Import Model Lines (RVT)

Import Rhino curves as Model Lines visible in all project views. Select files and layers from a single dashboard with real-time progress.

What It Does

Import Model Lines (RVT) brings Rhino curves into Revit as Model Lines that remain visible in all project views. Unlike Reference Lines which only appear in specific contexts, Model Lines stay visible across all views—ideal for construction geometry and design references.

Everything happens through a single Import Dashboard where you select your file, pick layers, and run the import with real-time progress tracking.

When to Use This

Use Import Model Lines (RVT) when you need:

  • Construction lines visible in all project views
  • Design reference geometry that stays visible
  • Layout lines for coordination across disciplines
  • Curve geometry organized by Rhino layers

Key difference from Reference Lines: Model Lines remain visible in all Revit views. Reference Lines only appear in specific family editing contexts.

How to Use

Step 1: Open the Import Dashboard

  • Open your Revit project (.rvt file)
  • Click Import Model Lines (RVT) in the Rhino to Revit Project panel
  • The Import Dashboard opens

Step 2: Select Your File

  • Click Browse to select your .3dm file
  • Your last used file is remembered for next time

Step 3: Select Layers

  • Available layers load automatically from your file
  • Each layer shows its Rhino color for easy identification
  • Select the layers containing curves you want to import
  • Your layer selections are remembered for next time

Step 4: Run Import

  • Click Start Import
  • Watch real-time progress as curves convert to Model Lines
  • Review the completion summary with curve type breakdown

Understanding Curve Conversion

The command intelligently recognizes curve types for optimal results:

Rhino Curve Revit Result Benefit
Lines Native Revit lines Fastest, most accurate
Circles Native Revit circles Perfect roundness maintained
Arcs Native Revit arcs Arc properties preserved
Ellipses Native Revit ellipses Ellipse accuracy maintained
Polylines Individual line segments Vertices preserved
Complex curves Revit splines Full shape maintained

Native curve types render 60-80% faster than splines.

What You Get

In your Revit project:

  • Model Lines visible in all views
  • Native curve types where possible (lines, arcs, circles)
  • Accurate coordinate correspondence with Rhino
  • Layer-based organization preserved

Processing Time

File Size Curves Time
Small <100 2-5 seconds
Medium 100-500 5-15 seconds
Large 500+ 15-60 seconds

Supported Geometry

  • Lines, polylines, and linear curves
  • Arcs and circles
  • Ellipses
  • Complex spline curves

Troubleshooting

Dashboard doesn't open

Try these steps:

  • Ensure you're in a Revit project (.rvt), not a family document
  • Click the button again
  • Restart Revit if the issue persists

No curves appear after import

Check these:

  • Model Lines category is enabled in View Visibility settings (VV)
  • You selected the correct layers
  • Your Rhino file contains curves (not just surfaces or solids)

Some curves missing

Possible causes:

  • Curves are non-planar (may need specific sketch planes)
  • Curves are invalid in Rhino
  • Curves are on layers you didn't select

Circles appear as arcs

What to check:

  • Curves may not be perfectly circular in Rhino
  • Use Rhino's _What command to verify curve type
  • Rebuild curves if needed for perfect circles

Visibility Control

After import, control Model Lines visibility like any Revit element:

  • View-specific: Visibility Graphics (VV) → Model Categories → Model Lines
  • Filter-based: Create filters to show/hide by properties
  • Workset-based: Place on worksets for team coordination