Importing Revit Metadata

When importing a .rvt file using the Revit Importer, the Import Revit metadata option appears on the Select 3D View page. 

Importing metadata may not be appropriate for all use cases. There are a few things to keep in mind before choosing to import metadata with your .rvt file:

• File size – Importing metadata increases the size of the imported file.

• Outliner – The imported metadata will use GUID-based definition names.

• BIM workflows – Most workflows won’t be available without importing metadata. 

• Revit data – Imported metadata includes the attribute dictionaries in Revit.

Imported Metadata

Importing metadata from Revit can alter how SketchUp components are generated during the import process in the following ways:

• Component Definitions – If you choose not to import Revit metadata, definition names prioritize human readability by combining the Revit family name, type name, and database handle. If you choose to import metadata, definition names are determined by the Revit GUID. Revit GUID helps ensure stability across imports and facilitates IFC workflows.

• Component Instance Names – When importing metadata, instance naming behavior shifts from minimal labeling to a more descriptive and data-rich naming convention.

• Property Sets – With the metadata option on, the importer attaches the following to every component definition:

  • IFC4 attribute dictionary – Standardized IFC properties.

  • Built-in Revit parameters – System-level parameters from the Revit element.

  • User-defined Revit parameters – Custom parameters specific to the Revit project.

  • Classification data – Revit classification codes and names.