How to view a Revit file online
How to easily open and view a Revit file directly online, without needing to install any additional software, all for free
You’ve probably stopped to read this article because you still recall some bad experiences opening a Revit file! Quite a common issue when professionals that don’t own a Revit license but need to open and view this kind of architectural file format received from a colleague.
Well, in this article, I’ll show you how to open, view and manage a Revit file using a free rvt file viewer. This tool allows you to view online 3D models generated with any BIM authoring. In addition to that, the great value comes from the fact that you can forget about installing and configuring any software because it’s all completely online and available for any type of device (a PC, tablet, etc.) and without size limits.
How to open a Revit file online
Contents
What is a Revit file
Here’ s a short description of what an .rvt file actually is.
An .rvt file is a BIM architectural design file generated by Autodesk’s Revit software and is widely used by AEC industry professionals because it provides valuable support during the design, management and maintenance of building and infrastructure works.
It contains the project 3D models and all relating technical information (materials, geometry, dimensions, costs, etc.). From the 3D Revit model, it is also possible to generate the entire set of floor plans, elevation views, cross-sections, renderings, etc., which are crucial when preparing construction documents and project presentations.
How to open a Revit file online
There are so many different CAD and BIM software tools available today, either for free or license-based, that allow you to open and view Revit files. The most obvious solution would be to open the file with the software that generated the original file, to put it simple: Revit by Autodesk.
However, what happens if you can’t afford such an expensive software? Well, in that case, the ideal alternative would be to open and view the file without installing any additional software on your PC. Let’s see how using a BIM viewer.
Simply access the usBIM page and login with your ACCA account credentials.
How to gain access to usBIM
if you don’t have an ACCA account yet:
- go to the MyACCA page
- register your account
- insert your email address and a password.
At this stage, all you have to do is upload your Revit file to usBIM cloud and view it on your PC or smartphone.
Here are all the basic steps to follow:
- login to usBIM (click here to access usBIM)
- create a new folder by clicking the icon at the bottom right of the screen
- upload your Revit file into the folder with a simple drag&drop
- click on the PC screen icon, next to the file you have just uploaded, and choose the “Open” option.
If you are interested in this topic, you might also want to read:
- How to open 3D files online
- Viewing point cloud cluster files online
- How to open and view a GeoJSON file
All you can do with an online BIM viewer
In addition to opening and viewing Revit files (or files generated with any other BIM authoring tool), with usBIM.browser you can take advantage of many other features that allow you to:
- view and manage data, documents and BIM models directly online in different formats (IFC viewer, DWG viewer, DXF viewer, etc.)
- use any device to view 3D models online
- attach information, graphics, data sheets and other documentation to model objects
- create sections directly from the 3D model
- obtain model measurements
- federate multiple IFC models and other BIM formats into a single BIM model viewer
- share and collaborate in real time with users connected to the same project
- use the “Issue” function to collaboratively resolve potential issues within the model
- describe issues directly on the IFC model
- detect all the object information in the IFC model by linking or associating additional information with the #TagBIM function
- obtain immersive 3D views of BIM models
- and much more.
FAQ on “Revit file”
What is a Revit file (.rvt)?
A Revit file (.rvt) is the native format used by Autodesk Revit, a Building Information Modeling (BIM) software. It contains 3D models of buildings along with associated project data, including geometry, materials, dimensions, and annotations.
What does a Revit file contain?
A Revit file includes:
- 3D models of architectural, structural, and MEP elements
- 2D drawing elements
- Project information and data tables
- Annotations and metadata
- Collaboration data for multi-user work
What is the purpose of a Revit file?
A Revit file is used to manage building design and documentation within a single model. It helps coordinate the various elements of a project and facilitates collaboration among professionals.
What are the different types of Revit files?
In addition to .rvt files, Revit also uses:
- RFA (Revit Family files): Contains reusable model components (e.g., doors, windows).
- RTE (Revit Project Template files): Used to create project templates with default settings.
- RFT (Revit Family Template files): Templates for creating new Revit families.
How can I open a Revit file without Revit?
If you do not have Autodesk Revit, you can use a free online BIM viewer like usBIM to open and view .rvt files without installing any software.
What is usBIM and how does it help in viewing Revit files?
usBIM is an online BIM platform that allows users to open, view, and manage Revit files directly from a web browser. It supports various formats, including IFC, DWG, DXF, and EDF.
How to open a Revit file online?
To view a Revit file online:
- Access the platform usBIM.
- Create an account (if you don’t already have one).
- Upload the .rvt file using drag-and-drop.
- Click on the file and select “Open” to view it.
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