Export guide

Exporting to Archicad & Revit

Take your Harv.ant LiDAR scan into Archicad or Revit as a reference model. Use it as an accurate base to model native BIM elements — no manual measuring required.

5 min read

Updated April 2026

Choosing the right format

Harv.ant offers two export formats compatible with Archicad and Revit. The right choice depends on what you need to do with the scan.

Format	Best for	Room data	Works in
IFC 2x3	Full BIM workflows, room areas, storey data	Yes	Archicad, Revit, Vectorworks, Tekla
DXF	2D floor plan linework, quick trace reference	2D only	Archicad, Revit, AutoCAD, any CAD app

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Recommended starting point Use IFC for any project where you need room dimensions, areas, or storey information to carry through into the BIM model. Use DXF when you only need a 2D underlay to trace over.

Archicad workflow

Harv.ant exports IFC 2x3, which Archicad reads natively. Each scanned room is exported as an IFCSPACE entity with correct dimensions and area properties.

Video: "Harv.ant to Archicad — full workflow walkthrough" — coming soon on YouTube

Using IFC (recommended)

Export from Harv.ant

Open your completed scan in Harv.ant. Tap Export and select IFC 2x3. The file will download to your device or share sheet.

Open in Archicad

In Archicad go to File → Open, change the file type filter to IFC, and select your exported file. Archicad will open the IFC as a new project.

Inspect the imported model

Each room appears as an IFCSPACE element. You can see room names, dimensions and areas in the Element Properties panel. Check the 3D view to confirm the storey height is correct.

Model over the reference

The imported scan is a reference — not native Archicad elements. Lock the imported layer, create a new working layer, and trace walls, slabs and openings on top. Because the scan dimensions are already accurate, this is significantly faster than modelling from a hand-measured sketch.

Hide the reference layer

Once your native model is complete, turn off the imported IFC layer. Your Archicad model is now clean and ready for documentation.

Using DXF as a 2D underlay

Export DXF from Harv.ant

Tap Export → DXF. The file contains 2D floor plan linework at real-world scale.

Place as a Drawing in Archicad

Go to File → Place External Drawing and select your DXF. Place it on a dedicated reference layer. Scale is preserved — no manual adjustment needed.

Trace and model

Lock the DXF layer and model your walls, openings and slabs over the linework using Archicad's standard tools.

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Tip for complex buildings If your project spans multiple storeys, scan each floor separately and export individual IFC files. Import each as a separate linked model in Archicad and align them using a common reference point — a stairwell or structural column works well.

Revit workflow

Revit imports Harv.ant scans as a linked IFC model, giving you a fully dimensioned reference to model against.

Video: "Harv.ant to Revit — IFC link workflow" — coming soon on YouTube

Using IFC (recommended)

Export IFC from Harv.ant

Tap Export → IFC 2x3 and save the file to your computer.

Link the IFC into Revit

In Revit go to Insert → Link IFC and select your file. Choose Auto - Origin to Origin for positioning. Revit imports the scan as a linked model — it stays live and can be updated if you re-export from Harv.ant.

Set up your working view

Create a floor plan view at the correct level. The linked IFC will appear as a grey reference underlay. Adjust the visibility of the link in Visibility/Graphics → Revit Links if needed.

Model native Revit elements

Place walls, floors, doors and windows using the linked IFC as your reference. Snap to the IFC geometry to pick up accurate dimensions — Revit's snap engine works with linked IFC geometry.

Unload or remove the link

Once your native model is complete, go to Manage → Manage Links and unload or remove the IFC link. Your Revit model is ready for documentation and coordination.

Using DXF as a CAD underlay

Export DXF and import into Revit

Go to Insert → Import CAD and select your DXF. Set units to Millimetres and positioning to Auto - Origin to Origin.

Explode and use as underlay

Revit imports the DXF as a single CAD element. You can leave it as-is and trace over it, or partially explode it to access individual linework. Lock it to prevent accidental movement.

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Revit units Always confirm your Revit project units are set to millimetres before importing. A mismatch in units will scale the scan geometry incorrectly. Check via Manage → Project Units.

Accuracy expectations

Understanding the accuracy of your scan helps you set appropriate expectations with clients and decide how much tolerance to allow in your model.

Scan mode	Typical accuracy	Suitable for
LiDAR (iPhone Pro / iPad Pro)	±10mm	Renovation docs, planning, client presentations
ARCore (Android depth)	±20–30mm	Feasibility, concept design, preliminary docs
Photo Scan (cloud photogrammetry)	±30–50mm	Early-stage documentation, real estate

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For permit documentation LiDAR accuracy at ±10mm is sufficient for most renovation permit applications in Australia. For structural or heritage work requiring survey-grade accuracy, supplement with a registered land surveyor.