With the rising dominance of 3D design and building information modeling (BIM) software, RVT files are becoming increasingly common in engineering and design workflows. However, if you're new to handling this file type, understanding how to open, view, and share RVT files efficiently can seem daunting.
An RVT file is a proprietary file format used by Autodesk Revit, a widely popular building information modeling (BIM) software. RVT files contain 3D models, floor plans, materials, and project-related data, making them essential for architects, Civil Engineers, and Project Managers. They differ from other native file formats such as SLDPRT or SLDASM in that they are used for large scale, construction-based projects as opposed to mechanical projects.
If you frequently handle Revit projects or collaborate with teams working in building design, learning how to effectively open and share RVT files is crucial.
Autodesk Revit is the native software for RVT files, making it the most comprehensive tool for opening and working with this file format.
How to Open RVT Files in Revit:
Benefits: Apart from opening RVT files, Revit allows you to edit, annotate, and share them seamlessly. Revit also integrates with BIM workflows, which can enhance collaboration across disciplines.
Challenges: Revit comes with a steep learning curve and a significant cost, which might not suit all users, especially those who only need to view and share RVT files without complex edits. It is also a resource-demanding software.
For quick access without the need to install software, Autodesk Viewer is a free, web-based solution.
How to Use Autodesk Viewer for RVT Files:
Benefits: This is a quick and free way to view RVT files on almost any device. It's ideal for simple reviews and collaboration, allowing you to share a file link with your team for comments. Challenges: The tool is limited to viewing and basic annotation. It doesn’t allow for any advanced editing or modification of the files. It can also be difficult to navigate complicated structures.3. Using Navisworks Autodesk Navisworks is another popular tool for managing 3D models, including RVT files. How to Open RVT Files with Navisworks:
Benefits: Aside from being a viewer, Navisworks allows for clash detection, project simulation, and integration with other Autodesk tools. Challenges: Like Revit, Navisworks is a premium software that requires technical training and comes with subscription and resource costs. Comparison Table of Methods
RVT files are often contrasted with other file types like DWG and IFC. Here’s how they differ:
Understanding these distinctions can help you evaluate when to use RVT files and when to convert them into formats better suited to your workflow.
Quickly find answers to common questions in our FAQ section
Want to know moreYes! You can use tools such as Autodesk Viewer or Navisworks to open and view RVT files without installing Revit.
Yes, Revit allows you to export RVT files to DWG format so they can be opened in 2D design software like AutoCAD. This will eliminate much of the native functionality, however.
You can share RVT files through cloud-based platforms like Autodesk Viewer or Autodesk Construction Cloud for easy collaboration.
Ensure you’re using the correct software version. RVT files created in newer versions of Revit might not open in older versions.
No, Navisworks is primarily a reviewing and analyzing tool. To edit an RVT file, you’ll need to use Autodesk Revit.
RVT files primarily store 3D data but also include 2D views and other project-related metadata.
Yes, basic annotations can be added in Autodesk Viewer to facilitate collaborative feedback.
Running Revit or Navisworks for RVT files does require robust hardware. However, Autodesk Viewer’s web-based format only requires internet connectivity.
Yes, Revit allows you to export RVT files to IFC format, facilitating the exchange of data with non-Autodesk BIM tools.
.svg)