Autodesk Inventor workflow

Inventor to Revit: create a lighting family with IES

For an Inventor to Revit family workflow, create or derive a simplified solid in Inventor, export it as SAT with ACIS version 7.0 (or 4.0 where available), verify units and bodies, then pair that SAT with the matching IES in BIMMER. BIMMER does not directly accept IPT or IAM files and returns a Revit 2025+ RFA.

, lighting-product designer and BIMMER developer Updated

Direct support status

InputDirectly accepted?Required action
Inventor .ipt / .iamNoPrepare in Inventor and export SAT.
Inventor SAT at ACIS 7.0YesUse a solid export with known units.
STEP opened in Inventor then exported SATWith preparationHeal and simplify the imported solid before SAT export.
Matching IESYesPair it with the SAT in the same BIMMER row.

The BIMMER workflow

  1. Use Shrinkwrap, Simplify or a derived part to remove internal components while retaining outer and mounting geometry.
  2. Organise useful solids and identify the emitting body; verify the model units and a known product dimension.
  3. Export/Save Copy As SAT, open Options and select ACIS 7.0 where the installed Inventor version exposes it.
  4. Re-open the SAT, then use it with the matching IES in BIMMER and verify the generated RFA.
BIMMER test luminaire prepared as simplified source geometry
BIMMER-owned workflow evidence: simplified luminaire geometry before text SAT export. The Inventor steps above describe preparation; BIMMER does not claim native IPT or IAM import. See the complete BIMMER tutorial.

Inventor to Revit starts with a simplified SAT export

Autodesk documents both STEP import and SAT export. That makes Inventor useful for its own models and when a supplier only provides STEP, but the model still needs inspection. Repair surfaces, reduce assembly detail and confirm units before writing the SAT.

Do not export the manufacturing assembly unchanged

A large IAM can contain fixings, cables and internal electronics that do not help a Revit user. A controlled simplified representation is easier to update and produces a lighter family while retaining dimensions, mounting and appearance zones.

Common failures and what to change

The SAT version selector is absent or different in a newer Inventor UI.

Check the installed-version export options; if it cannot write 7.0/4.0, use a verified intermediary that can.

Imported STEP bodies remain surfaces.

Use Inventor repair/stitch tools until the exported objects are solids.

Assembly detail makes the RFA heavy.

Create a Shrinkwrap/Simplify representation specifically for BIM export.

Questions manufacturers ask

Can BIMMER read IPT or IAM?

No. Export a simplified Inventor model to ACIS SAT 7.0 or 4.0 first.

Can Inventor convert a STEP source for BIMMER?

Yes as an intermediary workflow: import, heal and simplify the STEP, then export a verified SAT 7.0/4.0.

Is BIMMER a direct Inventor to Revit converter?

No for native IPT or IAM files. Export a simplified SAT 7.0/4.0 from Inventor, then combine that SAT with the matching IES in BIMMER.

Primary references