How to Import Autodesk Revit Families in BricsCAD BIM

Disclaimer: unless otherwise indicated, “Revit” in this article refers to the Revit® software and its peripherals by Autodesk®.

Quick answer: IMPORT and INSERT bring Revit RFA family files into BricsCAD as 3D solids. Supported Revit versions match exactly what’s covered on this hub’s Revit files import page: BricsCAD BIM V26.2 currently supports Revit 2015-2026, with a model from a later Revit version importable as IFC instead.

Importing an RFA File Directly

1. Launch IMPORT; the Import file dialog opens.
2. Choose Revit Family (*.rfa file) under Files of type.
3. Select the RFA file you want.
4. Click Open; the family’s geometry imports as separate 3D solids.

Inserting an RFA File via Insert

With Dynamic UCS (DUCS) on, the RFA entity aligns with the 3D solid face under the cursor; with Dynamic Dimensions (DYN) on, distances from the nearest parallel edge on that face display too.

1. Launch INSERT; the Insert Block dialog opens.
2. Click Browse… to open the Select Drawing File dialog.
3. Browse to the folder containing your RFA files.
4. Choose Revit Family (*.rfa file) under Files of type.
5. Select the file you want; it attaches to the cursor.
6. Place it using the dynamic dimension fields: press Tab to select a field, type a value, and press Tab again to lock it (it turns red); repeat to lock another field, optionally pressing Tab to adjust the dynamic dimensions further, then press Enter to accept the position.

Inserting an RFA File via the Library Panel

1. Open the Settings dialog and search for COMPONENTSPATH.
2. Add the RFA root folder to the path list.
3. That folder’s contents list automatically in the Library panel.
4. If needed, choose Generate Thumbnails from the Library panel’s menu, confirming the same option covered on this hub’s Library panel page.
5. Select the RFA file from the Library panel to place it in your model space.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to an RFA family’s geometry once imported directly? It comes in as separate 3D solids in the drawing.

Do I need to set anything specific to see an RFA file’s contents in the Library panel? Yes, add its root folder to COMPONENTSPATH in the Settings dialog first.

Does the RFA entity snap to a solid’s face automatically while inserting it? Yes, if Dynamic UCS (DUCS) is on, it aligns with whatever 3D solid face is under the cursor.

What should I do if my RFA file comes from a newer Revit version than BricsCAD supports? Consider importing the model as IFC instead, covered on this hub’s IFC import and export page.