Rhino workflow

Rhino to Revit: create a lighting family with IES

For a Rhino to Revit family workflow, keep only the BIM-ready closed solids, set document units correctly, select the objects and export ACIS SAT using a 4.0-compatible preset. Check size and body count, then pair the SAT with matching IES in BIMMER. BIMMER does not directly accept native .3dm files.

, lighting-product designer and BIMMER developer Updated

Before you upload

Rhino: export the correct SAT

BIMMER needs text SAT + IES. Export the geometry first; native CAD, STEP and binary SAB are not direct uploads.

  • Text .sat
  • ACIS 7.0 or 4.0
  • Solid geometry
  • Known units · mm preferred
  1. Work on a copy and delete layers/objects that are internal, hidden or too fine for specification use.
  2. Use ShowEdges and object properties to confirm closed polysurfaces; repair naked edges before export.
  3. Keep each physical part as its own closed polysurface — do not join the whole fixture into one — and export them together from one file; names are not documented as exported, so rely on body order or the Light source body picker.
  4. Set document units to millimetres, select only BIM-ready solids, choose Export Selected → ACIS (*.sat), Save, then Default → OK in SAT Export Options. Default writes ACIS 4.0 without curves.
  5. Re-open and measure the SAT, then pair it with IES in BIMMER and inspect the generated RFA.

Names help detection. Name the actual light-source parts Lens, Optic, COB, LED, Lamp or Glass. Keep holders labelled as holders; name mounting parts Canopy, Mounting foot or Backplate.

SolidWorks model tree with the light-source part named Optic near the top and separate bodies retained
Name each light-source part Lens, Glass, Optic, LED, COB or Lamp to help BIMMER detect it. You can move these parts near the top of the model tree to make them easier to check. Keep each head’s parts separate.

Menu names and export options vary by version and licence. Check one representative SAT from Rhino before converting a full range.

A 700 or 400 SAT header identifies ACIS 7.0 or 4.0. Check the actual export; changing the file extension or editing the header does not convert geometry.

All CAD export routes →

In your CAD software

Rhino export settings

File → Export Selected → ACIS (*.sat) → Default

Default = ACIS 4.0, without curves

Select the closed solids, choose ACIS (*.sat), Save, then choose Default in SAT Export Options and OK. Rhino 8 documentation confirms this preset writes ACIS 4.0 without curves. Set document units to millimetres; repair naked edges and keep the required solids separate.

Export the selected solids

Select the luminaire solids and choose File → Export Selected.

Choose ACIS

In Save as type, choose ACIS (*.sat), then Save.

Use the Default preset

Leave Default selected and click OK. This is the ACIS 4.0 preset.

Before BIMMER: re-open the SAT, check the required bodies and measure a known dimension. Then upload the SAT + matching IES. Menus may vary by software version.

Direct support status

InputDirectly accepted?Required action
Rhino .3dmNoOpen in Rhino and export selected closed solids to SAT.
Rhino ACIS 4.0 preset SATYesUse the Default, AutoCAD, Inventor or SolidWorks-compatible 4.0 preset documented by Rhino.
Open surfaces / meshesNoJoin/repair into valid solids; meshes are not the accepted ACIS solid workflow.
IESYesPair it with the matching SAT.

Closed solids are the key checkpoint

Rhino can model NURBS surfaces, polysurfaces and meshes, but the BIMMER path is ACIS solid geometry. A visually complete object may still have naked edges. Check and repair those edges before export so the SAT contains dependable bodies.

Rhino to Revit uses a documented SAT preset

Rhino 8 documents Default, AutoCAD, Inventor and SolidWorks SAT export schemes at ACIS 4.0. That is within BIMMER’s supported 7.0/4.0 boundary. Hidden objects are not exported, so use explicit selection and layer control to make the result intentional.

Common failures and what to change

Objects look solid but export as missing or open geometry.

Use ShowEdges and repair naked edges; verify the objects report as closed polysurfaces.

Unwanted layers appear in the SAT.

Use Export Selected with only BIM-ready solids visible/selected.

The family scale is wrong.

Set Rhino document units before export and measure a known dimension in the re-opened SAT.

Questions manufacturers ask

Can BIMMER upload 3DM directly?

No. Export selected, closed Rhino solids as an ACIS 4.0 SAT first.

Which Rhino SAT scheme should I choose?

Rhino documents several compatible presets at ACIS 4.0. Use one of those, then verify dimensions and body count before BIMMER.

Is BIMMER a direct Rhino to Revit converter?

No for native 3DM files. Rhino must first export selected closed solids as compatible SAT; BIMMER then combines that SAT with IES into a Revit lighting family.

More answers in the FAQ →

Primary references