LOOKING FOR INSIGHT FROM REVIT/VECTORWORKS USERS

[Alf Escuin]

Hi Team,

Apologies if this has been thoroughly discussed in these threads but I'm having a little trouble finding the information we're looking for specifically. We're currently trying to export VW models into IFC format in the hope that it could then be brought into Revit for successful consultant coordination but are running into a few issues. Queries are below:

1. Does anyone currently use VW and export data out to IFC to share with consultants that predominantly use Revit? Our office is currently experiencing issues with how hardscape objects appear once converted to IFC and then imported into the desired Revit file (comments regarding wireframe outputs as opposed to solid objects). I did some initial digging and some resources have mentioned avoiding using aligned slabs and ensuring all components have solid fills but we're still having issues given that Revit seems to be recognising hardscape styles as complex meshes. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

2. Are there more improved methods of information exchange? Exporting to rvt from VW is also proving difficult due to objects appearing incomplete or as wireframe meshes.

Apologies as I don't have any screenshots to describe the above at the moment but will be able to share when we are managing the project again. Thanks!

[Hans-Olav]

Hi Alf

I have had success exporting IFC from Vectorworks to Consultants using Revit. It needs some communication to find out what parts of the model they need and some trial and error. Usually they are happy if I remove everything they do not need to make the model simpler and lighter. A constructing engineer preferred to get the slabs and walls with openings but without windows and doors. In general hiding everything that's not needed.  I always check in Solibri if my export looks good. If the model looks good in Solibri but not in Revit the problem is their software. Sometimes they prefer the Revit export and sometimes the IFC, depends on the task and the person. Quite often I send several files with different export options from the IFC export and we agree on the best method early in the design phase. 
It's the same when receiving models from them. I import them to a blank file and remove the bolts and nuts that I don't need, before importing to my file for checking. 

 

Objects in VW needs a fill to export properly to IFC, so check your classes and attributes 

 

Hope this helps
Hans-Olav

[Alf Escuin]

On 3/6/2026 at 5:59 AM, Hans-Olav said:

Hi Alf

I have had success exporting IFC from Vectorworks to Consultants using Revit. It needs some communication to find out what parts of the model they need and some trial and error. Usually they are happy if I remove everything they do not need to make the model simpler and lighter. A constructing engineer preferred to get the slabs and walls with openings but without windows and doors. In general hiding everything that's not needed.  I always check in Solibri if my export looks good. If the model looks good in Solibri but not in Revit the problem is their software. Sometimes they prefer the Revit export and sometimes the IFC, depends on the task and the person. Quite often I send several files with different export options from the IFC export and we agree on the best method early in the design phase. 
It's the same when receiving models from them. I import them to a blank file and remove the bolts and nuts that I don't need, before importing to my file for checking. 

 

Objects in VW needs a fill to export properly to IFC, so check your classes and attributes 

 

Hope this helps
Hans-Olav

Thanks so much for the feedback Hans-Olav, much appreciated. I'm wondering if you've ever been asked to include your site model with a void or blank area so that the architectural site model could sit in place where it needs to? We have tried a viewport crop but it doesn't seem to recognise negative space or shapes that have been "removed" from the original polygon as a clipped object. 

[Benson Shaw]

@Alf Escuin You have just asked the question that caused @Jeff Prince to produce his famous solution now dubbed "The Devo Method" for making holes in Site models.  Here's link to thead with solution in final few posts.

Alas, Jeff's hilarious images are no longer included, but showed the "hole" as loopy, fat outline text from lyrics from Devo. WHIP IT!   I think.

 

Problem is that a Site Model crop can contain either no object (shows extents of the DTM), or only a single, closed object.

One way to make a single object:

1. Enter the Edit Crop pane of the selected Site Model
2. Draw the desired outer perimeter crop and the "hole" shape.
3. Clip Surface.
4. Connect them with a narrow rectangle or other closed shape.
5. Clip again.
6. Exit the Edit pane

 

HTH

-B

 

 

That connection can be micro/nano narrow and therefore practically invisible in all but the closest views.

The result is not really a hole, but rather a single continuous perimeter.

Edited March 10 by Benson Shaw
We are Devo!

[Tom W.]

6 hours ago, Alf Escuin said:

Thanks so much for the feedback Hans-Olav, much appreciated. I'm wondering if you've ever been asked to include your site model with a void or blank area so that the architectural site model could sit in place where it needs to? We have tried a viewport crop but it doesn't seem to recognise negative space or shapes that have been "removed" from the original polygon as a clipped object. 

 

I have never exported to IFC so am interested to know why it requires you to cut a hole straight through a Site Model rather than 'excavate' an area using a Site Modifier?

[Alf Escuin]

Thanks for all the advice, very appreciated! We will run the options with our team and provide feedback on our findings including excavated areas being exported out to IFC.

Edited March 16 by Alf Escuin