What It Does
Import Solids (RVT) converts Rhino 3D geometry directly into placed Revit family instances in your project. In one automated operation, the command creates families from your Rhino solids, loads them into your current project, and places instances at the original Rhino coordinates.
Everything happens through a single Import Dashboard where you select your file, choose a template, pick layers, and run the import—all in one place.
When to Use This
Use Import Solids (RVT) when you need:
- Design geometry from Rhino visible in your Revit project views
- Accurate coordinate correspondence between Rhino and Revit
- Family instances you can schedule, tag, and manage like any Revit element
Key difference from RFA version: This command places instances directly in your project. Use the RFA version when you need standalone family files for your library.
How to Use
Step 1: Open the Import Dashboard
- Open your Revit project (.rvt file)
- Click Import Solids (RVT) in the Rhino to Revit Project panel
- The Import Dashboard opens
Step 2: Select Your File
- Click Browse to select your .3dm file
- File size displays for reference
- Your last used file is remembered for next time
Step 3: Choose a Template
- The dashboard shows your current template (defaults to Metric Generic Model)
- Click Browse to select a different .rft template if needed
- Your template choice persists across sessions
Step 4: Select Layers
- Available layers load automatically from your .3dm file
- Each layer shows its Rhino color for easy identification
- Select the layers containing geometry you want to import
- Your layer selections are remembered for next time
Step 5: Run Import
- Click Start Import
- Watch real-time progress as the command:
- Creates the family document
- Converts your geometry
- Loads the family into your project
- Places instances at original coordinates
- Review the completion summary
What You Get
In your Revit project:
- Loaded family with converted geometry
- Placed family instances at Rhino coordinates
- Elements visible in all project views
- Full Revit element behavior (scheduling, tagging, filtering)
Coordinate accuracy:
- Original Rhino positions preserved exactly
- Geometry drawn 10 feet right of origin in Rhino appears 10 feet right in Revit
- Sub-millimeter accuracy maintained across round-trip workflows
Supported Geometry
- Closed Breps (solid objects)
- Extrusions
- Geometry must be valid solids in Rhino
Not supported: Meshes, SubD surfaces, open surfaces
Processing Time
| Project Size | Objects | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Small | ~10 | 5-8 seconds |
| Medium | ~50 | 15-20 seconds |
| Large | 200+ | 45-60 seconds |
The progress display keeps you informed throughout.
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 layers appear after selecting file
Possible causes:
- File has no layers with geometry
- File is corrupted or incompatible
Solution: Open the file in Rhino to verify it contains valid geometry on layers.
Import completes but no instances appear
Check these:
- Verify you selected layers that contain geometry
- Ensure geometry is valid closed solids (not surfaces or meshes)
- Check the Revit view—instances may be far from the current view area
Geometry appears in wrong location
What to check:
- Rhino coordinates are preserved exactly as modeled
- Verify your Rhino model's coordinate system before export
- If using with Export to 3DM, ensure you're using the same coordinate reference
Template errors
Solution: Use the dashboard to browse for a different template, or let it default to Metric Generic Model.