Convert RFA to SKP

What is RFA file?

An RFA file, or Revit Family File, is a data file used by Autodesk Revit, a Building Information Modeling (BIM) software application. These files contain information about different building components, such as walls, doors, windows, and furniture. Each RFA file represents a parametric model, which can be customized regarding dimensions, materials, and other properties. This allows architects, engineers, and construction professionals to create detailed and accurate building models, facilitating better design, documentation, and analysis processes.

What is SKP file?

An SKP file is the proprietary format used by SketchUp, a popular 3D modeling software. These files store 3D models, including all geometric data, textures, and metadata associated with a project. SketchUp is widely used across various industries, including architecture, interior design, urban planning, engineering, and game design. This is due to its user-friendly interface and robust modeling capabilities. The software allows users to create detailed 3D representations of buildings, landscapes, and other structures.

They can be easily shared and collaborated on, as SketchUp supports a range of import and export options to ensure compatibility with other software applications and formats. This flexibility makes SKP files valuable for professionals who must present, share, and refine their designs in a collaborative environment, streamlining the design process and improving project outcomes.

RFA to SKP file format conversion

This conversion is helpful for professionals who work with both Autodesk Revit and SketchUp software. Converting RFA files to SKP format allows seamless integration between the two software applications, enabling architects, designers, and engineers to leverage the strengths of both programs. Additionally, converting RFA files to SKP format expands the accessibility of the models, as SketchUp files can be easily viewed and manipulated with the free SketchUp Viewer, making it more convenient for stakeholders to review and provide feedback on the design.

Revit and SketchUp use different file formats and structures, leading to compatibility issues. If you don't have plugins supporting SketchUp export, you must use an exchange data format supported by both applications that can be imported into SketchUp. For example, export to DWG format and import it into SketchUp.

To convert the Autodesk Revit file to the SketchUp graphic file, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the Revit file and export it to DWG. Open your Revit project and ensure all components are included. In Revit, choose the File menu, select Export, and then choose CAD Formats, followed by DWG. Configure the export settings according to your needs (e.g., layers, views) and save the exported DWG file in a location you can easily access. Ensure that the DWG export settings in Revit are appropriately configured to match SketchUp's import settings.
2. Open DWG in SketchUp and start a new project. Go to the File menu, select Import, and choose the DWG file you exported from Revit. Make sure the imported units match those used in your Revit project.
3. Once the DWG file is imported, you may need to clean up and adjust the model.
4. Once you have adjusted the model, go to the File menu, select Save As, choose the SKP file format, and save your project.

Covert Revit to SketchUp using Revit Importer

For SketchUp Studio subscribers using Microsoft Windows, Revit Importer makes it easy to import your Revit project into a SketchUp model.

Note: The Revit Importer is only available for Microsoft Windows and requires a SketchUp Studio subscription. You can set up a trial, if you don't have a Studio subscription.

Features

• It is compatible with SketchUp 2021 and any version after that, up to and including the newest version.
• Importing a file without a current Revit installation or a Revit license.
• Compatibility with .rvt files created using versions of Revit starting with 2011 and up to the current version.

Convert from Revit to SketchUp by using plugins

You can export Revit files to other formats with Revit plugins such as SimLab. These tools can automate and simplify the conversion process, preserving more details and properties.

SimLab plugins, Simlab Composer

SimLab Composer is a powerful tool that supports converting Revit files to SketchUp, among other formats. Install the SimLab Composer plugin for Revit, then use the export function to convert your Revit model to SketchUp.

Features:

• Supports direct export from Revit to SketchUp.
• Maintains materials and textures during the conversion.
• Provides additional features for rendering and animation.

Revit to SketchUp by Prokon

This plugin explicitly converts Revit models to SketchUp. Install the Prokon plugin in Revit, and use its interface to export your model directly to SketchUp format.

Features

• Simplifies the export process from Revit to SketchUp.
• Handles large and complex models efficiently.
• Preserve layers and materials as much as possible.

IFC Exporter

IFC Exporter is a widely used tool for exporting Revit models to IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) format, which can then be imported into SketchUp.

Features

• Standardizes the model for better compatibility.
• Maintains geometric and material information.
• Supports complex models and large files.

Trimble Connect

Trimble Connect is a cloud-based collaboration platform that integrates both Revit and SketchUp. Upload your Revit model to Trimble Connect, then open it in SketchUp using the Trimble Connect extension for SketchUp.

Features​​​

• Facilitates model sharing and conversion between Revit and SketchUp.
• Maintains model integrity and details.
• Supports real-time collaboration and model viewing.

SketchUp Importer for Revit

This official Autodesk plugin helps import SketchUp models into Revit, but it can also assist in the reverse process. Install the SketchUp Importer plugin in Revit, and use it to manage your model conversion needs.

Features

• Facilitates seamless integration between Revit and SketchUp.
• Supports detailed geometry and material conversion.
• Ensures model fidelity during import/export processes.

These plugins and tools can significantly simplify the conversion process from .rfa Autodesk Revit files to .skp SketchUp files, ensuring better model integrity and saving time.