Revit is a prominent software application for creating building designs, construction documents, and 3D models. It serves architects, engineers, and construction professionals in building and infrastructure design and documentation. One feature that Revit may lack is the capability to export files in PDF format. However, this blog post will show you some methods on how to convert your Revit files into PDF.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Converting Revit File Into PDF
Revit is often used for BIM (Building Information Modeling), which is a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a building. This software has the capability to create detailed models of buildings, which could be superfluous when exporting to PDFs.
Converting Revit files into PDF could be challenging because Revit has several features that might not be compatible with a PDF document. Some issues that might occur are that text might not be selectable after conversion, or Revit elements might require more DPI resolution to look good in a PDF.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before proceeding with the conversion process, here are some prerequisites you should keep in mind.
1. Latest Revit Version
Make sure that you have the latest version of Revit installed in your computer. Since the process of converting a Revit file to a PDF could be challenging, having the latest version with the most recent updates may minimize the likelihood of errors.
2. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
Although Revit can be converted into a PDF format using several online tools, Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is a reliable software designed for PDF conversion. While Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is not a free application, it provides a broad range of functionalities, allowing the user to create, publish, and edit PDF documents.
3. Revit File
Make sure you have the Revit file that you need to convert to PDF within your computer’s directory. Also, be sure to save a copy of the original Revit file just in case something goes wrong with the conversion process.
Methods to Convert Revit File Into PDF
Method 1: Using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
1. Open Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, and click "File" then "Create PDF" located on the upper left corner.
2. In the "Create PDF" dialog box, click "Select a File" then, browse for the Revit file that needs to be converted.
3. After selecting the file, you may configure the settings on how the PDF document will look. You may choose to scale the drawing, if necessary, or choose the appropriate resolution as needed.
4. If you want to convert the entire Revit file into a PDF, the "AutoCAD" option must be selected in the PDF Maker dialog box. Click "OK" to proceed with the PDF-making process.
5. Wait for the process to finish, and a new PDF document will be created with the name "revit_filename.PDF."
6. Save the PDF document where you want it to be (USB flash drive, hard disk, CD, etc.)
Pros:
• Adobe Acrobat has many features that could enhance the generated PDF document’s appearance.
• The process is performed offline, making it a useful feature for users with limited internet access.
Cons:
• Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is not a free software application.
• The process could be time-consuming, depending on the file’s size being converted.
Method 2: Using Web-based Tools
Some web-based tools can easily convert Revit files into a PDF format.
1. Open your favorite web browser and search for web-based conversion tools such as "Zamzar" or "OnlineConvertFree".
2. Select "Choose File" and locate the Revit file in your computer.
3. Choose "PDF" as the output format and wait for the process to complete.
4. After the process finishes, download the PDF document.
Pros:
• Some web-based tools are free and efficient, making it convenient for users.
• The process is straightforward to some web-based tools, making it easy to use.
Cons:
• When using web-based tools, internet connectivity is necessary.
• The final document may have limited functionality and not as robust as PDF documents generated using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC or other premium software.
Method 3: Using Revit to Export 2D Views
This method is best for users who only require particular elements of a Revit file.
1. Open the Revit file that needs to be converted into a PDF.
2. Browse through the Revit file and select the 2D views you would like to convert into a PDF. (You can designate additional views if necessary.)
3. Once the views are selected, choose a printer that supports PDF output.
4. Follow the printer’s instructions, and save the resulting PDF file.
Pros:
• Focusing only on the 2D views you need can be a good thing when you need to save time.
• A good approach to adopt when you have an enormous Revit file out of which generates a PDF document that is not necessary.
Cons:
• Creating a PDF document from 2D views doesn’t show the complete Revit data set.
• Exporting 2D views into PDF files could show problems such as low resolution.
Method 4: Using PDF Writer Software
PDF Writer software works in a way similar to printers.
1. Install a PDF writer software such as "CutePDF" or "PDFCreator".
2. Open the Revit file that needs to be converted into a PDF.
3. Choose the PDF Writer as the "Printer," and configure the document’s resolution and scale.
4. Once configured, click the Print button, and the OS will save the generated PDF file.
Pros:
• PDF Writer software is easy to obtain and install.
• Many PDF Writer software is free to use.
Cons:
• The process may be time-consuming, depending on the file size.
• PDF Writer software usually creates documents that are not as rich in functionality as those generated using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.
Why Can’t I Convert Revit Files Into PDF?
Converting a Revit file to PDF could be challenging because:
1. File Export Errors
Revit files often contain data that might not be compatible with the PDF format. This results in certain elements not being properly exported, or some objects could be corrupted.
2. Quality Concerns
Revit software specializes in creating 3D building models. However, when exporting a Revit file to PDF, the final document may not hold precise positions and dimensions.
3. Text Issues
When a Revit file contains special fonts, the PDF converter may not recognize them and might replace them with some regular fonts. Additionally, some text elements don’t remain selectable once converted to a PDF format, which could be problematic for documents that require editing afterward.
Fixes:
1. If exporting to PDF from Revit fails, use other software applications such as Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, a web-based conversion tool, PDF Writer software, or another non-Revit tool to generate the PDF document.
2. If quality concerns arise, scale the Revit file during the conversion process, check whether the DPI settings meet required standards.
3. For text issues, try to convert fonts to standard fonts or consult the internet for workarounds. There might be other ways to make elements selectable.
Additional Tips
• Before starting the conversion process, ensure that the Revit file is error-free by checking for fixes and problem areas.
• Use Adobe Acrobat Pro DC for better document appearance.
• Use web-based tools when converting smaller files.
• Follow the printer or PDF writer instructions carefully.
• Try to scale the Revit file into manageable size during the conversion.
5 FAQs
Q1. Will converting Revit files affect the Revit model?
A1. Converting Revit files to other formats should not influence the Revit model’s integrity. You can convert the Revit file and keep using the model as it was before.
Q2. What is the best software to convert from Revit files to PDF?
A2. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is an excellent software for converting Revit files to PDF documents. Other premium software or online tools like Zamzar and OnlineConvertFree can also be utilized, all with varying levels of efficiency and functionality.
Q3. How is the resolution of the PDF document calculated from the Revit file?
A3. It is calculated based on the resolution set during export. The higher the DPI (dots per inch), the higher the resolution of the resulting PDF document.
Q4. Are there any online tools that can convert Revit files to PDF formats?
A4. Yes, there are. Several online conversion tools such as Zamzar and OnlineConvertFree are capable of converting Revit files to PDFs.
Q5. Can I choose to convert only specific views of my Revit file to a PDF format?
A5. Yes, you can. In fact, this is a more efficient way of going about converting it. You have the option of selecting specific views that you’d like to be converted into a PDF document.
In Conclusion
Converting Revit files to PDF is quite challenging, but with the right software applications or web-based tools, it is manageable. Knowing which method or tool to use for the conversion process will make a huge difference in the final product’s quality. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is a reliable software application that offers great functionality, but web-based tools like Zamzar or OnlineConvertFree have proven to be free and efficient. Revit is an advanced modeling software, and it’s best to ensure that the Revit file is in good condition before exporting it to a PDF.