The key difference between AutoCAD MEP and Revit MEP is Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and BIM. AutoCAD is used as a drawing tool, whilst Revit is a powerful design and documentation platform. This is a very popular question amongst design professionals and AEC firms. Which is the best AutoCAD MEP or Revit MEP?

Both, AutoCAD MEP and Revit MEP are popular design tools from Autodesk. The major differences between AutoCAD MEP and Revit MEP is:

AutoCAD MEP

AutoCAD MEP :

It is 2D & 3D drafting software.

It allows 2D and 3D MEP plans and drawings.

It is an upgrade over the traditional pen & paper designs.

CAD for MEP has features for drafting 2D and 3D plans.

It does not support collaborative workflow like any BIM software.

AutoCAD MEP

Revit MEP :

It is Building Information Modelling software.

It allows you to create comprehensive 3D BIM models of MEP systems.

It is an upgrade over the CAD technology, offering advanced building information models.

It is an upgrade over the CAD technology, offering advanced building information models.

Revit MEP enables CDE – a common data environment. It allows collaboration among the MEPF project team and lets them work in a single coherent model.

Revit MEP or AutoCAD MEP : Which is Better?

Software toolsets like AutoCAD MEP and Revit MEP are essential in the Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. The majority of AEC companies and design experts often debate which of the two is superior. They are unique goods, nevertheless, with a range of capabilities that meet the demands of various projects. Let us explain them so you can decide which one is best for your MEP project.

  • Software Type:

    AutoCAD MEP is a Computer-Aided Design software whereas Revit MEP is a Building Information Modeling Software

  • Purpose:

    AutoCAD MEP is used for preparing plans and drawings of MEP systems whereas, Revit for MEP is utilized for creating comprehensive data-rich BIM models.

  • Revolution:

    Revit is the upgraded technology of CAD for providing MEP Services whereas, AutoCAD is the upgradation of the conventional method of the manual construction plan and drawing designing.

  • Features: 

    Drafting 2D and 3D plans are features of AutoCAD MEP whereas the features of Revit MEP are modeling smart MEP systems.

  • Collaboration:

    Revit MEP allows team and design collaboration in a single digital Common Data Environment (CDE) whereas AutoCAD does not support a collaborative work process.

Benefits of Revit for MEP Professionals :

Revit MEP not only helps MEP engineers and modelers to generate a detailed and precise 3D view of each MEPF component but also provides a clear understanding of the entire MEPF system by coordinating and detecting clashes with other building services, allowing budgetary calculation and accessibility of material-related information. The benefits of Revit MEP include:

    • Revit MEP 3D modeling provides better clarity and efficiency to the project participants and helps in making informed decisions during the early stages of a construction project.
    • Revit MEP supports project teams to generate and revise real-time schedules according to the project requirements.
    • MEP BIM professionals work on a single shared Revit file in a CDE (Common Data Environment) that allows secure data storage, and access to relevant project participants.
    • MEP teams have the leverage to utilize the Revit family library of pre-built MEP components
    • Revit MEP files are easily imported into Navisworks for multi-disciplinary clash-detection
    • The BIM software enables enhanced collaboration, coordination, and communication amongst the project stakeholders resulting in better construction project management and mitigates the chances of the expensive design change order.
    • Revit MEP models can be extracted to standard and detailed fabrication level models and drawings.
    • Revit for MEP engineers allows flawless integration of various tools and features for 360 integration, documentation, performance, and analysis

Can I convert Revit to CAD?

If you want to convert 3D Revit to 3D Autocad DWG, we have a simple and easy process. Open a Revit model, click on the Application menu, Export CAD format, then select dwg from the export. In the CADFormats menu, click on the three dots that open as modify DWG/DXF export setup from the display dialogue box.

Which is better, Revit or AutoCAD?

While AutoCAD is a general drawing tool with broad application, Revit is a design and documentation solution, supporting all phases and disciplines involved in a building project. Revit is used to co-ordinate all data inputs (including CAD) and produce federated project deliverables.

 

Arman Tahvieh Rasam