Revit to Rhino in 3 minutes: Complete BIM data transfer tutorial

This tutorial demonstrates how to effortlessly transfer your Revit BIM models into Rhino using Speckle, creating an efficient workflow for advanced facade modeling, Grasshopper processing, or using BIM data as reference geometry in your Rhino projects.

This workflow lets you publish just the objects your collaborators need to do their work best! No more sending huge files and losing track on priorities.

Prerequisites

Before starting this workflow, ensure you have:

• A Speckle account
• Autodesk Revit installed on your computer
• Rhino 3D installed on your computer
• Speckle Revit connector installed
• Speckle Rhino connector installed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: Publishing from Revit to Speckle

1. Open your Revit model
   • Launch Revit and open the model you want to transfer
   • Ensure the Speckle panel is visible in your Revit interface
2. Create a new Speckle project
   • Open the Speckle side panel in Revit
   • Navigate to the "Publish" section
   • Click the plus sign (+) to create a new project
   • Name your project (e.g., "New Revit Project") and click "Create"
3. Create a new model
   • Click the plus sign (+) again to create a new model within your project
   • Give your model a descriptive name (e.g., "Revit Model Example") and click "Create"
4. Select model elements
   • Speckle will ask which parts of the model you want to upload
   • For a complete model transfer, select everything
   • For selective transfer, choose only the elements you need in Rhino
5. Publish to Speckle
   • Click "Publish" to upload your model to Speckle
   • Wait for the upload to complete
   • Click "View" to see your model in the Speckle web viewer

Part 2: Viewing and inspecting in the viewer

Once your model is published, you can use Speckle's web viewer for model inspection:

1. Scene explorer navigation
   • Use the Scene Explorer on the left side to browse model hierarchy
   • Click on different floors or building elements to see how they're organized
   • Each building component is clearly separated and accessible
2. Visual isolation tools
   • Click the filter icon on the right side to isolate specific elements
   • This grays out everything except the selected layer or component
   • Excellent for client presentations and design reviews

Model objects are loaded into structured layers, by level, category, and then type, with render materials. Revit elements with multiple pieces of geometry will be loaded as groups in Rhino.

Part 3: Loading into Rhino

1. Open Rhino and Speckle panel
   • Launch Rhino 3D
   • Open the Speckle window (typically appears on the right side)
2. Load your Speckle model
   • Click the "Load" button in the Speckle panel
   • Navigate to find your project (e.g., "New Revit Project")
   • Select your published model (e.g., "Revit Model Example")
3. Choose model V+version
   • A versions window will appear showing available model versions
   • The latest version will always appear at the top
   • Select the version you want to load into Rhino
   • Click to confirm your selection
4. Model loading complete
   • Your Speckle model will now load directly into Rhino
   • All geometry will appear in your Rhino workspace
   • The model is now ready for further development

Conclusion

This Revit-to-Rhino workflow via Speckle creates a powerful bridge between BIM authoring and advanced geometric modeling. By preserving BIM data while providing access to Rhino's sophisticated modeling tools, this workflow enables architects and designers to leverage the best of both platforms for complex design challenges.