turn off or hide geometry that you lot won't necessarily need for your 2nd linework drawing.

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In one case the drawing is finished exporting, navigate to the folder and you lot may discover 2 .dwg files have been exported. Revit defaults to exporting both the 3D model and the second sail every bit separate files.

Open the Exported Revit .dwg in AutoCAD

We want to open the 2D sail file in AutoCAD. Right-click the file, select "open up-with", select AutoCAD every bit your program.

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In the "Model Space" of AutoCAD, you should encounter the cartoon that you just exported from Revit, along with the canvas.

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Annotation: FOR SCALING 3D DRAWINGS

Perspective views are ultimately scale-less. Isometric views, however, can have a scale factor. It is important to check your scales when moving between programs, as units can sometimes change.

In your drawing, yous volition see that Revit has exported linework and surfaces that are appearing as hatch patterns in AutoCAD. You volition typically need to clean upwards the drawing a chip. Since Revit and AutoCAD piece of work well together, you volition notice lines and hatches are separated into layers based on your organization in Revit.

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Utilize the Quick Select Carte to Make clean Up The AutoCAD Drawing

If you want to go rid of the hatches quickly, become to the "Properties" tab. Open the "Quick-select" menu, which is the icon with the lightning bolt (because… speed!). For object type, select "Hatch". In the "Operator" section, select "All" and striking OK.

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If done correctly, all of the hatch work in the drawing should exist selected. Simply select "Delete", and all of the hatch work will be removed from the drawing. Now y'all should be left with a pure line drawing.

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Transfer Linework to Adobe Illustrator

At this point, this may exist all that you need, just if y'all would like to transfer this cartoon to Illustrator, here's how you can do information technology:

To move your linework into Illustrator, become back to AutoCAD and type control "Select", "All". Follow with "Control"+"C" to copy the linework to your clipboard.

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Open Illustrator and simply "paste" the linework.

Illustrator typically groups everything together, and then if y'all want to edit these lines individually, be certain to right-click and select "Ungroup".

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From here on, you lot're all set. You can now edit these lines in Illustrator to your heart's content.

Good luck!

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