Collaboration workflows: links, CAD and IFC
Projects involve many models and file types. Learn to link consultants’ models and CAD drawings, set up shared coordinates, and exchange data with IFC.
In this lesson you will
- Link Revit models and CAD files correctly
- Set up shared coordinates and base points
- Use copy/monitor for grids and levels
- Export and use IFC
Link, don't import
Insert › Link Revit and Link CAD reference files that stay separate and update on reload — like xrefs in AutoCAD. Import CAD copies geometry into the model permanently, adding line styles, patterns and weight; avoid importing into model views. Link CAD into specific views with Current view only for backgrounds like a survey.
Coordinates
Revit has three reference points: the Internal Origin (fixed), the Project Base Point (usually a building corner or grid intersection) and the Survey Point (a known real-world point). Shared coordinates let every model agree where the building sits on the site and its true north orientation.
A common approach: link the site survey DWG, then Acquire Coordinates from it, so your model adopts the survey's coordinate system. Link consultants' models By Shared Coordinates so they land in the right place. Document the setup in the project's BIM execution plan.
Copy/Monitor
Collaborate › Copy/Monitor copies grids and levels from a linked model into yours and monitors them. If the engineer moves a grid, Revit flags it in a Coordination Review and you decide whether to accept the change.
IFC
IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is the open, vendor-neutral BIM format (ISO 16739). Export IFC for consultants using other software or for model checking; choose the IFC version and settings the project requires, and map Revit categories to IFC classes. Linking IFC into Revit is possible but IFC models are reference-only and not fully editable.
Quick reference
| Command / tool | How to start it | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Link Revit / Link CAD | Insert tab | References other models and drawings |
| Manage Links | Insert tab | Reload, unload, paths |
| Acquire / Publish Coordinates | Manage › Coordinates | Shared coordinates |
| Copy/Monitor | Collaborate tab | Copy and monitor grids and levels |
| Export IFC | File › Export | Open BIM exchange |
Common mistakes
Imported CAD bloats the model with odd line styles.
Link CAD instead, preferably in the views that need it.
Linked structure lands kilometres away.
Set up shared coordinates and link By Shared Coordinates.
Exercise
Coordinate with a consultant
- Link a site survey DWG and acquire its coordinates.
- Save a copy of your model as a 'structural' model and move its grids slightly.
- Link it into your model by shared coordinates and Copy/Monitor its grids.
- Run a Coordination Review to see the change.
- Export an IFC of your model.
You should end up with: Linked, coordinated models and an IFC export.
Checklist
0 of 4 checked · saved on this device
Lesson quiz
What's the main problem with importing CAD into model views?
Finished this lesson?
Taking the quiz marks it complete too. Your course page picks up where you stopped.
Free KitWren tools that help
- Area ConverterConvert square metres, square feet, acres, hectares and more.
- Length ConverterConvert between metres, centimetres, millimetres, kilometres, inches, feet, yards and miles.
- Concrete CalculatorCalculate the concrete needed for slabs, footings and post holes in cubic metres, yards and bags.
- Flooring CalculatorCalculate how much flooring, timber, laminate or carpet to buy, including waste and boxes.
- Merge PDFCombine multiple PDFs into one file, in any order, choosing which pages to include from each.
- Image CompressorCompress JPG, PNG and WebP images to make them much smaller — with a before/after preview and the size saved.
Free, independent learning material written for KitWren. Revit is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc. KitWren is not affiliated with, sponsored or endorsed by Autodesk. We never provide software downloads, licence keys or cracks — use the official sources.