RVT Files for SolidWorks Engineers: What They Are and How to Handle Them

What Is an RVT File? 

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.

RVT files are fundamentally different from the formats SolidWorks engineers work with every day — SLDPRT, SLDASM, SLDDRW. Where SolidWorks files describe precise mechanical geometry for manufactured components and assemblies, RVT files describe buildings, spatial layouts, and construction systems at an architectural scale. They're not interchangeable, and SolidWorks cannot open RVT files natively.

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Why Would a SolidWorks Engineer Receive an RVT File?

This is more common than it used to be. Several project types put SolidWorks and Revit teams in the same workflow:

Industrial facility and plant design: When designing custom equipment or machinery to be installed inside a facility, the architecture or MEP team often shares the building model — in RVT format — so mechanical engineers can validate clearances, access paths, and structural interfaces.

Equipment integration projects: Manufacturing facilities, data centres, and processing plants frequently commission SolidWorks-designed equipment that must fit precisely within spaces designed in Revit. The RVT file serves as the spatial reference.

Cross-discipline project coordination: On larger infrastructure projects, mechanical, civil, and architectural teams all work in parallel. RVT files may be shared for reference and clash detection, even when the mechanical team's deliverables remain entirely in SolidWorks.

Client or contractor requirements: Sometimes the RVT file is simply what the client or general contractor provides as the site reference — and your job is to work within it.

How to Open and View RVT Files as a SolidWorks Engineer

SolidWorks does not open RVT files directly. Here are the practical options, ranked by how useful they are for a mechanical engineering workflow:

1. Using Autodesk Revit 

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: 

• Install Autodesk Revit on your computer (requires a subscription). 
• Open the software and click on “Open” in the File menu. 
• Locate your RVT file and click “Open” to view and edit. 

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.

2. Using Autodesk Viewer 

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: 

• Go to the Autodesk Viewer website and create a free account if you don’t already have one. 
• Upload your RVT file through the interface. 
• Once uploaded, you can view the file, zoom in/out, and even annotate it. 

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: 

• Install Navisworks on your device (a subscription is required). 
• Click the “Open” button and locate your RVT file to load it. 
• Use the navigation and markup tools to explore the model. 

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 vs Other 3D File Types 

RVT files are often contrasted with other file types like DWG and IFC. Here’s how they differ: 

• RVT vs DWG: DWG files primarily store 2D designs (and some 3D content) and are widely used across Engineering software. RVT files, on the other hand, are tailored for BIM workflows and contain far more project data needed for construction projects.
• RVT vs IFC: IFC files are open-source BIM files used for interoperability. While RVT files are Autodesk-specific, IFC formats promote collaboration across different software, making them more versatile in mixed-tool environments. 

Understanding these distinctions can help you evaluate when to use RVT files and when to convert them into formats better suited to your workflow.