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143 Convert DWGs

Chris McKeown / July 1, 2025

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143 Convert DWGs

Overview

The Convert DWGs tool converts linked CAD (DWG/DXF) files into native Revit linework, either directly in the project or as loadable families. It analyzes all layers in the linked CAD file, allows you to map each layer to a Revit line style, then creates corresponding detail lines, model lines, or boundary lines. This eliminates the need for linked CAD files in your project while maintaining the graphic information, improving performance and enabling full Revit control over linework.

Convert DWGs

Table of Contents

Key Features

  • Converts linked CAD files to native Revit linework
  • Two conversion modes: Project lines or Loadable Family
  • Supports multiple line types:
    • Detail Lines (annotation)
    • Model Lines (3D geometry)
    • Area Boundary Lines
    • Room Separation Lines
    • Space Separation Lines
  • Layer-by-layer mapping to Revit line styles
  • Visual layer list with element counts
  • Save and load layer mapping configurations
  • Progress indicators for large conversions
  • Family creation with template selection
  • Option to move CAD to origin before conversion
  • Batch processing of all mapped layers
  • Preserves CAD geometry accurately
  • Handles polylines and complex curves

Requirements

Pre-requisites

  1. Linked CAD File

    • DWG or DXF must be linked (not imported) in project
    • Link must be selected before opening tool
    • CAD file should be in current view
    • Link must contain valid geometry

  2. Appropriate View Type

    • Detail/Model lines: Any view type
    • Area Boundaries: Area Plan view required
    • Room Separation: Floor Plan view required
    • Space Separation: Floor Plan view required

  3. Line Styles in Project

    • Project must have line styles defined
    • Default Revit line styles available
    • Custom line styles optional
    • Family mode requires family line styles

  4. For Family Mode

    • Family template files accessible
    • Valid output directory for saving families
    • Write permissions to output folder

Recommended Setup

Before Using Tool:

  1. Link CAD file into project
  2. Select the CAD link in a view
  3. Ensure view is appropriate for line type
  4. Create or verify line styles exist
  5. For family mode, locate family template folder

Interface Guide

Select DWG to Convert

DWG Name Field (Read-only):

  • Displays name of selected CAD link
  • Automatically populated when tool opens
  • Shows category name from Revit
  • Cannot be edited

Project or Family Mode

○ Project (Default)

  • Converts CAD to lines directly in current project
  • Lines created in active view
  • Uses project line styles
  • Immediate results

○ Family

  • Creates new loadable family containing CAD linework
  • Family saved to specified location
  • Loaded back into project after creation
  • Uses family line styles

Project Settings (Project Mode)

Select RVT Line Types Dropdown:

  • Detail Lines: Annotation lines (view-specific)
  • Model Lines: 3D model geometry
  • <Area Boundary>: Area plan boundary lines
  • <Room Separation>: Room boundary lines
  • <Space Separation>: Space boundary lines

Behavior:

  • Changes available line styles in mapping grid
  • Validates view type compatibility
  • Filters inappropriate line types

Family Settings (Family Mode)

Family Template Path:

  • Path to folder containing family templates (.rft files)
  • Click Path button to browse
  • Dropdown populates with available templates
  • Default: C:\

Select RVT Line Types Dropdown:

  • Detail Lines: Annotation lines in family
  • Model Lines: Model geometry in family

Select View Dropdown:

  • Lists views available in selected template
  • Determines which view receives linework
  • Populated after template selection

Move CAD To 0,0,0 Checkbox:

  • ✓ Moves CAD to origin before conversion
  • Useful for families requiring origin placement
  • Adjusts geometry during conversion

Family Name:

  • Name for created family file
  • Required field
  • Invalid characters replaced with underscores
  • Extension (.rfa) added automatically

Save Family to:

  • Output directory for family file
  • Click Path button to browse
  • Must have write permissions
  • Default: C:\

Map DWG Layer to RVT Line Style (Grid)

Layer Column (Read-only):

  • Lists all CAD layers found in link
  • Format: LayerName-Count
  • Count shows number of geometry objects
  • Sorted alphabetically
  • Cannot be edited

Line Style Column (Dropdown):

  • Selects Revit line style for this layer
  • Options change based on line type selection
  • Empty = layer will be skipped
  • Auto-opens dropdown on cell entry

Grid Features:

  • One row per CAD layer
  • Only mapped layers (with line style) are converted
  • Unmapped layers are ignored
  • Can map multiple layers to same line style

Action Buttons

Save

  • Exports current layer mapping to text file
  • Saves layer names and assigned line styles
  • Can be reloaded later
  • Format: CSV text file

Load

  • Imports previously saved layer mapping
  • Updates line style assignments
  • Matches layers by name
  • Skips layers not in current CAD

Re-Load

  • Refreshes mapping from currently specified file
  • Re-applies saved settings
  • Useful after changing line type selection

About

  • Displays tool version and information

Ok

  • Executes CAD conversion
  • Processes all mapped layers
  • Shows progress bar during conversion
  • Displays completion message

Cancel

  • Closes dialog without converting
  • No changes made to project

Step-by-Step Guide

Basic Project Conversion

  1. Link and Select CAD File

    • In Revit: Insert → Link CAD
    • Browse to DWG/DXF file
    • Link file into current view
    • Select the linked CAD instance

  2. Open the Tool

    • With CAD link selected
    • Navigate to Bonus Tools tab
    • Click 143 Convert DWGs
    • Dialog opens with CAD name displayed

  3. Choose Project Mode

    • Verify Project radio button selected
    • This is the default mode
    • Creates lines directly in project

  4. Select Line Type

    • Choose from Select RVT Line Types dropdown
    • For typical details: "Detail Lines"
    • For 3D content: "Model Lines"
    • For boundaries: appropriate boundary type

  5. Map Layers to Line Styles

    • Review layer list in grid
    • Click Line Style cell for each layer
    • Select appropriate Revit line style
    • Leave blank to skip unwanted layers

  6. Save Mapping (Optional)

    • Click Save button
    • Choose location and filename
    • Save for reuse on similar CAD files

  7. Execute Conversion

    • Click Ok button
    • Progress bar displays during processing
    • Wait for completion message
    • Review created linework in view

  8. Verify Results

    • Check created lines in view
    • Verify line styles applied correctly
    • Delete CAD link if satisfied
    • Clean up any conversion issues

Creating Family from CAD

  1. Prepare CAD Link

    • Link CAD file into project
    • Select the CAD link
    • Note its current position

  2. Open Tool in Family Mode

    • Open 143 Convert DWGs
    • Select Family radio button
    • Family settings panel enables

  3. Select Family Template

    • Click Path button for template folder
    • Browse to Revit family template location
    • Common: C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\RVT [version]\Family Templates\
    • Select template dropdown populates

  4. Choose Template

    • Select template from dropdown
    • Example: "Generic Model.rft"
    • View dropdown populates with template views

  5. Configure Family Settings

    • Select RVT Line Types: Choose Detail or Model
    • Select View: Choose view for linework
    • Move CAD To 0,0,0: Check if needed
    • Family Name: Enter descriptive name
    • Save Family to: Browse to output folder

  6. Map Layers

    • Line Style dropdown shows family line styles
    • Map CAD layers to family line styles
    • Note: Different line styles than project

  7. Create Family

    • Click Ok
    • Tool creates family document
    • Converts CAD linework
    • Saves family file
    • Loads family into project
    • Places instance at origin

  8. Review Family

    • Check placed family instance
    • Edit family to review linework
    • Adjust as needed
    • Family saved to specified location

Loading Saved Mapping

  1. Open Tool with CAD Selected

    • Select linked CAD file
    • Open Convert DWGs tool

  2. Locate Mapping File

    • Click Load button
    • Browse to previously saved mapping file
    • Select text file
    • Click Open

  3. Review Applied Mapping

    • Tool automatically maps layers
    • Line styles assigned based on file
    • Unmapped layers remain blank
    • Can manually adjust as needed

  4. Convert with Loaded Settings

    • Verify mappings correct
    • Click Ok to convert
    • Same settings as previous conversion

Converting Specific Layer Types

Detail Lines Conversion:

  1. Select Detail Lines from line type dropdown
  2. Map CAD layers to detail line styles
  3. Lines created as view-specific annotation
  4. Useful for: Sections, details, schedules

Model Lines Conversion:

  1. Select Model Lines from line type dropdown
  2. Requires sketch plane in current view
  3. Map layers to model line styles
  4. Creates 3D geometry
  5. Useful for: 3D layouts, massing studies

Room Separation Conversion:

  1. Open Floor Plan view
  2. Select <Room Separation> from dropdown
  3. Note: Only this option available in dropdown
  4. Map layers to create room boundaries
  5. Lines appear as room boundary lines
  6. Useful for: Converting CAD space plans

Area Boundary Conversion:

  1. Open Area Plan view
  2. Select <Area Boundary> from dropdown
  3. Map layers for area boundaries
  4. Creates area boundary lines
  5. Useful for: Rentable/usable area analysis

Understanding Layer Mapping

Layer List Format

Display Format: LayerName-Count

Example:

A-WALL-100
A-DOOR-25
A-WIND-18
S-GRID-10

Components:

  • LayerName: Original CAD layer name
  • Count: Number of geometry objects on layer
    • Includes individual line segments from polylines
    • Higher count = more geometry

Sorting:

  • Alphabetically by layer name
  • Same as CAD layer organization
  • Easy to find specific layers

Line Style Selection

Available Line Styles Depend On Mode:

Project Detail Lines:

  • All project detail line styles
  • Example: Thin Lines, Medium Lines, Wide Lines
  • Custom project line styles included
  • Excludes: <Sketch>, <Fabric Sheets>, boundary types

Project Model Lines:

  • All project model line styles
  • Same as detail lines but for model category
  • Creates 3D geometry

Boundary Lines:

  • Only single boundary type available
  • Area: <Area Boundary>
  • Room: <Room Separation>
  • Space: <Space Separation>

Family Lines:

  • Line styles from family template
  • Includes family category style
  • Sub-categories of family category
  • Different from project line styles

Mapping Strategy

Unmapped Layers:

  • Leave Line Style dropdown empty
  • Layer will be skipped during conversion
  • No error—intentional filtering
  • Useful for excluding unwanted layers

Multiple Layers to One Style:

  • Can map different CAD layers to same line style
  • All merge into single Revit line style
  • Useful for standardizing varied CAD layers
  • Example: Map "A-WALL", "A-WALL-EXT", "A-WALL-INT" all to "Wide Lines"

One-to-One Mapping:

  • Each CAD layer to unique Revit line style
  • Maintains CAD layer distinction
  • Requires sufficient Revit line styles
  • May need to create custom line styles

Saving Mapping Files

File Format: Plain text CSV

Contents:

Layer / Linetype export - DWG to RVT
A-WALL-100, Wide Lines
A-DOOR-25, Medium Lines
A-WIND-18, Medium Lines
S-GRID-10, Thin Lines

First Line: Header (ignored on load) Subsequent Lines: LayerName-Count, Line Style Name

Loading Behavior:

  • Matches by layer name (ignores count)
  • Applies line style if it exists in current mode
  • Skips layers not found in current CAD
  • Skips line styles not available
  • Special handling for boundary line types

Example Workflows

Workflow 1: Converting Architectural Detail

Scenario: CAD detail section to Revit drafting view

  1. Prepare Revit View

    • Create new Drafting View
    • Name: "Wall Section Detail"
    • Scale: 3/4" = 1'-0"

  2. Link CAD File

    • Link detail DWG into drafting view
    • Position appropriately
    • Select linked CAD

  3. Configure Conversion

    • Open Convert DWGs tool
    • Mode: Project
    • Line Type: Detail Lines

  4. Map Layers Intelligently

    • Heavy lines (A-WALL, S-CONC): "Wide Lines"
    • Medium lines (A-DOOR, A-WIND): "Medium Lines"
    • Light lines (A-DIMS, A-NOTES): "Thin Lines"
    • Hidden lines (A-HIDDEN): "Hidden Lines"
    • Skip dimension/text layers (will add Revit annotations)

  5. Save Mapping

    • Save as "Architectural_Detail_Mapping.txt"
    • Reuse for similar details

  6. Convert

    • Click Ok
    • Wait for completion
    • Review 100-200 lines created

  7. Post-Conversion Cleanup

    • Delete CAD link
    • Add Revit dimensions and text
    • Adjust line styles if needed
    • Place on sheet

Result: Native Revit detail with full editing capability

Workflow 2: Creating Family from CAD Block

Scenario: Furniture CAD block to Revit family

  1. Link CAD Block

    • Link furniture DWG
    • In floor plan view
    • Select link

  2. Configure Family Creation

    • Mode: Family
    • Template path: Browse to templates
    • Template: "Furniture.rft"
    • View: "Ref. Level" or "Front"
    • Line Type: Model Lines

  3. Enable CAD Centering

    • ✓ Move CAD To 0,0,0
    • Ensures family centered at origin

  4. Set Output

    • Family Name: "Office Chair - CAD Conversion"
    • Save to: Project furniture library folder

  5. Map Layers

    • Map all visible layers to family line styles
    • Skip hidden or construction layers

  6. Create and Load

    • Click Ok
    • Family created and loaded
    • Instance placed at 0,0,0

  7. Refine Family

    • Edit family
    • Add parameters if needed
    • Assign category
    • Add 3D geometry or keep 2D
    • Save and reload

Result: Reusable furniture family from CAD

Workflow 3: Room Boundary Conversion

Scenario: CAD space plan to Revit room layout

  1. Prepare Floor Plan

    • Open architectural floor plan
    • Ensure at correct level
    • Link CAD space plan

  2. Configure for Rooms

    • Select CAD link
    • Open tool
    • Mode: Project
    • Line Type: <Room Separation>

  3. Map Room Boundary Layers

    • Identify CAD layers representing walls/partitions
    • Map these to room separation
    • Skip furniture, equipment layers
    • Only mapped layers become boundaries

  4. Convert

    • Click Ok
    • Room separation lines created
    • Verify closed room boundaries

  5. Create Rooms

    • Architecture → Room
    • Place rooms in defined spaces
    • Rooms automatically bound by separation lines

  6. Clean Up

    • Delete CAD link
    • Adjust room separation lines if needed
    • Add room tags

Result: Revit rooms matching CAD space plan

Workflow 4: Multi-Detail Conversion with Saved Mapping

Scenario: Convert multiple similar CAD details using same mapping

  1. Convert First Detail

    • Link first CAD detail
    • Select and open tool
    • Map layers thoughtfully
    • Save mapping as "Standard_Detail_Mapping.txt"
    • Convert detail

  2. Prepare Second Detail

    • Create new drafting view
    • Link second CAD detail
    • Select link

  3. Load Saved Mapping

    • Open Convert DWGs tool
    • Click Load
    • Select "Standard_Detail_Mapping.txt"
    • Mappings applied automatically

  4. Adjust if Needed

    • Review applied mappings
    • Adjust any layers unique to this detail
    • Most mappings should be correct

  5. Convert

    • Click Ok
    • Detail converted with standard settings

  6. Repeat for Remaining Details

    • Link each CAD file
    • Load same mapping
    • Quick conversions with consistency

Result: Multiple details with consistent line style application

Workflow 5: Area Boundary Setup

Scenario: Creating departmental area plan from CAD

  1. Create Area Plan

    • Architecture → Area and Volume Computations
    • Create Area Scheme: "Departments"
    • Create Area Plan view

  2. Link CAD File

    • Link departmental CAD drawing
    • In area plan view
    • Select link

  3. Configure Conversion

    • Mode: Project
    • Line Type: <Area Boundary>
    • Only option: <Area Boundary>

  4. Map Department Boundary Layers

    • Identify CAD layers showing department boundaries
    • Map to area boundary
    • Skip non-boundary layers

  5. Convert

    • Creates area boundary lines
    • Defines area extents

  6. Place Areas

    • Architecture → Area
    • Place in each department
    • Areas bound by converted boundaries
    • Tag areas

Result: Area plan ready for calculation and schedules

Tips and Best Practices

  1. Always Save Mappings for Reuse

    • First conversion takes time to map
    • Saved mappings make future conversions instant
    • Organize mapping files by CAD type/source
    • Include in project templates

  2. Test on Small Section First

    • Link full CAD file
    • Map and convert just few important layers
    • Verify result before mapping all layers
    • Easier to troubleshoot issues

  3. Consider Line Weight Strategy

    • Match CAD line weights to Revit line styles
    • Heavy CAD lines → Wide Revit lines
    • Light CAD lines → Thin Revit lines
    • Maintains visual hierarchy

  4. Skip Unnecessary Layers

    • Don't map layers you won't use
    • Examples: Text, dimensions, hatching (add natively in Revit)
    • Defpoints, metadata layers
    • Reduces conversion time

  5. Use Appropriate Line Type

    • Details and sections: Detail Lines
    • Plans requiring 3D: Model Lines
    • Space planning: Room/Area boundaries
    • Affects downstream usage

  6. Delete CAD Link After Conversion

    • Once satisfied with conversion
    • Improves file performance
    • Forces use of native Revit tools
    • Keep original CAD archived externally

  7. Large CAD Files Take Time

    • Files with thousands of lines may take 10-30 minutes
    • Progress bar shows status
    • Can cancel if needed
    • Consider converting in phases

  8. Family Mode for Reusable Content

    • Equipment, furniture, symbols
    • Standard details to reuse
    • Allows parametric enhancement later
    • Organized family library

  9. Verify View Type Before Starting

    • Area boundaries require area plan
    • Room/space separations require floor plan
    • Model lines require sketch plane
    • Tool validates but prevents errors

  10. Document Your Mapping Logic

    • Note why certain layers mapped to certain styles
    • Include in BIM execution plan
    • Helps team understand conversions
    • Maintains project standards

Common Use Cases

CAD Detail Conversion

Purpose: Convert legacy CAD details to native Revit

Approach:

  1. Create drafting views for each detail
  2. Link CAD details
  3. Create standard layer mapping
  4. Convert all details using saved mapping
  5. Delete CAD links
  6. Add Revit annotations

Benefits:

  • Native Revit details
  • Editable line work
  • Better performance
  • Integrated with project

Site Plan Conversion

Purpose: Convert civil CAD site plan to Revit model

Approach:

  1. Link site CAD in site plan view
  2. Use model lines for 3D elements
  3. Map property lines, roads, contours
  4. Convert to Revit model lines
  5. Add Revit topography
  6. Enhance with Revit site tools

Benefits:

  • 3D site model
  • Coordination with building
  • Better visualization
  • Revit site tools available

Equipment Family Library

Purpose: Build library of equipment families from CAD blocks

Approach:

  1. Collect CAD equipment blocks
  2. Convert each to family using family mode
  3. Use appropriate templates
  4. Center CAD at origin
  5. Create family library structure
  6. Load into project as needed

Benefits:

  • Consistent equipment families
  • Leverages existing CAD assets
  • Faster than redrawing
  • Parametric enhancement possible

Space Planning Import

Purpose: Import client CAD space plan into Revit

Approach:

  1. Link space plan CAD
  2. Convert to room separations
  3. Create rooms from boundaries
  4. Add room tags and schedules
  5. Validate areas against program
  6. Develop design from space plan

Benefits:

  • Quick space plan setup
  • Accurate to client requirements
  • Room-based workflow
  • Area calculations immediate

As-Built Conversion

Purpose: Convert as-built CAD drawings to Revit

Approach:

  1. Link as-built CAD files
  2. Convert to detail/model lines as appropriate
  3. Use as reference for modeling
  4. Gradually replace CAD with native Revit elements
  5. Keep converted lines as backup reference
  6. Eventually remove all CAD references

Benefits:

  • Accurate existing conditions
  • Reference for modeling
  • Verification of model accuracy
  • Historical record

Troubleshooting

"Could not create lines in the current view"

Problem: Conversion completes but no lines created

Solutions:

  • View type incompatible with line type:
    • Area boundaries require area plan view
    • Room/space boundaries require floor plan
    • Check active view type
  • No layers mapped: All line style cells empty
    • Map at least one layer
    • Check mapping loaded correctly
  • CAD link has no geometry: Empty or corrupt CAD
    • Verify CAD file opens in AutoCAD
    • Check layer list has counts > 0
  • Sketch plane missing (model lines):
    • Ensure view has work plane
    • Set work plane before converting

Layer List Is Empty

Problem: Grid shows no layers

Solutions:

  • CAD link may be empty
  • CAD file might not be truly linked
  • Geometry not in link's geometry
  • Try relinking CAD file
  • Verify CAD file has content in AutoCAD
  • Check CAD file not corrupted

Line Styles Don't Appear in Dropdown

Problem: Line Style dropdown is empty or missing styles

Solutions:

  • Line type selection affects available styles
  • Change between Detail/Model/Boundary modes
  • For boundaries, only boundary style available
  • In family mode, family template determines styles
  • Create custom line styles if needed
  • Check project has line styles defined

Conversion Takes Extremely Long

Problem: Progress bar barely moving, hours to complete

Solutions:

  • Very large CAD file (>10MB, >10,000 objects)
  • Unmap layers with huge counts to reduce load
  • Convert in phases (subsets of layers)
  • Can cancel with progress bar and retry smaller
  • Some complex polylines slow processing
  • Consider simplifying CAD in AutoCAD first

Mapping File Won't Load

Problem: Loaded mapping doesn't apply to layers

Solutions:

  • Layer names must match exactly
  • Check for extra spaces or characters
  • CAD may have different layers than mapping file
  • Line styles in mapping may not exist in current mode
    • Example: Project mapping loaded in family mode
  • Verify mapping file format correct
  • Try manually setting few layers to test

Family Creation Fails

Problem: Error during family creation or load

Solutions:

  • Template file not found:
    • Verify template path correct
    • Check template dropdown has selection
    • Browse to valid Revit template folder
  • Output directory invalid:
    • Check save family path exists
    • Verify write permissions
    • Try saving to desktop instead
  • Family name invalid:
    • Tool replaces illegal characters automatically
    • Check for very long names (>250 characters)
  • Template incompatible:
    • Use appropriate template for line type
    • Detail lines work in most templates
    • Model lines may require specific templates

Lines Created in Wrong Location

Problem: Converted lines not where CAD link was

Solutions:

  • CAD link position affects line placement
  • Lines created at CAD geometry coordinates
  • In family mode: Use "Move CAD To 0,0,0" option
  • In project: CAD link position is reference
  • Reposition CAD link before converting
  • Can move lines after conversion with normal tools

Some Layers Don't Convert

Problem: Specific layers skipped despite mapping

Solutions:

  • Check layer count in layer list
    • Count = 0 means no geometry on layer
  • Verify line style actually selected (not blank)
  • Some CAD geometry types may not convert:
    • Text (not geometry)
    • Hatches (not lines)
    • Blocks/inserts (nested geometry)
    • 3D geometry in 2D view
  • Check CAD layer not frozen/off in original file

Line Styles Don't Match Expectations

Problem: Converted lines have wrong appearance

Solutions:

  • Verify correct line style selected in mapping
  • Check Revit line style definition:
    • Manage → Object Styles → Annotation/Model Objects
    • Review line style weight, color, pattern
  • Line style might be view-specific override
  • Check view's Visibility/Graphics overrides
  • May need to adjust Revit line styles to match CAD

Polylines Convert as Individual Segments

Problem: Continuous CAD polylines become separate Revit lines

Solutions:

  • This is expected behavior
  • Revit doesn't have true polyline element
  • Each segment becomes individual line
  • Can join lines in Revit if needed:
    • Select lines → Modify tab → Join
  • Affects selection and modification workflow
  • Consider if issue for your use case

Progress Bar Freezes

Problem: Progress bar stops updating

Solutions:

  • May not be frozen—very slow operation
  • Large complex geometry takes time per element
  • Wait at least 10-15 minutes before canceling
  • Watch Revit status bar for activity
  • Check Task Manager—is Revit responding?
  • If truly frozen, force close and retry with fewer layers

Lines Created But CAD Still Visible

Problem: Both Revit lines and CAD link showing

Solutions:

  • This is normal—CAD link not automatically hidden
  • Tool doesn't delete CAD link
  • Manually hide or delete CAD link:
    • Select CAD link
    • Delete key or Hide in View
  • Compare conversion quality before deleting CAD
  • Keep CAD link hidden as backup initially

Family Doesn't Load Into Project

Problem: Family created but not appearing in project

Solutions:

  • Check if family actually saved to output folder
  • Family may have loaded but not placed
    • Check Project Browser → Families
  • Error during family load:
    • Check family file not corrupt
    • Try manually loading family
    • File → Load Family → Browse to created family
  • Instance placement may have failed
    • Tool tries to place at origin
    • Look for instance at 0,0,0
    • Manually place family symbol if needed

Need Help? Contact support or refer to additional Bonus Tools documentation.

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