SolidWorks workflow

SolidWorks to Revit: create a lighting family with IES

For a SolidWorks to Revit family workflow, prepare the luminaire as simple solid bodies, choose File → Save As → ACIS (*.sat), open Options, and set ACIS version 7.0 or 4.0, Solid output and the correct units. BIMMER does not upload .sldprt or .sldasm directly; pair the exported SAT with IES to create a Revit 2025+ RFA.

, lighting-product designer and BIMMER developer Updated

Direct support status

InputDirectly accepted?Required action
SolidWorks .sldprt / .sldasmNoOpen in SolidWorks and export ACIS SAT.
SolidWorks ACIS SAT 7.0 or 4.0YesUse Solid output, correct units and separate bodies.
SolidWorks default/current ACIS versionNoChange the version in ACIS export Options before saving.
Matching IESYesAdd it to the same fixture row as the SAT.

The BIMMER workflow

  1. Create a BIM-ready configuration or copy of the part: suppress screws, cables, springs, threads and invisible internals.
  2. Move or rebuild the light-emitting body so it is first in the solid-body order; retain bezel, housing and lens as useful separate bodies.
  3. Use File → Save As → ACIS (*.sat) → Options. Select version 7.0 (or 4.0), Solid, millimetres, and leave “write multi body part into a single ACIS body” unticked.
  4. Upload the SAT and matching IES to BIMMER, generate, then inspect the RFA and engine trace.
SolidWorks ACIS options configured for BIMMER and Revit
Verified SolidWorks export settings used by BIMMER: ACIS 7.0, Solid, millimetres, separate bodies. See the complete BIMMER tutorial.

SolidWorks to Revit needs a BIM-ready configuration

A production model and a specification model have different jobs. Keep your manufacturing detail in the master assembly, but export a configuration that preserves outer shape, mounting interfaces, aperture and meaningful material zones. This reduces family weight and lowers the chance of damaged faces in translation.

Body order and separation are deliberate

BIMMER can inspect the SAT body tree. Putting the light-emitting body first gives it a deterministic placement signal. Keeping multi-body output unmerged means the family can retain individual parts and materials instead of becoming one monolithic imported object.

Common failures and what to change

SolidWorks exported SAT but BIMMER/Revit sees no geometry.

Open ACIS export Options and select 7.0 or 4.0; the default current version is commonly too new.

Every component arrives as one body.

Clear “write multi body part into a single ACIS body” and export from a multi-body part/configuration.

A detailed assembly creates a slow or broken family.

Use a simplified derived part or configuration and suppress small/internal components before export.

Questions manufacturers ask

Can I drag a SLDPRT directly into BIMMER?

No. Export the part or a simplified assembly configuration to ACIS SAT 7.0 or 4.0 first.

Should I merge all SolidWorks bodies?

No when you want separate Revit geometry/materials. Leave the multi-body merge option unticked; a merged solid can convert but behaves as one part.

Is BIMMER a direct SolidWorks to Revit converter?

No for native SLDPRT or SLDASM files. SolidWorks must first export the simplified geometry as text ACIS SAT 7.0 or 4.0; BIMMER combines that SAT with IES into the RFA.

Primary references