What It Does
Import Solids (RFA) converts Rhino 3D geometry into Revit family solids with automatic layer-based visibility controls. The command creates solid geometry from your Rhino file and generates visibility parameters, letting you control which parts show when the family is loaded in projects.
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 Solids (RFA) when you need:
- Solid geometry added to a family document
- Layer-based visibility control in loaded families
- Reusable family components for your library
- Geometry that integrates with Revit's parameter system
Key difference from RVT version: This adds geometry to an open family document. Use the RVT version when you need to place family instances directly in your current project.
How to Use
Step 1: Open a Family Document
- Open an existing family or create one from a template
- Generic Model templates work well for most imported geometry
Step 2: Open the Import Dashboard
- Click Import Solids (RFA) in the Rhino to Revit Family panel
- The Import Dashboard opens
Step 3: Select Your File
- Click Browse to select your .3dm file
- Your last used file is remembered for next time
Step 4: Select Layers
- Available layers load automatically from your file
- Each layer shows its Rhino color for easy identification
- Select the layers containing solids you want to import
- Your layer selections are remembered for next time
Step 5: Run Import
- Click Start Import
- Watch real-time progress as geometry converts
- Review the completion summary
Step 6: Save Your Family
After successful import:
- Review the created geometry and parameters
- Save the family file (File → Save As)
- Load into projects as needed
Visibility Parameters
The command automatically creates parameters for layer-based visibility control:
| Rhino Layer | Revit Parameter | Control |
|---|---|---|
| "Structure" | SHOW-Structure | Yes/No |
| "MEP Equipment" | SHOW-MEP Equipment | Yes/No |
| "Finishes" | SHOW-Finishes | Yes/No |
When you load this family in a project, use these parameters to control which parts are visible—per instance or by type.
What You Get
In your family document:
- Solid geometry from Rhino
- Automatic visibility parameters for each layer
- Clean, organized parameter structure
- Family ready for library use
Supported Geometry
- Closed Breps (solid objects)
- Extrusions
- Geometry must be valid solids in Rhino
Not supported (filtered automatically):
- Mesh objects
- SubD surfaces
- Open surfaces or curves
Processing Time
| File Size | Solids | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Small | <20 | 2-5 seconds |
| Medium | 20-50 | 5-15 seconds |
| Large | 50+ | 15-45 seconds |
Troubleshooting
Dashboard doesn't open
Try these steps:
- Ensure you're in a Revit family document (.rfa), not a project
- Click the button again
- Restart Revit if the issue persists
No geometry appears after import
Check these:
- Your .3dm file contains closed solid geometry
- Selected layers have Brep or Extrusion objects
- Mesh and SubD objects are automatically filtered out
Some objects missing
Possible causes:
- Command only converts Brep and Extrusion types
- Meshes are skipped (convert to Brep in Rhino first using
_Mesh2Nurbs) - SubD surfaces are skipped (convert to NURBS using
_ToNURBS) - Invalid solids are reported in results
Visibility parameters not working
What to check:
- Parameters appear as yes/no checkboxes when family is loaded
- Default state is visible (yes)
- Control visibility per instance or by family type
Tips
- Layer naming: Use descriptive layer names—they become parameter names
- Test loading: Load in a test project to verify visibility controls work
- Keep it simple: Break very complex geometry into smaller component families
- Library organization: Save to organized family library folders