How to use A23D 3D Models in Revit

This guide explains how to import 3D models downloaded from A23D into Autodesk Revit for design, documentation, and visualization projects.

Revit version note: Current Revit versions support OBJ as an Import CAD format for 3D shape import. If your installed Revit build does not list OBJ in the import file type menu, use the conversion workaround in Step 2B.

1. Download and Extract the Model

Sign in to your A23D account.
Browse to the asset you want to use.
In the Software dropdown on the asset page, select Revit.

A23D automatically delivers the model in the format best suited to Revit (.obj) - no manual format selection required. Keep the .obj, .mtl, and texture files together because the model references its dependent files. FBX is not the correct direct-import format for Revit.

Click Download and save the .zip file to a known location on your computer.
Extract (unzip) the archive to access the .obj model and texture folder.

2. Import the Model into Revit

Importing the model inside a Generic Model family is recommended because it makes the asset reusable, category-aware, and easier to place across multiple views.

Option A - Native OBJ import

Go to File > New > Family.
In the family template browser, select Generic Model.rft and click Open.
In the Family Editor, go to Insert > Import CAD.
Change the file type filter to OBJ Files (*.obj), select the .obj file, and configure import options:

Import Units: Select Meters (A23D models are meter-scale).
Positioning: Choose Origin to Origin or Center to Center.

Click Open to import the geometry into the family.
Save the family via File > Save As > Family (.rfa).
In your main project, go to Insert > Load Family, select your saved .rfa, and click Open.
Place the family from the Architecture or Structure tab like any other Revit component.

Option B - If OBJ is not available in your Revit build

If your Revit build does not list OBJ as an importable file type, convert the A23D OBJ to a format your version accepts, such as DWG/DXF, SAT, STEP, or SKP:

Open the A23D .obj file in a conversion tool that can read OBJ and export a Revit-supported format.
Export to a Revit-supported format. For visual mesh references, DWG/DXF is common. For CAD-style solids or surfaces, use SAT or STEP only if the converter can create clean solid/surface geometry.
In Revit's Family Editor, go to Insert > Import CAD, choose the converted file, set Import Units to Meters, and click Open.
Follow steps 6-8 from Option A above to save and load the family into your project.

Option C - Import Directly into a Project

Open your Revit project and switch to a 3D view.
Go to Insert > Import CAD.
Change the file type filter to OBJ Files (*.obj) and select the .obj file.
Set Import Units to Meters and Positioning to Origin to Origin.
Click Open, then click in the viewport to place the imported object.

3. Adjust Scale and Position

Select the imported object and open its Properties palette.
If the model appears too large or small, verify that the import unit was set to Meters. Use Modify > Scale to resize if needed.
Use the Move and Rotate tools to position the object correctly.

Apply A23D PBR textures via the Material Browser. See the PBR Textures guide for the full appearance asset workflow, and finish renderer-specific metalness, AO, and displacement settings in the final renderer when needed.

Additional Resources

Revit Help - Import CAD Files
Revit Help - Import a 3D Shape